Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is a peanut butter lover’s dream! The rich, moist cake base is packed with creamy peanut butter and cocoa powder, while the M&M’s add a fun crunch and sweetness to every bite. Topped with a velvety peanut butter frosting, this cake is the perfect balance of rich, sweet, and creamy. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress at any gathering!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190 g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (100 g)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (125 g)
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (180 ml)
- ½ cup milk (120 ml)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup M&M’s (170 g)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (250 g)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (460 g)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
- ¼ cup milk (60 ml)
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine peanut butter, vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
- Add the M&M’s: Gently fold in the M&M’s, reserving a few for decoration.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust consistency: Gradually add milk until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Assembling the Cake:
- Frost the cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer.
- Stack the layers: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Decorate: Decorate the top of the cake with the reserved M&M’s for a fun and colorful touch.
Servings and Timing
Yield: 12 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Notes
- Flour measurement: For accuracy, make sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. This prevents the cake from being too dense.
- Storing the cake: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations
- Chocolate Frosting: If you’re craving even more chocolate, try using a chocolate frosting instead of peanut butter frosting.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips into the cake batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Decorative Topping: You can also top the cake with additional crushed M&M’s or drizzle with melted peanut butter for a fun finishing touch.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for a different texture. Keep in mind that it will add some crunch to the cake and frosting, which may change the overall feel of the cake.
2. Can I use almond butter or another nut butter?
Yes, you can substitute almond butter or another nut butter. Just note that the flavor will vary from the traditional peanut butter taste, but it will still be delicious.
3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure that the rest of the ingredients, such as the baking soda and cocoa powder, are also gluten-free.
4. Can I make the frosting in advance?
Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and beat it again to smooth it out.
5. How should I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for longer, refrigerate it, but be aware that refrigeration can cause the cake to dry out.
6. Can I make this cake in a single layer?
Yes, you can bake the batter in one large 9-inch cake pan instead of two, but the baking time will vary. Keep an eye on the cake and test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It may take a little longer than the original time.
7. Can I add other mix-ins to the cake?
Absolutely! You can add in chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips to enhance the flavor and texture of the cake.
8. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of peanut butter frosting, you can use a chocolate frosting, cream cheese frosting, or even whipped cream frosting for a lighter option.
9. Is there a substitute for M&M’s?
If you prefer, you can swap M&M’s for other types of candy-coated chocolates or even use chopped chocolate for a more decadent treat.
10. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers ahead of time. Bake and cool them, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days before frosting and serving.
Conclusion
This M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is the perfect combination of creamy, rich, and sweet. The addition of M&M’s makes it even more fun and exciting, while the peanut butter frosting ties it all together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet indulgence, this cake will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy the delicious flavors of peanut butter in every bite!
M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Indulge in the ultimate dessert for peanut butter lovers with this M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting! A rich, moist peanut butter cake topped with creamy peanut butter frosting and crunchy M&M’s creates the perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert, Cake, Peanut Butter
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190 g)
1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
½ cup packed brown sugar (100 g)
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75 g)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup creamy peanut butter (125 g)
¾ cup vegetable oil (180 ml)
½ cup milk (120 ml)
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup M&M’s (170 g)
For the Frosting:
1 cup creamy peanut butter (250 g)
4 cups powdered sugar (460 g)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
¼ cup milk (60 ml)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
-
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
-
Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine peanut butter, vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
-
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
-
Add the M&M’s: Gently fold in the M&M’s, reserving a few for decoration.
-
Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
-
Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
-
Adjust consistency: Gradually add milk until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Assembling the Cake:
-
Frost the cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer.
-
Stack the layers: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
-
Decorate: Decorate the top of the cake with the reserved M&M’s for a fun and colorful touch.
Notes
Flour measurement: For accuracy, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid a dense cake.
Storing the cake: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
