There is something downright irresistible about the M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe that makes it an absolute showstopper for any occasion. This cake combines the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with a moist, tender crumb studded with colorful M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies, all crowned by a dreamy peanut butter frosting that’s silky smooth and perfectly sweet. Each bite is a joyful explosion of flavor and texture, whether you’re sharing it at a party or simply indulging in a personal treat. Trust me, this is one peanut butter cake that will have everyone asking for seconds and maybe even thirds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delightful M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that makes this cake so special.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation of the cake’s soft, tender crumb.
- Baking powder (2 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with buttermilk to give extra lift and a light texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter’s nutty goodness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup): Adds richness and moistness to the cake layers.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup in cake, 1 cup in frosting): The star ingredient that infuses deep, luscious peanut flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cake while helping create a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons in cake, 1 teaspoon in frosting): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
- Buttermilk (1 1/4 cups): Keeps the cake moist with a slight tang to cut through the richness.
- M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies (1 cup plus extra for garnish): Bursts of colorful peanut butter candy add fun and texture.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups, for frosting): Creates the smooth, sweet frosting base.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup, for frosting): Lightens the frosting for a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
How to Make M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s just right when you’re ready to bake. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and helps your cakes come out beautifully intact. Next, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures they’re evenly distributed for a flawless rise and texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This process incorporates air into the batter, which helps give the cake a light texture. Be patient here; it’s the key step for a tender crumb and rich flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so they fully absorb into the mixture. Then mix in the vanilla extract, which brings warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor profile.
Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Now comes the crucial folding stage—alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can cause a tough cake. The buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the peanut butter’s rich creaminess.
Step 5: Fold in the M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies
Gently fold in the M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies to distribute bursts of colorful crunch throughout the batter without smushing them. This step is what truly transforms this cake into a fun and festive treat.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops for even baking. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling fully is essential for the frosting to glide on smoothly.
Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
Beat together softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar alternated with heavy cream. Continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. Stir in vanilla extract last to finish off the luscious frosting.
Step 8: Assemble and Frost
Spread a thick layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, then sandwich it with the second layer. Cover the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting. To finish, sprinkle additional M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies on top for an eye-catching, colorful garnish that hints at the candy-filled surprises inside.
How to Serve M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Aside from the classic M&M’s topping, try adding some chopped peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate to amplify the texture and peanut-flavor experience. These simple additions bring a bit of extra flair and crunch to the presentation, making each slice look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This cake shines bright on its own, but for an extra special touch, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool creaminess complements the rich peanut butter beautifully, making each bite a perfect balance of warm and cool.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this classic cake into a festive centerpiece by slicing it into individual mini cakes or cupcakes using the same recipe. You could also stack the layers into a taller cake for a grand party presentation or serve the cake squares on colorful plates with matching M&M’s for a coordinated look that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This cake is best enjoyed within 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days if refrigerated. The peanut butter flavor stays wonderfully vibrant and moist during this time.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either as whole layers (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil) or as a fully frosted cake. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving to preserve the frosting’s luscious texture.
Reheating
Since this is a cake best served cool or at room temperature, reheating isn’t usually recommended. However, if you prefer a warm slice, microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds but avoid direct heat on the frosting to prevent melting.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add delightful texture bursts inside the cake and frosting. Just be aware it might slightly alter the smoothness of the frosting but will enhance the overall peanut experience.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds moisture and helps tenderize the cake, but if you don’t have any, a simple substitute is milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity and maintain that perfect texture.
Can I omit the M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies?
You can, but the M&M’s add a wonderful that pop of color, peanut butter flavor, and crunch that really makes this cake special. If you prefer, substitutes like chopped peanut butter cups or chocolate chips can work well too.
How do I make the peanut butter frosting less sweet?
If you find the frosting too sweet, try reducing the powdered sugar slightly or adding an extra tablespoon of peanut butter. This will balance sweetness with rich peanut flavor to suit your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! All the ingredients in this M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe are vegetarian-friendly, making it a great choice for those who avoid meat but want to indulge in a decadent dessert.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking and sharing the M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. It’s a vibrant, flavorful cake that brings a smile with every bite, effortlessly combining playful colors and rich peanut butter goodness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a slice of happiness, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your home. So go ahead, whip up this cake and watch the magic happen — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a rich and decadent American dessert featuring a moist peanut butter-flavored cake studded with colorful M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies. Layered with creamy peanut butter frosting and garnished with extra M&M’s, this cake is perfect for celebrations and party occasions, delivering a delightful combination of nutty and sweet flavors with a fun, colorful twist.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies (plus more for garnish)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pans and preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. This ensures even leavening throughout the cake.
- Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then beat in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients and buttermilk: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Fold in M&M’s: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies to evenly distribute them without breaking the candy shells.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frost and assemble the cake: Spread a layer of frosting between the two cake layers, then frost the top and sides of the assembled cake evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Decorate the frosted cake with additional M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies on top for an attractive and colorful finish. Chill for 30 minutes to ease slicing if desired, then serve.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chill the cake for 30 minutes after frosting to firm up the frosting.
- Substitute crunchy peanut butter in the cake and frosting for added texture.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Ensure ingredients like butter and peanut butter are softened for optimal mixing.
