Name: Peanut Butter Coffee Cake: The Perfect Sweet Treat Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate indulgence, look no further than Peanut Butter Coffee Cake: The Perfect Sweet Treat. Imagine tender, buttery cake swirled with rich peanut butter, a sweet and crumbly streusel, and an optional drizzle that takes it over the top. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, snacking with your afternoon coffee, or sharing it at a potluck, this cake is joy in every bite, guaranteed to bring smiles and second helpings.

Peanut Butter Coffee Cake: The Perfect Sweet Treat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with pantry staples and a few classics that make every Peanut Butter Coffee Cake: The Perfect Sweet Treat unforgettable. Each ingredient has a purpose: from giving the cake its tender crumb, to enhancing the peanut butter flavor, to creating that irresistible, crunchy streusel top.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake and topping, it gives structure and helps the coffee cake hold up that generous layer of streusel.
Baking powder: This is your lift-off! Baking powder ensures the cake is fluffy and light, never dense.
Baking soda: Works hand-in-hand with the buttermilk for an extra-soft, tender crumb.
Salt: Just a pinch makes all the flavors pop, balancing the sweetness.
Unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and a silky crumb; room-temperature butter is key to perfect creaming.
Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, lending a nutty depth to both the cake and the streusel.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while also contributing to a fine, delicate texture.
Brown sugar, packed: Adds a hint of molasses flavor, moisture, and the most delightful caramel notes—perfection in the cake and streusel.
Large eggs: These bind the batter together and provide richness; make sure they’re at room temperature.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out all the other flavors in the cake and icing.
Buttermilk: The secret to a soft, tender cake—don’t worry if you don’t have any, see my pro tip below for a quick substitute!
Powdered sugar (optional icing): Whisked with milk and vanilla, this gives a sweet finishing touch.
Milk (optional icing): Helps create a smooth, pourable drizzle to make your cake feel extra special.

How to Make Peanut Butter Coffee Cake: The Perfect Sweet Treat

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch square baking dish and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper. This little step ensures your Peanut Butter Coffee Cake: The Perfect Sweet Treat pops out easily and stays picture-perfect.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set the bowl aside—you’ll be reaching for these in just a moment! This keeps everything evenly distributed and means no dry bits hiding in your cake.

Step 3: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for two to three minutes, until everything is light, fluffy, and tempting enough to eat with a spoon (don’t worry, I won’t judge if you sneak a taste).

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, giving each a good whisk before adding the next. Now stir in the vanilla extract. This method guarantees a batter that’s perfectly smooth and ready for the next step.

Step 5: Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Now for the fun part: combine the dry ingredients with your peanut butter mixture in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. This keeps your cake tender and lofty, not tough or overworked!

Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, use a fork (or even your hands) to mix the flour, brown sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter. The goal is to create a crumbly, irresistible topping—you want some bigger clumps for crunch and some finer bits for that classic streusel finish.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle every bit of that glorious streusel on top. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot—it bakes up beautifully crusty and sweet.

Step 8: Drizzle with Icing (Optional)

If you’re making icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. When the cake is cooled, drizzle the icing in zigzags on top for a bakery-worthy finish to your Peanut Butter Coffee Cake: The Perfect Sweet Treat.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Coffee Cake: The Perfect Sweet Treat

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla icing is all you need to make this cake sparkle. For an extra-special touch, sprinkle on a handful of chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips just before serving—they add crunch and color that pop.

Side Dishes

This cake sings alongside a hot mug of coffee (of course), but it’s also dreamy with a cold glass of milk or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For brunch, try serving fresh berries or a fruit salad on the side to add a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with rich peanut butter flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into generous squares and serve on a platter for family gatherings, or stack smaller cubes as bite-sized treats for a party. Want to make it even more fun? Layer slices in a glass with whipped cream and fruit for mini peanut butter trifles that always impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Peanut Butter Coffee Cake: The Perfect Sweet Treat keeps beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, tuck it in the refrigerator and enjoy for up to a week without sacrificing that tender crumb and peanutty flavor.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later (good luck!), wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll freeze happily for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a quick treat whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked magic, warm individual squares in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you’re serving the whole cake, pop it in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes, just until the aromas come alive again and the streusel perks up. Top with fresh icing if desired!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! If you love a bit of texture, crunchy peanut butter adds extra peanut pieces that are delightful in both the cake and the streusel. The result is a more rustic cake with a fun little crunch in every bite.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No worries! Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, let it stand for five minutes, then use it just like you would buttermilk for that same tender, tangy result.

Is it possible to make Peanut Butter Coffee Cake: The Perfect Sweet Treat gluten free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose baking flour in place of the regular flour. The cake will still be moist, tender, and scrumptious—no one will guess it’s gluten free.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, and the streusel is golden, you’re good to go. It usually takes about 35–40 minutes in a 9-inch pan.

Can I add other ingredients, like chocolate chips or Nutella?

Oh yes! Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or swirl a bit of Nutella into the batter before baking. These fun add-ins take your Peanut Butter Coffee Cake: The Perfect Sweet Treat to new heights—customize it to match your cravings!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing bake, you simply have to try this Peanut Butter Coffee Cake: The Perfect Sweet Treat. It’s the kind of cake that makes memories, brings people together, and maybe becomes your new favorite too. Grab your ingredients and give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!