Sunday, April 3, 2011

Peanut Butter Snack Cake with Banana Buttercream Frosting



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Saturday Market and the first of our farm stands opened today. We were plied with root vegetables, artisinal breads, various goat cheeses and regaled with high spirits all around. These first markets pull all but the cobwebs from homes in our community. It was a good day that held the promise of more to come. Storm fronts moved in and out, and while clothes were dampened, spirits remained high and an atmosphere of la bonne humeur prevailed. I had intended only to buy leeks and radishes, but I was seduced by the color in the flower stalls and came home with a large bouquet of tulips and some fragrant hyacinths as well. It was too crowded to eat in the market, so we headed to our favorite restaurant and had pho before heading to the reservoir. It's a lovely country drive and a nice way to spend an afternoon these first days of spring. We had a late lunch and an even later dinner of Welsh Rarebit, a shaved asparagus salad and small slices of a peanut butter cake that will lead us to perdition if it's allowed to remain in the house. We each had a piece and sent the remainder to neighbors who have teenage sons. I think you'll like this. It is a snack cake, and in my parlance that means it's meant to be enjoyed rather than admired. The cake is made with peanut butter and iced with a buttercream that's made from bananas, cream cheese and more peanut butter. I finished the cake with a sprinkling of chopped salted peanuts and semi-sweet chocolate. It's a nice everyday cake. If you like peanut butter I think you'll enjoy this. Here's the recipe.

Peanut Butter Snack Cake with Banana Buttercream Frosting...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:
Cake
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup smooth peanut butter
2 large eggs, room temperature
1-1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
Pinch of salt
Frosting
1 -1/2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
6 tablespoons cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon milk
1/2 cup mashed bananas
Topping
1/3 cup chopped salted peanuts
1/3 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate

Directions:
To make cake:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together brown sugar, butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt; stir into batter alternately with milk. Spread in prepared pan.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top of cake springs back when lightly pressed. Cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make frosting:
Combine powdered sugar, banana, butter, peanut butter and cream cheese in a large bowl and beat until it begins to turn fluffy. Add vanilla and blend. Add milk, only if necessary to reach spreading consistency.

To assemble:
Spread top of cooled cake with buttercream. Combine nuts and chocolate in a bowl and toss with a fork. Sprinkle over top of cake. Yield: 12 to 16 servings.

You might also enjoy these recipes:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream - Peanut Butter Boy
Peanut Butter Crispy Bars - The Red Spoon
Peanut Butter Snickers Cookies - Mrs. Regueiro's Plate
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars - The Sweet's Life
Banana Nutter Muffins - The Kitchen Parade
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Sheet Cake - So Tasty, So Yummy
Peanut Butter Bread with Streusel Topping - One Perfect Bite
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Muffins - Annie's Eats
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Cookies - Elle's New England Kitchen
Cookies and Cream Peanut Butter Cookies - Plain Chicken
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Pound Cake with Peanut Butter Glaze - The Recipe Girl
Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie - My Favorite Flavors
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Cups - Sing for Your Supper
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cupcakes - Big Black Dog
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars - The Parsley Thief
Peanut Butter and Jelly Monkey Bread - Picky Palate
Peanut Butter Brownies - Baking Sweet Treats
Peanut Butter Pound Cake with Coconut Topping - Technicolor Kitchen
Peanut Butter Fudge - One Perfect Bite
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars - Amanda's Cooking
Peanut Butter Cup Pie - Baking Bites

86 comments :

Anonymous said...

That frosting looks so good! I'm on a quest to find a good buttercream frosting recipe that uses shortening, but I like the version you've listed as well!

-Arielle- said...

This looks positively heavenly!

muppy said...

This cake sounds really delicious, i can imagine the peanut butter makes it so tasty and moist.

Ana Rita Marreiros said...

Lovelly cake and delicious frosting!!!

Kisses,
Rita

Federica Simoni said...

una vera squisitezza!buona domenica!!baci!

Alessandra said...

I think that this must be the perfect cake for hungry teen-agers :-)

ciao
Alessandra

Clint said...

Honestly, that is the best looking cake I've ever seen. It's too pretty to eat. Blessings.

Tanna said...

Oh, the icing!! Sounds heavenly!! How is it that such heavenly things lead us to perdition?? LOL! Your day at the market and then the reservoir are makings of the good life. Blessings ~ Tanna

Emma said...

Peanut butter is a weakness of mine (one of many really) - what a lovely cake :):)

Kim said...

Peanut butter and banana= perfect to me!

Jean said...

looks nutty-ly delicious! looks moist and delicious

Priya Suresh said...

Looks absolutely divine..

Rachel said...

That looks absolutely delicious! I think I actually made something in the reverse (banana cake with peanut butter frosting) and those flavors were outstanding together! I haven't been on the computer much the past couple of weeks, so I'm off to look at the other recipes that I've missed...

Tracy F. said...

That sure would be good with my coffee this morning!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I keep hearing that we have a great organic farmer's market right up the street. I am looking forward to it opening. Of course, you are ahead of us in Oregon.

Who wouldn't want something called snack cake!

Fondly,
Glenda

Lydia said...

Thank you for your comment on my blog Mary. You blog is just beautiful and I can not wait to try some of the recipes. Have a peaceful blessed day.

Arlene Delloro said...

Can't wait until our farmers' markets open! You are so right about that road to perdition. I'd dearly love a slice of this cake, but DSO has never met a cake he doesn't like. A type 2 diabetic, he can't stand the temptation. Maybe for a special occasion when others are present, though.

Jocie's Mom said...

You're neighbors are so lucky! Where were you when I was a teenager, darn it? Sound like you had a blast at the farmers market. They're so much fun and can inspire some really amazing dishes. Thanks for sharing :)

Anonymous said...

The cream cheese added to the buttercream... utterly fabulous, I think my taste-buds are having an orgasm.

The Words Crafter said...

Sounds like a lovely time out at the market :)

And that cake is waking up my sweet tooth, lol. Delicious-two of my favorite things together...bananas and peanut butter!

Happy Sunday

Catherine said...

Dear Mary, It sounds like you had a beautiful day. These first days of springtime are the best! It is too bad but the fresh fruit market down the road just recently closed where I live ~ therefore, I know that you might only plan on buying one or two things and see so many beautiful things and recipes run rampant in your head! Well anyway, I don't like peanut butter~I LOVE it and this cake looks wonderful. Blessings, Catherine

Elaine said...

Sounds like a perfect Saturday! Of course I have to make this because the star is peanut butter. It looks delicious.

Harika baratam said...

Cannot stop from tempting it looks so yummy.

June said...

Oh my goodness. How be you let us know when your neighbor's house is for sale and we'll put in an offer. I hope they know how lucky they are!
Your day sounds fabulous. I can only imagine how beautiful it is there right now.

Gerry @Foodness Gracious said...

Sounds like a great day! I have fond memories growing up with Welsh rarebit but that was back in Scotland, I wonder if it follows the same recipe?

Claudia said...

I do love coming here for a bite to eat. Banana buttercream for peanut butter? What a splendid idea.

lena said...

mary, this is truly tempting and that banana frosting sounds really good.i'm sold!

Gloria Baker said...

What can I say?? Look amazing! and the picture is georgeous Mary! gloria

Cooking Creation said...

That frosting sounds delicious! I could use a slice of that right now with my coffee. Enjoy your day!

scrambledhenfruit said...

I've had banana cake with peanut butter frosting, but never the other way around. :) I love peanut butter and bananas- this sounds like a winner!

From the Kitchen said...

As Elvis said (when speaking of peanut butter and bananas) "the road to perdition is lined with just such as this but lead on!!". You will not find that quote anywhere as it was an aside to me one day at Graceland = ). Are there any homes for sale in your neighborhood? We are not proud when it comes to accepting leftovers.

Best,
Bonnie

Stephen said...

Mary - you are making me fat. These look great. I had planned to do some baking today and these may make it into the mix. Peanut butter, chocolate & bananas - YUM!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Mmmmmmm Mary. I enjoy the additon of salted nuts on top.

Ginny Hartzler said...

A buttercream made with bananas? That makes it so healthy, really health food!!! How did you have the willpower to give the rest away?? Wish I lived nearby, I would be begging all the time!

Jill | Dulce Dough said...

Looks amazing! Peanut butter and banana is such a great combo!

Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook said...

Great looking cake! Would love to snack on that!

Kim said...

Oh my Mary! I think you've really seduced me with this one. I can't resist the combination of peanut butter and banana. I just love this.

Unknown said...

Mary the picture is what drew me in...I love peanut butter. I also love the old fashioned style "snack cakes"...I happen to call these type of cakes.."picnic Cakes" :)

Whatever we call them...we all seem to enjoy eating them and sharing them with others!

Thank you for taking the time to share this. I am so wishing I had a Farmers Market to go enjoy. And I always plan not to spend alot....it doesnt work for me either. Flowers and Baked goods do me "in" every time.

Joanne said...

It sounds like such a lovely spring weekend in your neck of the woods! Perfect day for enjoying a cake as delicious as this!

Only Fish Recipes said...

wow....cake looks just sooo delicious !love the butter cream frosting ...this is just a perfect cake for any kind of occasion....my daughter is surely going to love it !

Cooking Gallery said...

This looks very moist and flavourful. I am sure it tastes as good as it looks...!

Banana Wonder said...

i would love to nosh on this even though I don't even like banana flavored things... when pb is involved.. that all changes... ;-)

Manu said...

Beautiful and delicious! Wonderful pic!LOL

A PaixĂ£o da Isa said...

mas que maravilha gostei muito parabens beijinhos e bom domingo

Anonymous said...

that looks like something i would really enjoy right about now...!

Cakemol said...

Nunca probĂ© la mantequilla de cacahuete y comprĂ© una. Guardo tu receta porque es fantĂ¡stica¿
Kisses

Deborah Martin Salaroli said...

I need to say that banana isn´t my favorite fruit, but its strong taste shows personality and happiness.
Come and visit me at my blog.
I´m waiting for you.
Kisses
Deborah

www.delicias1001.com.br

That Girl said...

I'm so excited your farm stand has opened for the season. I anticipate loads of fresh fruits and veggies making their appearance.

Gen said...

Peanut butter and banana, looks delicious! Even though one shouldn't eat too many of these delicious bites! ^^

mia maria said...

I have to say that I don't like peanut butter but I love your buttercream frosting!
You always take very nice photos:)

Maria said...

Loving all your peanut butter recipes! They are mouth-watering!

Mary | Deep South Dish said...

Really good one Mary! I'm not much of a baker, so snack cakes are right up my alley! Nice finish too.

I'm the same way with farmer's markets with the veggies and then rush to use it up so that it doesn't go bad on me!!

Have a beautiful week.

Priyanka said...

Hi...Have an award waiting for you in my blog....Do claim it... :)

Sarah said...

Wow. I have to say that I've never had a peanut butter cake, but it looks like I will have to make this one very, very soon. And it sounds like a lovely way to kick off spring!

Anonymous said...

Oh Mary, what a delightful post!! My eyes went wide with delight when I saw this.
Thank you so much for all your kind comments! You are a lovely person!
Have a beautiful day~
xx,
Tammy

Beth said...

This looks wonderful. You have the best recipes!

Buttercup said...

I'll be over with a bottle of milk in an hour or so. Anything else I can bring? What a fabulous snack.

Angela said...

I think I can both admire and enjoy this cake. I too would have to share it with neighbors or risk perdition. You have me yearning for my farmer's market to open. When will spring arrive?

Miri Leigh said...

This cake looks fantastic- thanks for posting!

What's next said...

The cake looks wonderful and I'm very jealous of farm stands already open... West Texas leaves a lot to be desired in that area!!!
sounds like you had a wonderful day!

James said...

Looking at this recipe has got to be one of the most painful experiences after giving up desserts for lent. This looks sooo good. I'll bookmark it for now!

Alice said...

oooh, looks so yummy!

Ben said...

Just a beautiful cake, Mary. And having a good farmer's market available is truly wonderful!

Ben
http://kissthecook-ben.blogspot.com/

teresa said...

oh my goodness, so delicious! i'd give anything for a plate of that delicious cake right now.

Katie Mar said...

yummm this looks absolutely tasty!! the frosting especially!

Janet Marie said...

Helloooooooooooo there, you yummy piece of cake ~ :)

Bizzy said...

You really do like peanut butter. You have good taste.

I made peanut butter and jelly bars today (Ina Garten) and they were very good.

Julia @ DimpleArts said...

This looks very rich and delicious! Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend.

Jooyeon said...

Oh, Mary!
This looks heavenly!!! I must try it!!!

Thanks for sharing this post. You've gotr some great recipes on here :)

Have a wonderful week!

Jooyeon

Nessie @ bakingequalslove said...

I think I just died and went to peanut butter heaven!!! Am DEFINITELY making this....soon....very very soon. Utter peanut butter genius! :)

Candace said...

omygoodness, Mary! I don't know when I've seen something online that made me long to have a bite of like this cake does. A piece of this and cold glass of milk would the be best breakfast for me ever. I'm saving this recipe to make very, very soon. Thank you!

briarrose said...

I am so enjoying all the peanut butter/peanut recipes. ;) What a great way to pair of peanut butter and banana.

CaSaundraLeigh said...

Wow--the flavor combo here sounds heavenly!

SinFoodie said...

This looks so delicious and the combination is exciting. will try it surely.

The Food Hound said...

Bananas and peanut butter- match made in heaven, not perdition, haha!!

Wendy Irene said...

What a great combination- peanut butter and cream cheese! I would LOVE that :) Flowers add so much beauty to the home. They make you feel happy and lift your spirit. I can just picture the beautiful bouquets you returned home with and it makes me smile. Have a lovely day!

Guvi said...

Well, my daughter just saw the photo of perfection. Needless to say she asked me to make this cake, since she's a huge fan of peanut butter. Thank you, Mary, for another wonderful recipe, and have a great week!

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

Love that frosting. Looks so yummy your snack cake.

Anonymous said...

I would love a peanut butter cake!

Unknown said...

this is totally calling my name... however i feel it would be very dangerous ;)

ps- thanks for your kind words on my blog! off to check out that mango mousse!

Miriam said...

What a fabulous treat! You're a genius! Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

Elyse @The Cultural Dish said...

Now this is my kind of cake... :)

Katarina said...

Looks very moist and delicious!

Ambreen (Simply Sweet n Savory) said...

This looks outstanding. I love PB, so I really want to give this a try. Thanks for sharing.
BTW, can I substitute cream of tartar with something else?

Loves Happy Hour said...

this looks so good!! can't wait to try it! thanks for sharing!

Diane said...

Now if only I liked peanut butter.... think it is the only food on earth that I do not like!! Have a great Sunday Diane

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