Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting 🥜🍰

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about peanut butter desserts. They evoke childhood memories of sticky fingers and carefree afternoons spent devouring creamy, nutty treats. Recently, I decided to make a Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting for a family gathering, and the results were nothing short of magical. As I pulled the warm cake from the oven, the aroma of peanut butter wafted through the kitchen, drawing everyone in. The cake was rich and moist, topped with a velvety peanut butter frosting that left everyone wanting more. If you’re a peanut butter lover, this cake is destined to become your new favorite!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup softened butter
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

For the Frosting:

• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup softened butter
• 2+ tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.

Prepare the Cake

1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until well combined.
2. Add the eggs, cake mix, and water to the mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well blended.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting

1. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture is well incorporated.
2. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
3. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon or more of milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Frost the Cake

• Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.

Serve

• Slice the cake into squares and enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12-15
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 kcal
• Total Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 28g
• Protein: 6g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes + cooling time

How to Serve

• Cut into squares: Use a sharp knife to slice the cake into equal portions.
• Garnish: Consider adding crushed peanuts or a drizzle of chocolate on top for extra flair.
• Pair with beverages: This cake pairs well with milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Additional Tips

1. Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
2. Avoid overmixing: Mix until just combined to prevent a dense cake.
3. Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the confectioners’ sugar slightly.
4. Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep the cake moist.
5. Peanut butter preference: For a more intense peanut butter flavor, use crunchy peanut butter in the frosting.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Substitute the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix for a chocolate-peanut butter combo.
• Nut-Free Option: Use sun butter or another nut-free spread for a similar taste without the nuts.
• Add-ins: Consider folding in mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts into the cake batter for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• For special occasions, garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh berries for an elegant touch.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

• Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Just frost it before serving.

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?

• Yes, but natural peanut butter may alter the texture slightly. It may be less creamy.

1. What can I use if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?

• You can use two 9-inch round pans or a bundt pan; just adjust the baking time accordingly.

1. Can I reduce the sugar in the frosting?

• Yes, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste.

1. Is this cake suitable for children?

• Absolutely! It’s a fun and delicious treat that kids will love.

1. Can I add chocolate to the frosting?

• Yes, you can mix in cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a chocolate-peanut butter frosting.

1. How should I store leftovers?

• Keep the cake covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator for freshness.

1. What is the best way to slice a sheet cake?

• Use a sharp, serrated knife and cleanly slice down through the cake.

1. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

• A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

1. Can I use other cake mixes?
   • Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mixes, such as chocolate or vanilla.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is not only an easy dessert to whip up, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its moist texture and rich, creamy frosting make it an indulgent treat that can brighten any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or just treating yourself, this cake will leave you and your guests smiling. Give it a try, and you may just find it becomes a staple in your dessert repertoire! Enjoy! 😋

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