Description
This delicious M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert combining the richness of peanut butter with the colorful crunch of Peanut Butter M&M’S. The cake layers are lightened with vanilla yogurt and frosted with a creamy peanut butter frosting, making it a perfect treat for celebrations or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt, drained for a couple of hours in the fridge
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup Peanut Butter M&M’S, roughly chopped
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, see notes)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pans and Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round baking pans with parchment paper. Set aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, add the butter and sugar. Using a paddle attachment, beat on low speed until the mixture becomes light and creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Blend in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Combine Yogurt and Dry Ingredients: Beat in the drained vanilla yogurt. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt in two or three batches, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- Fold in M&M’S: Using a spatula, gently fold in the roughly chopped Peanut Butter M&M’S until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake Layers: Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans on a wire rack to ensure easy handling.
- Prepare the Frosting: Once the cake layers are cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth using a paddle attachment.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating gently after each addition until all sugar is incorporated and the frosting is creamy and thick.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream (If Using): If you have a cake ring, add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the frosting. Switch to a whisk attachment and whip on low, increasing speed gradually for 5 minutes to achieve a lighter, fluffier frosting.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter and fit a cake ring around it if available. Spread half of the frosting evenly over the first layer.
- Add Second Layer and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top, pressing down gently. If using a cake ring, tighten it as needed. Spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top.
- Decorate and Set: Finish the cake with additional Peanut Butter M&M’S, Peanut M&M’S, or a mixture of both for extra color and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake in the ring for at least 2–3 hours to set the frosting before carefully removing the ring and serving.
Notes
- Drain the vanilla yogurt for a couple of hours in the fridge to remove excess moisture, which helps maintain cake texture.
- If you prefer a lighter frosting, whipping in heavy cream enhances texture, but it’s optional.
- The cake can be decorated with additional Peanut Butter M&M’S or a combination of Peanut Butter and plain Peanut M&M’S for added color and crunch.
- Refrigeration after assembly helps the frosting set properly for clean slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
