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!