The Ultimate M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Decadent m&ms peanut butter cake promises to unleash a symphony of sweet and nutty flavors that dance across your palate.

Chocolate candies nestled within layers of rich frosting create a playful dessert experience.

Creamy peanut butter adds luxurious depth to every delectable bite.

Soft cake crumbles melt effortlessly, revealing colorful candy surprises with each forkful.

Celebration becomes instantly more delightful when this stunning confection arrives at the table.

Fun colors and irresistible texture make this dessert impossible to resist.

Prepare to indulge in a treat that sparks pure joy and childhood memories.

Why M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Is A Must-Try

• Craft Easily: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing technique make this peanut butter cake a breeze to prepare for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Packed with peanut butter candies and rich frosting, this dessert guarantees smiles and satisfaction for kids and adults alike.
• Sweet Celebration Centerpiece: Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this colorful cake brings joy and excitement to any special moment.
• Customize with Creativity: Flexible recipe allows for personal touches like extra candies, different chocolate drizzles, or alternative nut toppings to match individual preferences.

Ingredients For M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic ingredient that provides the essential structure for the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Peanut Butter: Provides a rich, nutty flavor and creamy consistency to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• M&Ms Peanut Butter Candies: Adds bursts of chocolate and peanut butter flavor throughout the cake.
• Chopped Peanuts: Provides a crunchy texture and additional nutty flavor.
• Melted Chocolate: Creates a decorative drizzle for visual appeal.

• Butter, Softened: Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
• Peanut Butter: Adds rich, nutty flavor to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Helps achieve a spreadable frosting texture.

Steps To Make M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13 inch baking pan generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Base

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Sift these ingredients together to eliminate any potential lumps.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Peanut butter
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Combine Cake Batter

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir carefully to create a uniform batter, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add Colorful Candy Crunch

Fold in M&Ms peanut butter candies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cake mixture.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula and tap the pan to release any trapped air bubbles.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely on a wire rack for about 1 hour.

Step 9: Craft Creamy Frosting

• Softened butter
• Peanut butter

Mix until light and fluffy.

Step 10: Finish Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream

Mix on low speed until smooth and spreadable.

Step 11: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the top using an offset spatula.

Step 12: Add Decorative Touches

• M&Ms peanut butter candies
• Chopped peanuts

Over the frosted surface.

Step 13: Chocolate Drizzle

Create a decorative pattern by drizzling melted chocolate over the cake.

Step 14: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting. Slice and serve this delectable treat to eager friends and family.

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

• Sift with Care: Use a fine-mesh sieve when combining dry ingredients to eliminate lumps and create a smoother cake texture.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently and just until ingredients are incorporated to maintain a tender, light crumb.
• Check Doneness Smartly: Insert a toothpick at a 45-degree angle into the cake's center; minimal moist crumbs indicate perfect baking.
• Enhance Flavor Balance: Toast chopped peanuts before sprinkling to release deeper, nuttier notes and add delightful crunch.
• Room Temperature Matters: Allow eggs and dairy ingredients to reach room temperature for better ingredient integration and smoother batter.

Fun Variations On M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Version: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas, use plant-based milk, swap butter for coconut oil, and replace M&Ms with dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining cake's moisture and texture.
• Nutty Chocolate Bark Variation: Skip cake format, spread batter on parchment paper as thin bark, top with chopped nuts and drizzled chocolate for a different presentation.

What To Serve With M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

• Indulgent Milk Pairing: Classic whole milk complements the rich peanut butter cake, cutting through sweetness and enhancing the dessert's creamy texture.
• Dessert Wine Match: Late harvest Riesling offers a delightful sweet counterpoint, its fruity notes dancing perfectly with the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
• Coffee Companion: Smooth hazelnut or caramel-flavored coffee brings out the nutty undertones, creating a warm and luxurious tasting experience.
• Unexpected Beverage Twist: Cold chocolate milk amplifies the cake's decadent profile, providing a nostalgic and playful drinking companion.

Storage Suggestions For M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place inside a sealed container to prevent drying out and absorbing other flavors.
• Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep cake covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap at room temperature for 1-2 days if the environment is cool and dry. Avoid leaving out for extended periods due to peanut butter and cream frosting.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.

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

• Can I use a different type of candy instead of M&Ms?

Yes, you can substitute with chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or chopped peanut butter cups for similar flavor and texture.

• Do I need a stand mixer for the frosting?

No, you can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a whisk, though a stand mixer makes the process easier and creates a smoother frosting.

• How do I know if I've overmixed the batter?

Stop mixing as soon as the dry and wet ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake instead of a light, tender texture.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results.

M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent m&ms Peanut Butter Cake combines classic American dessert flavors in a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter create a perfect sweet harmony that delights chocolate and candy enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup M&Ms peanut butter candies

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Decoration:

• 1 cup M&Ms peanut butter candies
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 2 tbsp chocolate drizzle

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure a smooth, lump-free base for the cake.
3. Whisk granulated sugar, peanut butter, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring carefully to create a uniform batter without overmixing.
5. Gently fold in the M&Ms peanut butter candies, distributing them evenly throughout the cake mixture.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula and tapping the pan to release any air bubbles.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 1 hour.
9. For the frosting, cream together softened butter and peanut butter in a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
10. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, mixing on low speed until smooth and spreadable.
11. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the top using an offset spatula.
12. Decorate the top by sprinkling M&Ms peanut butter candies and chopped peanuts over the frosted surface.
13. Drizzle melted chocolate over the cake in a decorative pattern for the final touch.
14. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Opt for room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and better cake texture.
• Sifting dry ingredients prevents lumps and creates a more uniform, tender cake crumb.
• Gently fold M&Ms to prevent color bleeding and maintain their vibrant appearance in the cake.
• Use an offset spatula for even frosting application and a professional-looking finish.
• Chill the cake briefly to help the frosting set and make slicing cleaner.
• Customize by using different types of M&Ms or adding extra peanut butter chips for more intense flavor.
• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent frosting from spoiling.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 483
• Sugar: 42 g
• Sodium: 206 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg