This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a decadent dessert that peanut butter lovers will adore. The cake is rich, moist, and packed with peanut butter flavor, topped with a creamy and smooth peanut butter frosting that perfectly complements the cake. Ideal for gatherings or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this sheet cake is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 2: Prepare the Frosting
- Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, beat 2 sticks of softened butter and 3/4 cup of peanut butter together until light and fluffy.
- Add Confectioners’ Sugar: Gradually add 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar, beating on low speed until the sugar is fully incorporated.
- Add Milk and Pudding Mix: Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add 2 tablespoons of instant vanilla pudding mix and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Frost the Cake
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into squares and serve. This cake is rich and indulgent, perfect for peanut butter lovers!
Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Smooth Frosting: For the smoothest frosting, ensure your butter is fully softened before beating it with the peanut butter. This will help avoid lumps and create a creamy texture.
- Pudding Mix: The addition of instant vanilla pudding mix in the frosting adds a slight vanilla flavor and helps thicken the frosting, giving it a luxurious texture.
Variations
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate peanut butter sheet cake. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate over the frosting for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Frosting: Use crunchy peanut butter in the frosting for added texture and a nutty crunch with every bite.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake: Spread a thin layer of your favorite jelly or jam over the cooled cake before frosting it. This adds a fun twist and brings in that classic peanut butter and jelly flavor.
This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is an easy yet incredibly delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a party or just to satisfy a peanut butter craving, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of the moist peanut butter cake with the rich, creamy frosting is irresistible, making it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy this delightful cake with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgence!
