If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s comforting, rich, and downright addictive, the Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This cake combines the irresistible creamy texture of peanut butter with a moist, fluffy crumb, all baked into a simple sheet cake that’s perfect for any occasion. From casual family get-togethers to special celebrations, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that balances sweetness and nutty goodness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing together the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and richness that makes this cake so unforgettable.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure, giving the cake its tender crumb.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to complement the peanut butter’s earthiness.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture for a luscious texture.
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter: The star ingredient that delivers that classic, nutty flavor sensation.
- 3 large eggs: Bind everything together and add extra moisture.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender, ensuring a soft cake.
- For the frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar, ½ cup peanut butter, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), and 2 tbsp milk to create a luscious peanut butter frosting that crowns this dessert perfectly.
How to Make Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure your cake comes out without sticking. Taking care at this step means a smooth removal later and a perfect presentation.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt, so your cake will rise evenly and have consistent flavor throughout.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step blends the rich fats and nutty undertones perfectly, creating the base for a tender cake texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow up by mixing in the milk. This creates a smooth batter and ensures the liquids and fats emulsify properly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here – a few lumps are okay! This guarantees a light, fluffy cake instead of a dense, tough one.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to frosting — the patience here will reward you with a smooth finish.
Step 7: Prepare and Spread the Frosting
Whip together powdered sugar, peanut butter, softened butter, and milk until the frosting is creamy and smooth. Spread it generously over the cooled cake for that irresistible, peanut buttery glaze that ties everything together.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Top your cake with a handful of chopped peanuts or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for a delightful crunch and added texture. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds an elegant touch and deeper flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you want to balance the richness, a simple mixed berry salad can offer a refreshing burst of tartness that brightens the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve on decorative platters during parties, or stack layers separated by a thin spread of jelly for a playful peanut butter and jelly themed twist. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment paper tied with twine makes adorable, portable treats for picnics or gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresher longer, refrigeration is a good option, as it will stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze both unfrosted and frosted Peanut Butter Sheet Cake. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw uncovered in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer a slightly warmed slice, heat individual servings in the microwave for about 15 seconds, just enough to soften the peanut butter frosting and bring out that fresh-baked aroma. Be careful not to overheat, so you don’t lose the cake’s moist texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds delightful texture and extra nutty bits in the cake and frosting, but creamy peanut butter will give you a smoother finish. Either choice works beautifully in this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Recipe.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for texture, and expect a slightly different crumb, but still delicious.
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Natural peanut butter works fine, but keep in mind it’s usually less sweet and can separate. Stir it well before measuring. You might want to slightly adjust sugar levels if you prefer a sweeter cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. Also, the edges should start pulling away from the pan, and the top will be lightly golden.
Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
You can, but baking time will change. A smaller pan will make a thicker cake and need more time to bake; a larger pan will cook faster and produce a thinner cake. Adjust accordingly and start checking for doneness earlier or later as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Recipe is the perfect slice of comfort, combining simple ingredients with a heavenly peanut butter flavor that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this cake promises smiles and satisfied taste buds every time. So go ahead, whip up a batch and enjoy a little sweet joy that’s guaranteed to become one of your favorites!
Print
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is a rich and moist dessert featuring a fluffy peanut butter-enhanced batter baked to perfection and topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfect for gatherings, this cake combines the nutty flavor of peanut butter with the classic comfort of a sheet cake, making it an irresistible treat for peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This creates the dry base for the cake batter.
- Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and peanut butter together until the mixture is fluffy and smooth, ensuring the fats are well combined for a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Milk: Beat in the eggs one at a time into the peanut butter mixture, followed by the milk. Mix until all wet ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan and spread it out smoothly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, blend together the powdered sugar, peanut butter, softened butter, and milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, evenly spread the peanut butter frosting over the top using a spatula, covering the entire surface.
- Serve: Slice the cake into approximately 12 servings and enjoy this moist, flavorful peanut butter treat.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture or crunchy peanut butter for added crunch.
- Make sure both the butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve the best mixing results.
- Do not overmix batter once dry ingredients are added to prevent a dense cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid a runny or melted frosting.
- You can store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
