M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Introduction
This M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a delightful treat that combines classic peanut butter flavor with colorful candy fun. Moist and rich, it’s perfect for celebrations or when you just want a sweet pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup M&M’s, plus more for decoration
- For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a mixer.
- Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 6: Gently fold in the M&M’s, then divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: To make the frosting, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Step 9: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain smoothness.
- Step 10: Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, adding more heavy cream if needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Step 11: Assemble the cake by placing one cake layer on your serving platter. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting on top.
- Step 12: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Step 13: Decorate the top with additional M&M’s for a colorful and festive finish.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger peanut butter taste, add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter to the cake batter or drizzle some over the frosting.
- If you prefer a fluffier frosting, increase the amount of heavy cream gradually until it reaches your desired texture.
- Try using peanut butter M&M’s or other candy varieties to customize the flavor and appearance of the cake.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften the frosting. This cake can also be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but to mimic buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.
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M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a delightful and colorful dessert perfect for peanut butter lovers. Featuring a moist, tender peanut butter-infused cake packed with crunchy M&M’s and topped with rich, creamy peanut butter frosting, this cake combines fun and flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a sweet treat with a playful twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Peanut Butter Cake:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup M&M’s, plus more for decoration
Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, cream the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the M&M’s gently to distribute them evenly in the batter. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Peanut Butter Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth texture. Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat the frosting until it is light and fluffy. If the consistency is too thick, add a little more heavy cream to achieve your desired spreadability.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter and spread a generous layer of peanut butter frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate the top of the cake with additional M&M’s for a colorful and festive finish.
Notes
- For extra peanut butter flavor, consider adding a little more peanut butter to the cake batter or drizzling extra peanut butter on top of the frosting.
- If you prefer a lighter and fluffier frosting, increase the amount of heavy cream slightly.
- Customize the cake by using different types of M&M’s, such as peanut butter M&Ms, to enhance flavor and texture.
- Make sure to cool the cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peanut butter cake, M&M cake, peanut butter frosting, colorful cake, dessert, party cake
