M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Dreamy M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Crafting a decadent m&ms peanut butter cake promises pure indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts.

Sweet memories of childhood treats dance through this luxurious dessert.

Colorful candy pieces scattered across creamy frosting create visual excitement.

Layers of rich cake promise intense flavor in every bite.

Chocolate and peanut butter combine in a symphony of deliciousness that sparks joy.

Mixing nostalgic candies with classic cake ingredients elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor each magnificent forkful of this irresistible celebration of flavor.

Yummy Variations For M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

  • Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich, nutty flavors.
  • Chocolate Lover's Adaptation: Swap half the flour with cocoa powder and add chocolate chips to the batter for an intense chocolate-peanut butter experience.
  • Vegan Transformation: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, and select dairy-free milk and vegan peanut butter for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining cake's delectable texture and taste.

Tasty Pairings For M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

  • Pair with Refreshing Milk: Cold, creamy whole milk complements the rich peanut butter cake perfectly, cutting through the sweetness and providing a smooth, cool contrast.
  • Enhance with Chocolate Stout: A dark, robust chocolate stout beer adds depth and complexity, matching the cake's nutty flavor profile while offering a sophisticated adult beverage pairing.
  • Create Coffee Companion: Smooth, medium-roast coffee with hints of caramel balances the cake's sweetness, bringing out the nuanced peanut butter notes and providing a warm, comforting accompaniment.
  • Elevate with Vanilla Bourbon Shake: A creamy vanilla bourbon milkshake delivers a decadent, indulgent experience that harmonizes with the cake's rich texture and intensifies its dessert-like qualities.

How To Store M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

  • Store covered cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping frosting fresh and preventing moisture loss.
  • Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
  • Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, ensuring soft, moist consistency.
  • Warm single slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, preventing dryness and maintaining cake's delicate structure.

Questions About M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

  • Can I use a different type of butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular butter with margarine or plant-based butter alternatives, but the texture and flavor might slightly change.

  • How do I know if I'm overmixing the batter?

Stop mixing when the ingredients are just combined and no dry flour streaks remain. Overmixing can make the cake tough and dense.

  • What if I don't have heavy cream for the frosting?

You can replace heavy cream with milk or half-and-half, though the frosting might be slightly less rich and creamy.

  • Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?

Sifting helps remove lumps and ensures a more even distribution of flour, baking powder, and salt, resulting in a smoother cake texture.

Why M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Stands Out

  • Conquer Baking Challenge: Perfect for bakers looking to elevate their skills with a delightful peanut butter cake that impresses without overwhelming complexity.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to win hearts with its rich peanut butter flavor and colorful M&M topping, making it ideal for gatherings, parties, and family celebrations.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows creative additions like chocolate drizzle or peanut garnish, letting home bakers put their personal stamp on this delectable treat.
  • Simple Ingredient Harmony: Uses common pantry staples and straightforward mixing techniques, ensuring anyone can create a bakery-worthy dessert with minimal kitchen expertise.

What’s In M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

For the Cake Base:
  • Butter: A rich ingredient that provides moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds deep nutty flavor and contributes to the cake's soft, dense consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the cake and provides essential texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For the Liquid and Additional Ingredients:
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, consistent batter.
  • M&Ms Peanut Butter Candies, Chopped Peanuts: Provide additional texture and decorative element.
For the Frosting:
  • Butter, Peanut Butter: Create a creamy, rich base for the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds smoothness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the frosting's flavor.
Optional Garnish:
  • Melted Chocolate: Offers an extra layer of decoration and flavor.

Simple Instructions For M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

Step 1: Prep The Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F and get a 9×13-inch pan ready by coating it generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip together butter, peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture becomes super fluffy and light, which takes about 3-4 minutes of blending.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Splash in vanilla extract and blend smoothly.

Step 4: Mix Dry Components

In a separate bowl, sift together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients until they form a consistent powder.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures

Slowly add dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, stirring carefully to create a silky smooth batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.

Step 6: Pour And Smooth

Transfer batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the top turns golden brown.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove from oven and let the cake rest in the pan for about an hour, allowing it to cool completely.

Step 9: Whip Up Frosting

Beat butter and peanut butter together until creamy and well combined.

Step 10: Create Fluffy Frosting

Gradually mix in:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until the frosting becomes light and spreadable.

Step 11: Frost The Cake

Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the entire cake surface.

Step 12: Add Colorful Topping

Sprinkle M&Ms peanut butter candies over the frosting, creating a delightful and colorful covering.

Step 13: Optional Fancy Finish

For extra pizzazz, garnish with:
  • Chopped peanuts
  • Drizzled melted chocolate

Step 14: Chill And Serve

Refrigerate the cake for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting, then slice and enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips For Baking M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

  • Grease Like a Pro: Use softened butter or non-stick spray for perfect pan coverage, ensuring easy cake removal.
  • Mix Methodically: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy to create a light, airy texture that guarantees a tender cake.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients and milk into batter, stopping when just combined to maintain a soft crumb.
  • Frost with Finesse: Allow cake to cool completely before spreading frosting to prevent melting and ensure smooth application.
  • Decorate Delightfully: Sprinkle M&Ms and chopped peanuts strategically for a visually appealing and crunchy topping that adds extra flavor.
Print
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M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe


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4.5 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Chocolate-lovers rejoice with this irresistible M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake, a sweet symphony of creamy peanut butter and colorful candy crunch. Rich layers studded with M&Ms promise pure indulgence that will delight dessert enthusiasts with each delectable bite you savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups M&Ms peanut butter candies
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chocolate drizzle

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
  4. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  5. Gradually alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth, consistent batter forms without overmixing.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring an smooth surface with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and the cake is golden brown.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
  9. For the frosting, whip butter and peanut butter together until creamy and well combined.
  10. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and spreadable.
  11. Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the entire surface.
  12. Decoratively sprinkle M&Ms peanut butter candies over the frosted cake, creating an even coverage.
  13. Optional: Garnish with chopped peanuts and drizzle melted chocolate over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
  14. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Soften butter and peanut butter at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother cake texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense, tough cake; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Use room temperature eggs to ensure even incorporation and better cake rise.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for celiac-friendly version.
  • Check cake doneness early to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dry results.
  • Chill the cake briefly before frosting to create cleaner, more precise decorative edges.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
  • For intense peanut butter flavor, use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 41 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 57 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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