M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting: A Sweet, Nutty Delight!

Looking for a show-stopping cake that’s both colorful and full of rich peanut butter flavor? This M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is the perfect dessert for any peanut butter lover. Bursting with the crunch of M&M’s and layered with creamy, decadent peanut butter frosting, this cake will be a hit at any party, birthday, or family gathering. The combination of the soft cake and the irresistible candy crunch makes it a treat no one can resist.

Ingredients:

For the Peanut Butter Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup M&M’s Peanut Butter (plus extra for garnish)

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk, for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Decoration:

• Extra M&M’s Peanut Butter candies
• Crushed peanuts (optional)
• Chocolate drizzle (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Cake Pans

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and peanut butter together until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, continuing to beat until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Step 6: Fold in M&M’s

• Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M’s Peanut Butter candies. The M&M’s add a delightful crunch and a pop of color to the cake.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

• Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
• Add the heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick, even layer of peanut butter frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, including the sides.

Step 10: Decorate the Cake

• Press extra M&M’s Peanut Butter candies around the sides of the cake or scatter them on top for decoration. If desired, sprinkle crushed peanuts over the cake or drizzle it with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

Step 11: Chill and Serve

• Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing to let the frosting set. Serve and enjoy!

Variations:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich, chocolatey twist. You can also add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for extra decadence.
• M&M’s Explosion Cake: For a fun surprise, cut out a small portion from the center of each cake layer and fill it with M&M’s. When sliced, the candy will spill out like a piñata!
• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter to make this cake nut-free. Just make sure the M&M’s you use are safe for those with nut allergies.

Cooking Notes:

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
• Frosting consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add more cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Candy variety: While this recipe uses M&M’s Peanut Butter, you can use other types of M&M’s, like plain, crispy, or mini M&M’s, for different textures and flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

• Perfect for birthdays and celebrations: This cake is a colorful and festive choice for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. The combination of peanut butter and M&M’s makes it a crowd-pleaser!
• Add ice cream: Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or peanut butter swirl ice cream for an even richer dessert experience.
• Gift it: This cake makes a wonderful homemade gift. Wrap it in a cake box and add a ribbon for a thoughtful treat.

Tips:

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This ensures that the ingredients combine smoothly and evenly.
• Storing the cake: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• For smoother frosting: To get a perfectly smooth frosting, use a bench scraper or offset spatula to glide across the cake’s surface after applying the frosting.

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour (plus chilling time)

Nutritional Information (Per Slice):

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 8g
• Sodium: 220mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Yes! If you like a bit of texture in your cake and frosting, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter. It adds a nice crunch to every bite.

Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Just store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest result.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure your M&M’s and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Q: How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?
A: Grease and flour the pans thoroughly, and consider using parchment paper on the bottom for easy removal.

Conclusion:

M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is the ultimate dessert for peanut butter lovers. With a moist peanut butter cake filled with crunchy M&M’s and topped with a smooth, creamy frosting, it’s the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress. Get ready to enjoy every bite of this colorful, flavorful treat!

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