2 Shares

There’s nothing quite like the nostalgic taste of peanut butter and jelly to bring a smile to my face. When the craving hits for something sweet that takes me back to childhood, I often find myself whipping up a delightful Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake. This enchanting dessert manages to capture all of the creamy, dreamy flavors of our favorite lunchtime spread, but elevates them into something far more indulgent.

Imagine the soft, tender layers of cake kissed with hints of vanilla and the richness of peanut butter, paired perfectly with your choice of grape or strawberry jelly. As I mix the ingredients, the anticipation builds, and the aroma that fills my kitchen is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself after a long day, this cake is an easy yet unforgettable treat that will make you swoon.

So grab your apron and let’s transform a classic snack into a memorable dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why is Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake so special?

Nostalgic flavors: This cake embodies the beloved taste of childhood, merging creamy peanut butter with sweet jelly in a delightful way.
Easy preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this dessert without stress.
Crowd favorite: Perfect for gatherings, its unique flavor profile leaves everyone wanting to know your secret recipe.
Versatile toppings: Feel free to customize the jelly flavor—grape or strawberry, it’s all about your preference!
Moist and decadent: Each slice offers a soft texture that melts in your mouth, ensuring a heavenly experience.
If you love playful twists on traditional desserts, you might also enjoy exploring other creative cake recipes.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake Ingredients

Get ready to bake a slice of nostalgia!

For the Cake

All-purpose flour – Essential for the cake structure; you can substitute with cake flour for a softer texture.
Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and moisture; feel free to use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Creamy peanut butter – Adds rich, nutty flavor and moisture to the cake; chunky can be used for added texture.
Unsalted butter – Ensures the perfect creamy blend; using vegan butter is a great alternative.
Milk (whole or 2%) – Keeps the cake moist; almond or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
Large eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds richness; you can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan version.
Baking powder – Helps the cake rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
Baking soda – Boosts the cake’s lift; necessary for balancing acidity with the jelly.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it!
Vanilla extract – Adds a warm, sweet note enhancing the peanut butter flavor.
Favorite jelly (grape or strawberry) – Completely elevates the cake’s flavor; choose your nostalgic favorite!

For the Frosting

Creamy peanut butter – A key ingredient for a luscious, rich frosting; swap with almond butter for a twist.
Unsalted butter – Creates a smooth texture; use coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting while providing thickness; sift it for a lighter consistency.
Milk (for frosting) – Adjusts the creaminess; add more or less for your desired consistency.
Vanilla extract (for frosting) – Brightens and complements the peanut butter—a must-have ingredient!

Now you have everything you need to create a delicious Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake! Enjoy the process of baking and the delightful memories that come rushing back with every delicious bite.

How to Make Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring your two 9-inch round cake pans will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to serve later.
Whisk together the dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step builds the structure for your cake, ensuring it’s light and fluffy.
Beat together peanut butter and butter until smooth. Add granulated sugar gradually, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, and finish off by mixing in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Combine the mixtures. Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the peanut butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cake!
Divide and bake the batter. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Prepare the frosting while the cakes are cooling. In a bowl, beat together creamy peanut butter and softened butter. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and milk until the frosting is creamy and spreadable; adjust milk as necessary.
Assemble your cake. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate, spread jelly on top, followed by a layer of the peanut butter frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Slice and enjoy! This Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake is best served to family and friends, sharing the love of homemade goodness.

Optional: Garnish with crushed peanuts for an extra crunch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Measuring Flour: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing it down to prevent a dense cake.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter. These ingredients blend better, yielding a light texture.
Avoid Overmixing: Stir the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Gently fold in dry ingredients to maintain tenderness.
Cooling Time: Let your cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them. This prevents crumbling and helps maintain structure during frosting.
Frosting Consistency: Adjust the milk in your frosting gradually. Too much milk can make it runny, while too little can result in a thick frosting. Aim for a creamy spreadable texture.
Serve Fresh: For the best experience, enjoy your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake within a day or two of baking. If storing, keep it covered to maintain moisture and flavor.

How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and flavorful, perfect for quick access!

Fridge: If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake, wrapped tightly, for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezer: Freezing is a great option! Wrap slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating: For a warm treat, you can gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, making every bite of your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake feel freshly baked!

Make Ahead Options

These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake layers are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cake layers up to 3 days in advance. Simply bake and allow them to cool completely before wrapping each layer tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. For the frosting, make it ahead of time as well—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply spread the jelly and frosting between the layers and on top, giving it a quick whip if needed for that creamy texture. This way, you’ll have a delightful dessert that saves you precious time on those busy evenings, all while being just as delicious as when freshly made!

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your own creativity onto this timeless treat!

Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunbutter for a nut-free alternative that still brings flavor and moisture.
Vegan: Use flax eggs instead of real eggs and opt for almond milk along with vegan butter for a completely plant-based cake.
Extra Richness: Incorporate chopped chocolate or Nutella into the batter to bring an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will rave about.
Fruity Zing: Mix in some lemon or orange zest for a bright citrus kick, creating a refreshing flavor contrast with the peanut butter.
Spiced Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cake batter to introduce a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet layers.
Cream Cheese Frosting: For a tangy twist, blend in cream cheese with your frosting for a delightful flavor contrast against the sweetness.
Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different frosted toppings, like chocolate ganache or whipped cream, to elevate your cake and surprise your guests!

This lovable cake is just waiting for your personal touch, so let your imagination run wild!

What to Serve with Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake?

As you prepare to indulge in the sweet nostalgia of this delightful dessert, let’s build a remarkable meal around it.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and sweet flavor complement the cake wonderfully, creating a perfect balance of richness.
Fresh Berries: Their juiciness adds a refreshing contrast and lightens the meal. Strawberries or blueberries add a vibrant touch.

Imagine cutting into a slice of cake, paired with creamy, cool ice cream melting slowly onto the plate, mixing with tangy jelly. It’s a harmony of flavors that elevates your dessert experience.

Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this classic topping enhances the cake without overwhelming it, providing the lightness you crave.
Chocolate Milkshake: For the ultimate indulgence, this thick and creamy drink brings a nostalgic touch while harmonizing with the cake’s flavors.
Peanut Butter Cookies: Embrace the peanut butter theme with these chewy treats for added texture and a wonderful, nutty flavor.
Fruit Salad: A burst of fresh flavors and colors make this a refreshing side that balances the cake’s sweetness.
Milk or Almond Milk: A simple yet comforting drink option that pairs perfectly and complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake Recipe FAQs

What type of jelly works best for this cake?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite jelly for this Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake. Grape and strawberry are classic choices that blend beautifully with the peanut butter flavor. Feel free to experiment with other flavors like raspberry or apricot if you’re feeling adventurous!

How long can I store the cake at room temperature?
Very! You can store your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will keep the cake moist and delicious, ready for whenever those cravings hit.

Can I freeze leftover cake? How do I do it?
Of course! To freeze your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge, and you’ll have cake that feels freshly made!

What if my cake layers don’t rise properly?
Not to worry! If your cake layers don’t rise as expected, it could be due to old leavening agents or the oven temperature being off. Always check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, and consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. Also, ensuring all dry ingredients are mixed well before incorporating wet ingredients can help achieve a great rise.

Any dietary considerations for this cake?
Definitely! For those with nut allergies, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunbutter or a seed-based alternative to achieve a similar creamy texture without the nuts. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and your favorite non-dairy milk. This way, everyone can enjoy a slice of your delightful Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake!

How should I serve and present the cake for guests?
Great question! To impress guests, slice the Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake at an angle to showcase its beautiful layers and colors. Garnish with crushed peanuts or drizzle with extra jelly on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can also elevate the dessert experience—everyone loves a classic pairing!