If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that combines nostalgia, rich flavors, and a fun pop of color, look no further than the M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. This cake is a peanut butter lover’s dream, boasting moist layers infused with creamy peanut butter and studded with delightful M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies that bring bursts of crunch and sweetness. Topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting that’s both silky and indulgent, this cake makes every bite an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting slice of happiness, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicates a great cake more than extra ingredients, and this recipe keeps it wonderfully straightforward. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the flour creating structure to the peanut butter adding that signature richness, and of course, the M&M’s lending texture and that playful chocolaty surprise.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the perfect foundation for a fluffy yet sturdy cake.
- Baking powder (2 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Balances acidity and aids in achieving a tender crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup): Adds richness and moisture to the cake layers.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup for cake, plus 1 cup for frosting): The star ingredient, giving that deep peanut flavor and smooth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering.
- Large eggs (4): Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s tender texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons for cake, 1 teaspoon for frosting): Adds a fragrant warmth that complements peanut butter beautifully.
- Buttermilk (1 1/4 cups): Brings a subtle tang and helps keep the cake moist and soft.
- M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies (1 cup plus extra for garnish): Provide colorful crunch and a fun surprise in every bite.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups for frosting): Creates a silky, sweet base for the creamy frosting.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup for frosting): Lightens the frosting for spreadability and fluffiness.
How to Make M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing two 9-inch round cake pans. To ensure your cakes come out perfectly, flour the pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper—a little extra care here means your layers will release easily after baking without any sticky surprises.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients beforehand keeps your batter smooth and ensures an even rise in the oven, setting the stage for beautifully textured cakes.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for infusing air into the batter, creating softness and that melt-in-your-mouth appeal that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Eggs should be added one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation stabilizes your batter. Then mix in the vanilla extract, which enriches the flavor and rounds out the peanut butter’s richness.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Start by adding a portion of the dry ingredients, then buttermilk, and continue alternating—beginning and ending with the dry mix. This method keeps your cake batter tender and moist without overmixing, helping the cake layers bake up just right.
Step 6: Fold in M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies
Gently fold in the M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies to disperse them evenly without melting or crushing the candies. These vibrant treats add texture, color, and that extra peanut butter chocolate punch that’s pure joy.
Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smooth out the tops, and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. Your cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
While the cakes cool, beat together softened butter and creamy peanut butter until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream to keep the frosting light and fluffy. Blend in vanilla extract for that perfect finishing touch.
Step 9: Assemble and Frost
Spread a generous layer of frosting between the cake layers, then cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting. Finish by garnishing with extra M&M’s for a colorful, inviting look that’s just as fun to eat as it is to admire.
How to Serve M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To make your cake truly pop, add extra M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies on top, perhaps even crushed peanuts or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. These finishing touches not only amplify the cake’s peanut butter charm but also create a festive look perfect for any celebration.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries also offer a tart contrast that cuts through the rich peanut butter flavor, making every bite balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For an adorable twist, serve individual cake slices with a few M&M’s scattered on the plate or arrange mini cupcakes with the same frosting and candies at parties. You could also layer the cake in a trifle bowl for a stunning, shareable dessert that’s as inviting as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover cake tightly and store it at room temperature if you plan to enjoy it within two days. For a longer shelf life, refrigerate it up to five days—it will stay moist and fresh, just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either before or after frosting. Wrap individual layers in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost or serve as desired for a perfectly preserved treat.
Reheating
Since this cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, simply let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the frosting and melt the M&M’s, altering the delightful texture you worked so hard to create.
FAQs
Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter in the M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a wonderful texture contrast, giving you little bits of peanut crunch in every bite. Just be aware it might slightly affect the cake’s smoothness but will enhance the overall nutty flavor.
What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 1/4 cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using; this will replicate the acidity and moisture buttermilk provides.
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of the Peanut Butter Candies?
While regular M&M’s will work for color and crunch, the Peanut Butter M&M’s bring that extra peanut flavor that pairs perfectly with this cake. If you opt for regular ones, consider adding a bit more peanut butter to the batter or frosting to keep that signature taste.
How long does this cake stay fresh once frosted?
When stored properly covered, this cake stays delicious for up to two days at room temperature and up to five days refrigerated. Beyond that, flavors and textures might begin to diminish.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat, poultry, or fish ingredients. Just be sure to check your specific brand of M&M’s to confirm they meet your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try the M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe and experience its perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and colorful delight. It’s the kind of cake that brings joy to every celebration, impresses guests, and most importantly, tastes like a warm, peanut buttery hug in cake form. Dive in, enjoy every slice, and make some delicious memories!
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
Delight in a rich and moist M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake layered with creamy peanut butter frosting and studded with crunchy M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies. This American-inspired dessert is perfect for celebrations and peanut butter lovers seeking a colorful, decadent treat.
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of cakes after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- 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 is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully combine. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in M&M’s: Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without crushing them.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Pour and evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops for even baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread frosting evenly between the two cake layers to create a sandwich. Then cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the frosted cake with additional M&M’s Peanut Butter Candies on top for a colorful finish. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for easier cutting, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chill the cake for 30 minutes after frosting.
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter for added texture if preferred.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
