M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

If you are a fan of peanut butter and crave a colorful, fun twist on your classic cake, then you absolutely need to try this M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. It’s a marvelous celebration of creamy peanut butter richness combined with the delightful crunch and pop of Peanut Butter M&M’S candies baked right into the moist layers. This cake is irresistibly soft, vividly bright, and loaded with character that makes every bite exciting. Whether you are baking for a birthday, a weekend treat, or simply to indulge a peanut butter craving, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy those sweet tooth urges in such a joyful way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is charming in its simplicity yet packs a punch with every ingredient. Each component plays a crucial role in building the texture, flavor, and undeniable appeal of this cake, making the end result absolutely worth the effort.

• 1 cup butter, room temperature: Provides the creamy base with rich flavor essential for moistness.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly to balance the peanut butter’s savory notes.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to enhance the overall taste.
• 3 eggs: Acts as a binder and gives structure to your cake layers.
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt, drained: Keeps the cake tender with a gentle tang to brighten flavors.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the body of the cake, providing the foundation for a fluffy crumb.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the cake so it rises beautifully and stays light.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances all ingredients.
• 3/4 cup Peanut Butter M&M’S, roughly chopped: Bursts of crunchy candy add excitement and texture inside the cake.
• 1 cup butter, room temperature (for frosting): Creates a silky, luscious base for the frosting.
• 2 cups creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient in the frosting, delivering that creamy peanut flavor everybody loves.
• 5 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect, spreadable consistency.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional): Whipped into the frosting for an extra light, fluffy texture if desired.

How to Make M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pans and Preheat Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans thoroughly and line them with parchment paper. This step is key to ensuring your cake layers release easily and maintain their perfect shape when baking is done.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Using a paddle attachment on low speed, beat for about 3 minutes until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and creamy. This aeration step sets the stage for a tender crumb and lifts the cake.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs

Stir in the vanilla extract carefully, then add eggs one at a time. Be sure to beat well after each egg to fully incorporate them without curdling, resulting in a smooth, rich batter ready for the next ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Yogurt and Dry Ingredients

Gently beat in the drained vanilla yogurt, which adds moisture and a subtle tang. Then, sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, adding in batches and mixing just until combined to avoid dense cake layers. This ensures your cake stays light rather than tough.

Step 5: Fold in M&M’S

Carefully fold the roughly chopped Peanut Butter M&M’S into the batter with a spatula. This step ensures the candy pieces are evenly sprinkled throughout without breaking down too much, giving bursts of candy crunch in every bite.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cakes are perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Step 7: Cool the Cake Layers

Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in their pans, resting on a wire rack. Cooling in the pans helps prevent breakage and makes it easier to handle when frosting time comes.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

Once cooled, prepare the frosting by beating butter with creamy peanut butter until smooth and luscious. This mixture forms the rich foundation for the frosting layer that will beautifully complement the cake.

Step 9: Add Powdered Sugar

Incrementally add powdered sugar to the peanut butter blend, half a cup at a time, beating gently after each addition. This gradual method keeps the frosting silky while achieving the ideal thickness for spreading and piping.

Step 10: Incorporate Heavy Cream (If Using)

If you want a lighter, fluffier frosting, add 1/4 cup heavy cream and whip with a whisk attachment on low, increasing speed gradually for about 5 minutes. This transforms the frosting into an airy cloud that melts on your tongue.

Step 11: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and, if available, fit a cake ring around it. Spread half the frosting evenly over the top, smoothing it out to create a beautiful base for the second layer.

Step 12: Add Second Layer and Frost

Gently place the second cake layer on top and press down slightly to secure. Tighten the cake ring if using, then spread the remaining frosting over the top in an even layer for a polished, professional finish.

Step 13: Decorate and Set

Finish your cake with a generous sprinkle of additional Peanut Butter M&M’S, or even mix in some classic Peanut M&M’S for more color and texture. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours to allow the frosting to set firmly before removing the ring and serving.

How to Serve M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

A few extra Peanut Butter M&M’S on top provide a vibrant, colorful garnish that elevates the cake’s look and adds delightful crunch with every forkful. For an extra indulgent touch, consider a drizzle of melted peanut butter or a scatter of chopped roasted peanuts.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Fresh berries on the side can also provide a fresh contrast, cutting through the richness in a lovely way.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by layering individual cake slices in clear dessert glasses with a spoonful of frosting or whipped cream between each piece, topped with crushed Peanut Butter M&M’S. Alternatively, a cake stand and a rustic wooden serving board can make this cake a centerpiece at any celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe keeps wonderfully covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent the frosting from drying out or absorbing other odors.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake comfortably after assembly. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the frosting’s creamy texture and the cake’s soft crumb.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is generally not necessary. If preferred, let slices sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and tenderness, but avoid microwaving as it may melt the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can use crunchy peanut butter if you love extra texture throughout the frosting, but creamy peanut butter is recommended for the smoothest, most stable frosting consistency.

Do I need to drain the yogurt before adding it?

Yes, draining the vanilla yogurt for a couple of hours removes excess moisture that could otherwise make the batter too wet, allowing the cake layers to bake up perfectly dense yet tender.

Can I substitute the Peanut Butter M&M’S with regular M&M’S or other candies?

If you want to change things up, regular M&M’S work, though you’ll lose the peanut butter flavor burst. Other candies like chopped peanuts or chocolate chips can be fun alternatives but won’t replicate the unique texture and flavor exactly.

Is the heavy cream necessary in the frosting?

The heavy cream is optional but recommended if you prefer a lighter, fluffier frosting. Without it, the frosting will be thicker and more dense but still delicious and stable for spreading and decorating.

How long does it take to chill and set the frosting on the cake?

Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 to 3 hours to ensure the frosting sets well and slices cleanly. For best results, chill overnight if possible, particularly in warmer climates.

Final Thoughts

This M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is truly a joyful, indulgent treat that invites smiles with every forkful. Packed with delightful textures and rich peanut butter goodness, it’s a showstopper for any occasion and an absolute must-bake for peanut butter lovers everywhere. Give it a try—you won’t regret bringing this vibrant, delicious cake into your kitchen and onto your dessert table.

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