Peanut Butter Snack Cakes: Simple Recipe for a Sweet Craving

I love a good peanut butter dessert, and these peanut butter snack cakes are among my all-time favorites. They are simple to make and come together quickly, making them perfect for busy days when you crave something sweet. 

These healthy snack cake recipes are a wonderful option if you want a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without any guilt afterwards. 

The texture is light yet rich, featuring a deliciously creamy peanut butter frosting that complements the soft cake perfectly. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a peanut butter snack cake or a classic one, this recipe checks all the boxes. And if you’d like to skip the oven, don’t worry—you can make them no-bake too!

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter Snack Cakes

While Peanut Butter Snack Cakes are a delicious treat, they also come with some health benefits, especially when made with the right ingredients. Here’s why you can feel positive about indulging in these peanut butter-packed goodies:

While Peanut Butter Snack Cakes are a delicious treat, they also come with some health benefits, especially when made with the right ingredients. Here’s why you can feel positive about indulging in these peanut butter-packed goodies:

1. Rich in protein: Peanut butter is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance. A typical serving of peanut butter contains about 8 grams of protein, helping to keep you fuller for longer and supporting your energy levels throughout the day.

2. Packed with healthy fats: Peanut butter is high in monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats. These fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and lower the risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation.

3. Peanut butter is also a beneficial source of fibre: Peanut butter provides fibre, which is important for digestive health. Fibre helps regulate bowel movements, supports healthy digestion, and can even aid in controlling blood sugar levels. If you use whole wheat flour in your peanut butter snack cakes, the fibre content will be even higher!

4. Peanut butter is abundant in vitamins and minerals: Peanut butter contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, niacin, folate, and magnesium. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, niacin helps with energy production, folate supports red blood cell formation, and magnesium contributes to muscle function and bone health.

5. Blood Sugar Control: This makes peanut butter cakes a great option for controlling blood sugar levels. Proteins and good fats in peanut butter help stabilise blood glucose. One good characteristic of this snack is that it delivers consistent energy instead of a sugar rush and crash; it is made up of protein, fats, and a minimal amount of natural sugar.

Although these peanut butter snack cakes are tasty and nourishing, it’s important to watch portion sizes so you can reap the benefits without going overboard. Now that you know you’re eating a tasty and healthful snack, feel free to enjoy a slice (or two)!

How do you make Peanut Butter Snack Cakes?

Recipe Overview

Peanut Butter Snack Cakes are the perfect snack for busy days when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. These simple peanut butter cakes are made with basic pantry ingredients and come together in no time. You’ll love the creamy peanut butter flavor, complemented by a sweet, soft cake base topped with creamy frosting and a crunch of chopped peanuts.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert/Snack
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 12 servings
• Calories per Serving: ~230

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowls
• Electric Mixer or Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• 9×9-inch Baking Dish
• Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray
• Toothpick or Cake Tester
• Spatula or Butter Knife

Ingredients

For the cake

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter (softened)

For the frosting

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set this mixture aside.
• Cream the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, peanut butter, and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk.
• Combine: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cakes fresh and fluffy.
• Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
• Make the frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk or cream until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too runny.
• Frost the cakes: Once the snack cakes are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly on top. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the frosting for added crunch and flavour.

Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy! These peanut butter cakes are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or as a quick treat for your family and friends.

Secret Tips for Making Perfect Peanut Butter Snack Cakes

• Storage: These snack cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
• Make it healthier: If you want a healthier twist on this recipe, swap the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour and use a natural peanut butter with no added sugar or preservatives.
• Make-ahead: You can make the cakes ahead of time and store them unfrosted. Frost them just before serving for a fresh, creamy topping.

Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas

• For Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Cakes, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the frosting to create an irresistible chocolate-peanut butter combo.
• Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips or raisins for extra texture and flavour.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve these snack cakes with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.

Recipe Notes for Peanut Butter Snack Cakes

• Thick Glazed Batter: It’s best to have a thick, yet pourable, batter for the peanut butter snack cakes. If it feels too thick, add a little milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture reaches the right consistency.
• Room Temperature: For the ideal texture, have your butter and eggs at room temperature when mixing. This helps everything combine more easily and results in a lighter, fluffier cake.
• Peanut Butter: Both smooth and crunchy peanut butter can be used in the cake; choose based on your preferred texture. I favour a tasty, no-stir, smooth peanut butter—but feel free to use your favourite brand!
• Frosting: If the frosting is too thick to spread, gradually add more milk or cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it is spreadable. If it’s too thin, add more icing sugar to thicken it.
• Crushed Peanuts: The peanuts should be roasted or raw for the topping. If you prefer a different nut (like almonds or cashews), those would also work well as a crunchy topping.

FAQ

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making these peanut butter snack cakes as much as I did! They’re such a fun, versatile treat that can be made to fit just about any occasion.

Whether you’re making them for a special event or simply indulging in an afternoon snack, these easy peanut butter cakes are the perfect choice.

And don’t forget, they can easily be made into a healthy snack cake recipe by swapping out a few ingredients.

With so many options available, you can truly make these cakes your own! I’d love to hear how your batch turned out, so please share your thoughts or any recipe changes.