This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is a sumptuous treat that combines the rich, savory flavor of peanut butter with the sweet, comforting base of a classic yellow cake. The luscious peanut butter frosting and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts crown this delightful dessert, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for a casual gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a weekday dessert, this cake promises to deliver both excellent taste and texture.
Crafting this cake involves a straightforward process that yields professional-level results, even for novice bakers. The use of high-quality ingredients like premium peanut butter and a reliable cake mix is key to enhancing the flavor profile of this dessert. With its perfectly moist base and richly flavored topping, this sheet cake serves as an excellent canvas for the creamy peanut butter frosting, providing a satisfying contrast with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: The intense peanut butter flavor is a dream for peanut butter lovers, offering a deep, satisfying taste.
- Easy to Make: Simple, step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for All Occasions: This versatile cake is ideal for parties, potlucks, or as a special treat for peanut butter aficionados.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- ½ cup salted butter, cut into 4 pieces
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup milk (from whole to skim)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 box yellow cake mix (Duncan Hines recommended)
- ⅓ cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- ½ cup salted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar
Instructions:
Preheat Your Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 15×10-inch sheet pan or a 13×9-inch baking pan to ensure easy removal of the cake.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Batter:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, peanut butter, and milk. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute until the butter melts. Stir until smooth.
- Stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
Incorporate the Eggs:
- Beat the eggs lightly right in the bowl with the peanut butter mixture until well combined.
Add the Cake Mix:
- Gradually add the yellow cake mix, mixing thoroughly until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Transfer to Baking Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
Baking Instructions:
- Bake in the preheated oven. The baking time will depend on the size of the pan:
- 15×10-inch pan: 13-15 minutes.
- 13×9-inch pan: 19-21 minutes.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean.
Cool the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting:
- For the frosting, combine the butter, peanut butter, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter and peanut butter are melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Frost and Finish:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts for texture and presentation.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the cake stand at room temperature for one hour or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for the frosting to set before slicing.
- Cut into 24 slices and serve.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
Tips:
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality peanut butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Uniform Slices: Use a hot, clean knife for slicing to get neat, beautiful pieces.
This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a joy to prepare, promising a delectable dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!
