Peanut Butter Meltway Cake
A rich, chocolaty peanut butter cake with a moist crumb and decadent flavor, perfect for peanut butter lovers and suitable for special occasions or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, flour, salt, and soda in a bowl.
- Bring to boil 2 sticks of butter, water, and cocoa over medium heat.
- While hot, add the flour mixture to the boiling mixture and stir well.
- Add eggs, 2 tablespoons vanilla, and sour cream; mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you're out of sour cream, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute. Make sure not to overmix the batter once you add the eggs, as this can lead to a denser cake. Also, consider folding in some chopped nuts for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. It pairs beautifully with Strawberry Icebox Pie as a delightful dessert duo. Consider adding fresh berries on the side for a refreshing contrast to the rich peanut butter flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Meltway Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just until slightly warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Meltway Cake contains roughly 651 calories, with 7g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 823mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter; however, make sure it is well-stirred to avoid oil separation. Natural peanut butter may alter the texture slightly, making the cake a bit denser, but it will still taste delicious.
What can I add to the cake for extra flavor?
You can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter before baking for added flavor and texture. A sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving can enhance the peanut butter taste as well.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. For best flavor, wait to frost or serve until just before you plan to enjoy it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).