Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting cake combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter in both the cake and frosting for an unforgettable dessert experience. The cake features a tender, moist crumb that’s perfectly complemented by a silky-smooth peanut butter frosting. Easy to make and even easier to serve, this crowd-pleasing cake is perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a delicious, peanut butter-packed treat.
Irresistible Peanut Butter Sheet Cake: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic
Why This Recipe Deserves Your Attention
In the world of desserts, few combinations are as beloved and satisfying as peanut butter on peanut butter. This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a celebration of this timeless flavor, elevated to new heights through a perfectly balanced recipe that delivers both in texture and taste. What sets this cake apart is its unique ability to remain incredibly moist while maintaining a tender crumb structure that melts in your mouth.
Recipe Introduction: Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
The beauty of this sheet cake lies in its versatility and practicality. Unlike layer cakes that can be intimidating to assemble, this single-layer masterpiece requires no complex stacking or decorating skills, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned professionals. The recipe has been carefully crafted to achieve the perfect peanut butter intensity – pronounced enough to satisfy devoted peanut butter lovers, yet balanced enough to appeal to a broader audience.
This cake isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating moments of joy around the table. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, bringing it to a potluck, or simply treating your family to a special dessert, its generous size ensures there’s plenty to go around. The frosting, with its creamy texture and rich peanut butter flavor, creates an irresistible finishing touch that transforms this humble sheet cake into something truly memorable.
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (wrap unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil)
Summary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 24 pieces
- Pan Size: 9×13 inch
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Large mixing bowls
- Medium bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula for frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups buttermilk, room temperature
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients (3 additions of dry, 2 of buttermilk).
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely in pan on a wire rack before frosting.
For the Frosting:
- Beat butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream.
- Beat in vanilla extract and salt.
- Continue beating until frosting is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results
- Natural peanut butter is not recommended; use conventional creamy peanut butter
- If frosting is too thick, add more cream 1 tablespoon at a time
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips on top
- Can be made dairy-free by using plant-based butter and milk alternatives
- Reduce sugar in frosting by up to ½ cup if desired
- Allow cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
- For easier cutting, refrigerate cake for 30 minutes after frosting