If you’re the kind of person who heads straight for the peanut butter and chocolate combo, this M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is going to be your sweet spot. It’s soft, rich, and dotted with colorful peanut M&M’s for that perfect mix of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

I made this cake for a birthday party once, and it barely lasted five minutes. The peanut butter cake itself is tender and full of flavor—not overly sweet—so the candy-coated M&M’s really pop. And the frosting? It’s creamy, smooth, and loaded with peanut butter, giving every bite that nostalgic, crave-worthy finish.

This is the kind of cake that feels playful and homemade, but still has enough wow factor for a celebration. You can make it as a single-layer sheet cake, stack it for something fancier, or even turn it into cupcakes for parties.

Whether you’re baking for kids, adults, or anyone who loves peanut butter as much as I do, this cake delivers on all fronts. Let’s get to the fun part—baking it.

Why You’ll Love This M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

If you are looking for a dessert that is not only delightful to the palate but also a feast for the eyes, then this M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is just what you need. Imagine two layers of rich, moist peanut butter cake smothered in creamy peanut butter frosting, and topped with colorful mini M&M’s. This dessert brings joy not only with its taste but also with its vibrant appearance, making it perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration.

But the love doesn’t stop there. This cake hits all the right notes: it’s sweet, salty, and utterly comforting. Whether you are a peanut butter lover or someone looking to impress guests, this recipe will amaze everyone. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to make this delicious cake, share some helpful tips, and provide storage advice to keep your cake fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need for M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting:

Essential Ingredients

230g (1 cup / 2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
This helps create a light and fluffy texture in your cake.
180g (1 cup) brown sugar
Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the cake.
100g (1/2 cup) caster or granulated sugar
For sweetness and a lovely texture.
250g (1 cup) smooth peanut butter (Skippy or Jif recommended)
The star ingredient, providing that rich peanut flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
3 large eggs, at room temperature
Creates structure and stability in the cake.
2 teaspoons baking powder
Helps the cake rise.
1/4 teaspoon salt
Balances the sweetness.
315g (2 and 1/4 cups) all-purpose (plain) flour
The foundation of our cake.
240ml (1 cup) full-fat (whole) milk
Keeps the cake moist.

For the Peanut Butter Frosting

115g (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
For a creamy base for the frosting.
150g (1 cup) good-quality milk chocolate, melted
Adds richness to the frosting.
375g (3 cups) icing (powdered) sugar, sifted
Essential for the sweetness and texture of the frosting.
2-3 tablespoons full-fat (whole) milk, at room temperature
Adjusts the consistency of the frosting.
1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter
Amping up the peanut butter flavor in the frosting.
180g (1 cup) mini M&M’s
For a colorful and fun topping.

Optional Add-Ons

Chocolate chips: You can add them into the batter for an extra chocolate punch.
Chopped nuts: If you want extra crunch, chopped peanuts would complement the flavors beautifully.

How to Make M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While it’s heating, grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This ensures your cake comes out perfectly without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once it’s fluffy, mix in smooth peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scraping down the sides of the bowl helps ensure everything is blended evenly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important as whisking helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour.

Step 5: Alternate Dry with Milk

Now, it’s time to mix the dry ingredients with the fluff mixture. Start by adding half of the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, followed by half of the milk. Then repeat with the remaining flour and milk. Stir until everything is just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can make the cake dense.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s). Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

While the cake is cooling, in a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s smooth. Add the melted chocolate and peanut butter, mixing on a low speed until combined. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, alternating with the milk, until the frosting reaches a creamy and spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting generously over the top of the cake. If you’ve baked two layers, you can spread frosting between the layers as well. Finally, top the cake with mini M&M’s, gently pressing them into the frosting for a beautiful finish.

Serving Suggestions for M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

This cake is wonderfully versatile for serving. Here are a few ideas:

Slice and serve: Perfect for birthday parties or casual get-togethers.
Pair with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the peanut butter flavor beautifully.
Coffee time: Serve slices alongside coffee for a delicious afternoon break.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to prevent a tough cake.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, and using an oven thermometer can help ensure your cake bakes evenly.
Cool Completely: Always cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting
Sifting is Key: Sifting your icing sugar before adding it to the frosting will give you a smoother texture.

Easy Variations for M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake

If you want to change things up, here are a few variations you can try:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Use chocolate peanut butter and add cocoa powder to the cake batter.
Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped peanuts into the cake for added crunch.
Marshmallow Filling: Add a layer of marshmallow fluff between the cake layers for a classic combination.

Storage Tips for M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake

To keep your cake fresh:

Room Temperature: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: If you want it to last longer, keep the cake in the fridge. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake before frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it can last up to three months. Frost when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that everyone can enjoy. With its moist peanut butter cake and rich frosting topped with colorful M&M’s, it is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just because you need a treat, this cake is bound to bring smiles all around. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and share your creations!

FAQs About M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, but it will change the texture of the cake slightly. The crunchiness will add a nice dimension.
How can I make my cake more chocolatey?
You can add cocoa powder to the cake batter or use chocolate frosting instead of peanut butter frosting.
What if I don’t have peanut butter?
You can substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter, but the flavor will vary.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake, wrap it well, and store it in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to frost and serve.
How should I store leftover cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

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M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting

Why You’ll Love This M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting