The peanut butter frosting also compliments these bars the kids always fought over the bowl to scrape out every bit of it.
Of course for those with peanut allergies, you can always substitute sunflower or sesame seed butter like Tahini and add some peanut butter nut-free flavoring that has no peanuts in it.
There are 3 frosting recipes to choose from, peanut butter, chocolate, and vanilla so if you love a different combination of flavors, we got you covered in this recipe card.
These delicious bars are a great little snack for any time of the day these crush that sweet dessert craving.
The best part about this recipe is it's all done in one bowl and is a quick peanut butter dessert.
This is the most asked-for cake when the kids were little and now even as adults, it will always be a family favorite.
If you love peanut butter recipes, you may want to also try my favorite Peanut Butter Graham Brownie Bars, also.
Take a look at this easily printable recipe below.
Easy Cake Recipes
We just love easy cake recipes like this one, we have several quick recipes using cake mixes also you may want to try.
I also have some recipes using doctored cake mixes you may like to try, Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake Mix Cake, Banana Cake Mix Cake, and Sour Cream Coffee Cake Mix Cupcakes are all easy favorites!
If you're not fond of baking, you may want to try those easy recipes.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- unsalted butter
- sugar
- brown sugar
- eggs
- vanilla
- all-purpose flour
- baking soda
- water
- buttermilk
- creamy peanut butter
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More Peanut Butter Recipes You May Like
Girl Scout Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes
No-Bake Buckeye Bars
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
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Bar Cakes
If you're looking for a versatile Peanut Butter Cake Bar cake, this is it.
Just by changing the toppings, you will have a different cake every time.
This cake is great plain with just a light dusting of powdered sugar and a great little dessert!
Peanut Butter Cake Bars

Yield: 24
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 35 Min
If you want a quick homemade from scratch delicious peanut butter bar this is it. The cake is moist and delicious, easy to make and there are several topping options including jellies and frosting ideas.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 cup buttermilk at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a 13 x 9 pan (or baking brownie sheet pan if you want thicker squares) and set aside.
- In a medium bowl stir together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt and set aside.
- Melt the butter and water in a small saucepan until it comes to a boil.
- Remove from the heat and quickly stir in the peanut butter and oil until smooth.
- Cool for around 10 to 20 minutes or until just slightly warm ( you don't want the eggs to cook).
- Using a whisk, beat in the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla just until blended.
- Fold in the dry ingredients to the wet and combine evenly.
- Do not overmix the bater.
- Bake in preheated oven in the prepared pan for around 40-45 minutes, or until the center springs back.
- Cool then frost.
- Frosting and Topping Options:
- Spread with the jelly of your choice.
- Frost with vanilla, peanut butter, or chocolate frosting homemade or canned.
- Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting for the top:
- 3/4 cup peanut butter I use crunchy
- 3 tablespoon softened butter
- 3 1/2 cups (or to 3/4 cups) powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons or more of whole milk
- Beat together until smooth and easy to spread consistency.
- Vanilla Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter, with salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Beat together until smooth.
- Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder sifted
- 3 cups powdered sugar sifted
- Beat together until smooth.
- Garnish Options: chopped peanuts for garnish or mini chocolate chips, crushed cookie crumbs or peanut butter chips
Nutrition Facts
Calories
164.32Fat (grams)
5.91Sat. Fat (grams)
2.95Carbs (grams)
26.13Fiber (grams)
0.41Net carbs
25.72Sugar (grams)
17.8Protein (grams)
2.41Sodium (milligrams)
169.07Cholesterol (grams)
26.22Pin for later
More Bar Cakes We Love
Banana Streusel Bars
Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
Blueberry Crumble Bars
Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2015. It was edited and re-published in 2020.
These look incredible! I might have to skip the frosting though :(
ReplyDeleteOh my this sounds heavenly. It's not a low cal dish but sometimes it's okay to indulge.
ReplyDeleteAnything with peanut butter is good with me. These look amazing.
ReplyDeleteI just love this and its was a big hit with everyone. And this was such a pleasing experience!
ReplyDeleteLove how easily these delicious pb cake bars come together. My grandkids are going to love making and eating these.
ReplyDeletePeanut butter is my all time favorite and I am going to try this cake bars soon. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love it with the peanut butter frosting! So rich and decadent!
ReplyDeleteThe absolute best peanut butter bar recipe out there. So good!!!
ReplyDeleteThis was such an enjoyable dessert; turned out so moist and delicious! Easily, a new favorite treat!
ReplyDeleteVery easy, and absolutely recommend this to any peanut butter lovers! I couldn't stop eating these!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a tasty way to enjoy pb! So good!
ReplyDelete