Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried a peanut butter sheet cake with peanut butter frosting, you’re in for a real treat! This cake is like a warm hug from the inside out—moist, fluffy, and bursting with that rich, nutty flavor we all adore. The creamy frosting on top? It’s like the icing on the cake, literally! I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; I could barely keep my family away from the kitchen while it was cooling. Everyone was hovering like bees around honey, and I couldn’t blame them! The smell wafting through the house was intoxicating. It’s easy to whip up and perfect for sharing (or hoarding all to yourself, no judgment here!). Seriously, whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic or just looking for a delightful dessert to impress, this cake is your answer. Trust me, it’ll become a favorite in no time!
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 2 cups sugar: Granulated sugar works perfectly to sweeten this cake!
- 1 cup peanut butter: Use your favorite creamy or crunchy peanut butter for a deliciously nutty flavor.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk is great for moisture, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: This keeps the cake moist and tender—trust me, it’s essential!
- 4 large eggs: These will help bind everything together and add richness.
- 2 tsp baking powder: This is the magic that makes the cake rise beautifully!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor, making it even more delightful.
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! You want it nice and toasty at 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key because it helps the cake rise evenly and gives you that perfect fluffy texture. So, don’t skip this step!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. I like to whisk them together until it’s all well combined—it’s like giving your dry ingredients a little spa day! This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is super important for a lovely rise.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s bring in the wet ingredients! Add in the peanut butter, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs into the dry mixture. I use a hand mixer for this part because it really helps to blend everything together smoothly. Mix until you have a lovely, creamy batter—trust me, the smell is already heavenly!
Prepare the Sheet Pan
Grab your sheet pan and give it a good greasing with butter or cooking spray. This step is crucial to ensure your cake slides out easily once it’s baked. Then, pour that delicious batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly. You want every corner filled with that peanut butter goodness!
Bake and Cool the Cake
Time to bake! Pop the pan in the oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. I always set a timer to check for doneness with a toothpick—just poke it in the center, and if it comes out clean, your cake is ready! Once it’s done, let it cool completely in the pan. This cooling time is super important because frosting a warm cake can lead to a melty mess!
Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
While the cake cools, let’s whip up that dreamy peanut butter frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar. You want it to be smooth and creamy. If it feels a bit thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Taste it—oh wow, it’s so good!
Frost the Cake
Once your cake is completely cool, it’s time to frost! Spread that luscious peanut butter frosting evenly over the top of the cake with a spatula. Don’t worry about making it perfect; a little rustic charm adds character! Just make sure every bite gets a bit of that frosting magic.
Serve
Finally, slice up your masterpiece and serve it to your eager friends and family (or keep it all to yourself, no judgment!). This cake is best enjoyed fresh, and I promise, it won’t last long on the table. Enjoy every bite of that peanut butter bliss!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know we all love a delicious treat, but it’s also good to be aware of what’s in it! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect for each slice of this delectable peanut butter sheet cake with peanut butter frosting:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 6g
So there you have it! Enjoy this delightful cake knowing you’re treating yourself to something special. Just remember, moderation is key, and you can always share to spread the joy (and the calories) around!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This peanut butter sheet cake comes together in no time, making it perfect for those busy days when you still want to impress!
- Rich, Satisfying Flavors: The combination of peanut butter and creamy frosting creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Perfect for Gatherings: With generous servings, this cake is ideal for parties, potlucks, or family get-togethers—everyone will want a slice!
- Versatile Texture: Moist and fluffy, this cake has the perfect balance that makes each bite feel like a delightful treat.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in chocolate chips or nuts for an extra twist—make it your own!
- Easy to Store: Leftovers (if there are any!) can be easily stored, allowing you to enjoy this deliciousness for days.
Tips for Success with Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Let’s make sure your peanut butter sheet cake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that have made all the difference for me:
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale if you have one—it can be a game changer!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, let your eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more easily into the batter for that smooth texture we love!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Remember to check your cake a few minutes before the timer goes off. Every oven is a little different, and you don’t want to overbake it! A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Let your cake cool completely before frosting it. If you frost it while it’s warm, you’ll end up with a gooey mess—the frosting will just melt away!
- Frosting Consistency: If your frosting seems too thick, add a tiny splash of milk to make it spreadable. If it’s too thin, a little more powdered sugar will do the trick. You want that perfect creamy spreadability!
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness. This cake can also be frozen, so if you want to save some for later, just wrap it up tightly!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a peanut butter sheet cake that has everyone asking for the recipe! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about keeping that delicious peanut butter sheet cake fresh! If you find yourself with any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occurrence!), simply store them in an airtight container. This helps to keep the cake moist and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors from your fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but I doubt it’ll last that long!
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cake too! Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze individual slices or the whole cake—whatever works best for you! It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to indulge again, simply transfer the frozen cake to the fridge to thaw overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. No need to reheat it—this cake is just as delightful served chilled or at room temperature. Just add a little more frosting if you like, and enjoy that peanut butter goodness all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works great, but keep in mind it might give the cake a slightly different texture and flavor. If you go this route, just make sure to stir it well before measuring, as it can separate.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using unsweetened applesauce—1/4 cup per egg works well! You can also use flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg). Both options will keep your cake moist and delicious!
How can I make this cake chocolate-flavored?
Oh, chocolate lovers rejoice! You can easily turn this peanut butter sheet cake into a chocolate delight by adding 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You might want to reduce the flour by a couple of tablespoons to maintain the right texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This cake is perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just keep it covered at room temperature until you’re ready to serve. If you frost it ahead of time, I recommend storing it in the fridge to keep the frosting nice and fresh.
What’s the best way to decorate this cake?
While the peanut butter frosting is already a star, you can add some fun toppings like chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. It adds a lovely touch and makes it look even more irresistible!
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting: 7 Comforting Joys
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peanut butter sheet cake topped with creamy peanut butter frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add peanut butter, milk, oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased sheet pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- For frosting, beat together peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This cake can be frozen for later use.
- Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: peanut butter sheet cake, peanut butter frosting, dessert recipe