Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake brings together the best of both worlds: the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter and the sweetness of M&M’s. The cake is soft and tender, with a creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. The addition of M&M’s on top not only adds a fun pop of color but also an irresistible crunch. The frosting is velvety smooth, and the balance between the sweetness of the cake and the creaminess of the frosting makes each bite pure indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed)
For the Assembly:
- 1 cup M&M’s
- Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, chocolate drizzle
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Peanut Butter Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top.
- Press the M&M’s gently into the frosting, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Optional: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra flavor and decoration.
Serve:
- Serve the M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious and indulgent dessert!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Variations
- Vegan Version: Use vegan butter, peanut butter, and plant-based milk to make this cake dairy-free.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate peanut butter flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Stir in some chopped peanuts into the batter or sprinkle them on top with the M&M’s for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 1 week. To keep the frosting from hardening, let the cake come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 2 months and thaw before frosting and serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the cake?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for the cake if you prefer added texture, but creamy peanut butter will give you a smoother batter.
2. Can I make this cake without M&M’s?
Yes, you can leave out the M&M’s or replace them with other candies or chocolate chips for a different twist.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it at room temperature. Frost it just before serving.
4. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, you can use a chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even a simple buttercream frosting if you prefer a different flavor.
5. How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Be sure not to overbake it to keep the texture moist.
6. Can I add more peanut butter to the frosting?
Yes, feel free to add more peanut butter to the frosting for a richer peanut butter flavor. Just make sure to adjust the powdered sugar to maintain the right consistency.
7. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in baking.
8. Can I use salted butter in this recipe?
You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid the cake being too salty.
9. How do I store the frosting?
If you have leftover frosting, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before using it again.
10. Can I decorate this cake with other toppings?
Yes, you can decorate the cake with a variety of toppings like chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a different flavor twist.
Conclusion
M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a must-try for anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate. It’s a fun, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavor, creamy frosting, and colorful M&M’s topping, this cake will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you serve it for a special celebration or just as a treat, it’s sure to impress!
M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweet crunch of M&M’s. The fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and colorful topping make it the perfect treat for peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
½ cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
2–3 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
1 cup M&M’s (for garnish)
Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top.
- Press the M&M’s gently into the frosting, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Optional: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra flavor and decoration.
- Serve the M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter, peanut butter, and plant-based milk.
Add chopped peanuts to the batter for extra crunch or sprinkle them on top with the M&M’s.
If you prefer a chocolate peanut butter combination, add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate peanut butter flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
