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

Short Description

M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a rich, moist cake bursting with peanut butter flavor and colorful M&M’s throughout. Topped with a creamy, fluffy peanut butter frosting, this cake is the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and indulgent!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Loaded with peanut butter flavor in both the cake and frosting
  • M&M’s add a fun, colorful crunch to every bite
  • Moist and fluffy texture that stays fresh for days
  • Perfect for birthdays, parties, or peanut butter lovers
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients
M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting 10 M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a rich, moist cake bursting with peanut butter flavor and colorful M&M’s throughout. Topped with a creamy, fluffy peanut butter frosting, this cake is the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you're craving something sweet and indulgent!


Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Peanut Butter Cake:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Peanut butter (creamy)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Buttermilk
  • M&M’s (Peanut Butter or Regular)

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Peanut butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk or heavy cream (as needed)
  • Extra M&M’s for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare Pans

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.

2. Make the Cake Batter

  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
  • Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
  • Fold in M&M’s gently.

3. Bake the Cake

  • Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cakes cool completely before frosting.

4. Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

  • Beat butter and peanut butter until smooth.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until creamy.
  • Add vanilla and milk (if needed) to reach the desired consistency.

5. Assemble & Decorate

  • Spread frosting between the cake layers and over the top and sides.
  • Decorate with extra M&M’s and serve!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12-16 slices
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the batter.
  • Cupcakes Version: Bake in muffin tins for 18-20 minutes.
  • Extra Crunch: Use crunchy peanut butter or add chopped peanuts.
  • Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel over the frosting.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting 11 M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a rich, moist cake bursting with peanut butter flavor and colorful M&M’s throughout. Topped with a creamy, fluffy peanut butter frosting, this cake is the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you're craving something sweet and indulgent!


FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

No, natural peanut butter may separate and change the texture.

How do I prevent M&M’s from sinking?

Coat them lightly in flour before folding into the batter.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost before serving.

What frosting pairs best with this cake?

Peanut butter frosting is ideal, but chocolate or cream cheese frosting also work well.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! It will add a nice texture to the cake.

How do I make the frosting fluffier?

Beat the frosting longer and add extra milk or heavy cream for a lighter texture.

Can I use other types of M&M’s?

Yes! Peanut M&M’s, mini M&M’s, or crispy M&M’s all work.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Yes! Reduce the baking time to 18-20 minutes.

Can I make this a sheet cake instead?

Yes! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan for 30-35 minutes.

Conclusion

M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a fun and delicious dessert that combines the creaminess of peanut butter with the crunch of M&M’s. Whether for a party, special occasion, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and enjoy every peanut buttery bite!

Print
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M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

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

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  • Author: Kim Cooks Easy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking

Description

This M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake is a dream for peanut butter lovers! It’s a soft, moist peanut butter cake packed with colorful M&M’s and topped with a rich, creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfect for birthdays, parties, or whenever you need a sweet, peanut buttery treat!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Peanut Butter Cake:
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
  • For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Make the Cake:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan (or two 8-inch round pans for a layer cake).
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  • Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
  • Alternate wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Fold in M&M’s: Gently stir in M&M’s.
  • Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
  • Make the Peanut Butter Frosting:
  • Beat butter and peanut butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter and peanut butter until smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar: Gradually beat in powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until light and fluffy.
  • Mix in vanilla and salt: Beat in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with more cream if needed.
  • Assemble the Cake:
  • Frost the cake: Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  • Decorate: Sprinkle extra M&M’s on top for a colorful finish.
  • Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra crunch, use crunchy peanut butter.
  • For a layered cake, bake in two 8-inch round pans and stack with frosting in between.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Want a drizzle? Add a chocolate ganache drizzle on top for extra indulgence.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 45g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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