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