Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE CAKE:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 cup water

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup milk, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

FOR THE FROSTING:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

6 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup roasted peanuts, for topping

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, heat the butter and water until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in peanut butter and oil until smooth.

Let cool 2 minutes, then whisk in eggs, milk, and vanilla until well incorporated.

Add to dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes.

Set pan on a wire rack to cool while you make the frosting:

To a medium saucepan, add the butter, peanut butter, and milk and bring to a rolling boil.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, followed by powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.

Whisk until smooth, reheating a bit if needed, then pour over cake. If frosting is stiff, add a bit more milk.

Working quickly, spread frosting evenly over cake and top with peanuts. Slice, serve, and enjoy!