Homemade peanut butter lofo

Homemade Peanut Butter Loaf: Soft, Moist, and Full of Nutty Flavor

A homemade peanut butter loaf is the perfect bake for peanut butter lovers. Soft, moist, and packed with rich nutty flavor, this simple loaf cake is ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a comforting snack. It’s easy to make with everyday ingredients and delivers big flavor without being overly sweet.

Whether enjoyed plain, toasted, or topped with jam, this loaf is a timeless classic that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Loaf

Easy, one-bowl style baking
Uses simple pantry ingredients
Rich peanut butter flavor
Soft texture that stays moist
Perfect for slicing, freezing, and toasting

This loaf is great for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Ingredients

125g (½ cup) smooth peanut butter
100g (½ cup) caster or granulated sugar
100g (½ cup) brown sugar
125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
180g (1½ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
120ml (½ cup) milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional add-ins:

Chocolate chips
Chopped peanuts
Swirl of jam

How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Loaf

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Tin

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a standard loaf tin with baking paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Peanut Butter

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, and both sugars together until light and creamy. This step helps create a soft crumb.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5: Mix the Batter

Add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture in stages, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.

If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in at this stage.

Step 6: Bake

Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

Step 7: Cool

Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Loaf

Use Smooth Peanut Butter
It gives the best texture, but crunchy works if you prefer bite.
Don’t Overbake
Overbaking can dry the loaf—check at the 50-minute mark.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Helps the batter mix evenly.
Toast for Extra Flavor
Lightly toasted slices bring out the peanut butter aroma.
Let It Cool Before Slicing
This helps the loaf hold its shape.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut butter loaf is delicious in many ways:

Plain with tea or coffee
Spread with butter or honey
Topped with strawberry or raspberry jam
Toasted and served with bananas
Drizzled with melted chocolate

It’s versatile enough for both sweet treats and quick breakfasts.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Peanut Butter Loaf: Add cocoa powder or extra chocolate chips
Jam Swirl Loaf: Spoon jam into the batter and swirl with a knife
Banana Peanut Butter Loaf: Replace half the butter with mashed banana
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free self-raising flour
Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar slightly and use honey

Storage and Freezing

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days
Freezing: Slice and freeze for up to 3 months

Frozen slices can be toasted straight from the freezer.

Why This Recipe Works

The balance of fats from butter and peanut butter keeps the loaf moist, while the combination of white and brown sugar adds depth of flavor. Milk ensures a soft crumb, and gentle mixing prevents toughness.

It’s a reliable, forgiving bake that delivers consistent results.

Final Thoughts

This homemade peanut butter loaf is simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you bake it for your family, share it with friends, or keep slices in the freezer for busy days, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Soft, nutty, and satisfying, it proves that the best bakes are often the simplest ones.