Name: Reese’s Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup salted or unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 5 large eggs; 3 cup all-purpose flour; 1 Tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk (not fat free); 1 11 oz package mini Reese’s cups, unwrapped and roughly chopped; 1 cup milk chocolate chips; 1/2 cup peanut butter baking chips; 1 cup milk chocolate chips; 1/4 cup heavy cream plus additional to thin as needed; 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 47 reviews

If you’re ready to indulge in a dessert that feels like a warm, nostalgic hug, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a luscious, rich pound cake loaded with creamy peanut butter and delightful chunks of mini Reese’s cups, all crowned with a silky chocolate glaze that ties everything together in the most irresistible way. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, this cake will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma and your heart with pure joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl full of dark brown chocolate chips at the top center. To the right of it is a white bowl filled with white flour. Below the flour are two sticks of butter, a glass bottle of vanilla, and a small clear glass of water nearby. To the left is a bottle of milk, a white bowl with white sugar, and a small bowl with three white eggs on a yellow plate. Near the bottom center is a white bowl filled with creamy light brown peanut butter. On the right side, there are small glass bowls containing salt, baking soda, and another ingredient in finer texture. There is also a small white bowl with mini peanut butter cups. The colors include white, cream, brown, and pale yellow. The layout is simple and clean. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Reese’s Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the creamy butter and peanut butter creating the perfect texture, to the mini Reese’s cups adding bursts of chocolaty peanut goodness throughout the cake.

1 cup salted or unsalted butter softened: This provides rich creaminess and a tender crumb, so be sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter: Adds that unmistakable peanut butter flavor that complements the Reese’s cups perfectly.
2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and richness, making every bite more flavorful.
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with a fine crumb texture.

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings a gentle molasses hint for depth and moisture.
5 large eggs: Adds structure, moisture, and richness to the cake batter.
3 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the cake providing structure and body.

1 Tbsp baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1 cup buttermilk (not fat free): Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.

1 11 oz package mini Reese’s cups, unwrapped and roughly chopped: The star ingredient adding that chocolate peanut butter surprise in every bite.
1 cup milk chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of gooey chocolate bliss inside the cake.
1/2 cup peanut butter baking chips: Boosts the peanut butter flavor and adds lovely melty spots.

Chocolate Glaze Ingredients: 1 cup milk chocolate chips, 1/4 cup heavy cream (plus extra to thin if needed), 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter for the delightful finishing touch.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and getting your 12-14 cup bundt pan ready. A good coating of baking spray or a mixture of butter and flour ensures your cake will release perfectly later on. If you don’t have a bundt pan, an angel food pan will work beautifully too.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla

With an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed. Continue for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is silky smooth and completely combined. This base sets the tone for your pound cake’s luscious, creamy texture.

Step 3: Add Sugars and Eggs

Next, add granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the creamed butter mixture. Beat for about 2-3 minutes until fluffy and light. Then, slowly add the eggs one at a time on low speed, making sure each egg fully incorporates before adding the next. This slow integration helps achieve a smooth, even batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for an even distribution of leavening and seasoning. On medium speed, alternate mixing the dry ingredients with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This alternating addition keeps the batter light and prevents overmixing, which can toughen the cake.

Step 5: Fold in Reese’s Cups and Chips

Grab a rubber spatula and gently fold in the chopped mini Reese’s cups, milk chocolate chips, and peanut butter baking chips. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of the chopped Reese’s cups for garnishing later. This step adds those delightful pockets of peanut butter and chocolate that make the cake unforgettable.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake halfway through and, if needed, tent a piece of aluminum foil over the top to prevent over-browning.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before carefully flipping it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate glaze by melting together milk chocolate chips, heavy cream, and peanut butter in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often. If the glaze is too thick, add extra cream until it’s perfectly pourable.

Step 8: Finish with Glaze and Garnish

Drizzle the luscious glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle the reserved chopped Reese’s cups on top for that final pop of flavor and texture. Your Reese’s Peanut Butter Pound Cake is now ready for its close-up!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe

The image shows a bundt cake with thick, shiny chocolate glaze dripping down its sides in smooth layers. The cake itself is a golden brown color with dark chocolate chips inside, clearly visible where a slice has been removed. On top of the chocolate glaze, there is a crumbly topping made of nut pieces and crumbs in light brown tones. The cake sits on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or an extra handful of crushed Reese’s cups makes for a show-stopping presentation. You can also add a drizzle of warm chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts to add some extra texture and charm.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of lightly whipped cream. For a refreshing balance, serve with fresh berries or sliced bananas, which complement the indulgent peanut butter and chocolate flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, slice the cake into mini portions and serve on colorful plates with a small spoonful of peanut butter drizzle on the side. Or, transform leftovers into decadent dessert parfaits layered with whipped cream and crushed Reese’s, making every bite a delightful surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Reese’s Peanut Butter Pound Cake will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Just make sure to cover it well to preserve moisture and freshness.

Freezing

If you want to stash some cake for later, slice it into pieces and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Frozen cake can last up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to bring back that freshly baked softness. A quick reheat also helps revive the melty chocolate chips inside for an extra decadent bite.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth in the Reese’s Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a little extra texture inside the cake. Just keep in mind it might make the crumb slightly coarser, but the flavor will be just as delicious.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and it’s ready to use! This will keep the cake tender and slightly tangy.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, try substituting the butter with a plant-based margarine and using a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk with a splash of vinegar for the buttermilk effect. The flavor will be wonderful, though slightly different in texture.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Generously spray your bundt pan with baking spray that includes flour or use softened butter plus flour to coat the pan thoroughly. This creates a barrier that makes unmolding the cake much easier and keeps that beautiful surface intact.

Can I make the chocolate glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The glaze can be made a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and gently warm it before pouring over the cake. If it thickens too much overnight, just add a splash of cream to loosen it up.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you bake this Reese’s Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe, it’s going to become a go-to for celebrations and everyday treats alike. The blend of peanut butter, chocolate, and moist cake is pure happiness in dessert form. So grab your ingredients, put on your favorite tunes, and get ready to wow everyone with a cake that feels both nostalgic and totally gourmet at the same time!