If you are looking for a dessert that perfectly blends nostalgic candy fun with rich, comforting flavors, this M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a moist peanut butter cake bursting with colorful M&M’s candies in every bite, all generously covered with a luscious, creamy peanut butter frosting. It’s the kind of treat that not only delights your eyes but also brings that perfect balance of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just because you crave something joyful and indulgent, this recipe brings all those feelings to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this cake is wonderfully straightforward. Each element plays a crucial role—from the creamy peanut butter adding richness, to the M&M’s delivering playful color and texture, and the buttermilk ensuring a tender crumb. These simple, familiar ingredients come together to create a crowd-pleaser that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your cake’s soft structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise nicely and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with buttermilk to give a tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and richness without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, delivering that irresistible nutty flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Adds acidity for balanced moisture and tenderness.
- 1 cup M&M’s (plus extra for topping): These colorful candies are more than a garnish – they add playful bursts of chocolate in every slice.
How to Make M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your 8-inch round cake pan ready by greasing and lightly flouring it, or simply lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your cake will release smoothly, keeping those colorful M&M’s in place without any stress.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is vital to distribute the leavening agents evenly, so your cake rises perfectly and has a consistent texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Peanut Butter
Now, in a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter until it’s perfectly smooth. This creamy mixture sets the stage for a deeply peanutty flavor that shines through every bite.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Eggs
Beat in the granulated sugar until the mixture feels light and fluffy, giving your cake a tender lift. Then, add in the eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly before adding the next, followed by a splash of vanilla extract for that warm aromatic note.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. This careful folding helps keep your batter airy and moist. Always start and finish with the flour mixture to maintain the right balance.
Step 6: Fold in the M&M’s
Gently fold in a full cup of M&M’s candies. This not only adds delightful pockets of chocolate and color throughout the batter but also creates a fun surprise in every slice.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The house will soon be filled with the warm, inviting aroma of peanut butter and chocolate.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool fully. This step is crucial to prevent your frosting from melting when applied.
Step 9: Prepare Peanut Butter Frosting
While the cake cools, whisk together softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and a couple of tablespoons of milk until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency that will melt in your mouth.
Step 10: Frost and Decorate
Spread that luscious peanut butter frosting generously over the cooled cake, then finish off by sprinkling extra M&M’s on top. This final touch adds a festive, colorful crunch to every slice.
How to Serve M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a handful of extra M&M’s on the frosting instantly brightens the cake and adds a fun crunch. You can also consider chopped peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch that complements the peanut butter’s nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a cool glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the rich, peanut buttery flavors. For a grown-up twist, try serving slices with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut this M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe into petite squares for a colorful dessert platter or party tray. Alternatively, turn leftovers into delightful cake pops by crumbling the cake, mixing with frosting, and dipping in melted chocolate for a fun, portable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, keep the cake covered at room temperature away from direct sunlight for up to two days, or store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days to keep it fresh and moist.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and decorating. This helps maintain the cake’s texture and peanut butter flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer a slightly warm slice, gently heat individual portions in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid reheating the whole cake to preserve the frosting’s texture and overall moistness.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but keep in mind that crunchy peanut butter will add texture to your batter and frosting, which some might enjoy, but it may also affect the smoothness of the frosting.
Are there substitutions for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I use other candy instead of M&M’s?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips, chopped peanut butter cups, or even colorful sprinkles can be excellent alternatives, though they may change the texture and flavor slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for birthday parties?
Definitely. The colorful M&M’s and rich peanut butter frosting make it festive and fun, perfect for celebrations where kids and adults alike will want seconds.
How can I make the frosting less sweet?
Try adjusting the powdered sugar to your taste, or add a pinch of salt or a touch of cream cheese to balance the sweetness and add a slight tang.
Final Thoughts
Creating this M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is like bringing a slice of joy to your kitchen — bright, flavorful, and irresistibly fun. Whether for sharing with loved ones or indulging yourself, this cake promises smiles in every bite. Don’t wait to make it your new favorite; once you do, this gathering-worthy dessert will surely become a cherished tradition.
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M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a delightful, colorful treat combining the rich flavors of peanut butter and the playful crunch of M&M’s. Perfect for celebrations or a special dessert, this moist cake is topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting and extra M&M’s for a fun finish.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by greasing and flouring it, or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside to incorporate later.
- Cream butter and peanut butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add sugar and eggs: Add the granulated sugar to the butter mixture and beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture to ensure proper blending without overmixing.
- Fold in M&M’s: Carefully fold in 1 cup of M&M’s, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: While the cake is cooling, beat together 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost and decorate: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Top with extra M&M’s for a colorful, fun finish.
Notes
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute the buttermilk with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a quick substitute.
- For a crunchier texture, gently toast the M&M’s before folding them into the batter.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
