If you’re craving a cake that combines rich peanut butter flavor with the playful crunch and burst of color from candy, then the M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is going to be your new favorite celebration treat! This cake bakes up moist and tender, studded with Peanut Butter M&M’S that add just the right hint of chocolate and peanut crunch in every bite. Topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting that’s creamy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying, this dessert is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether it’s for a birthday, a fun weekend bake, or just because, this recipe brings a smile with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is both straightforward and essential, as each one plays a vital role in delivering the cake’s unbeatable flavor and texture. From the creamy peanut butter and fresh butter that bring richness, to the vibrant Peanut Butter M&M’S that lend exciting pops of flavor, your taste buds are in for a treat.
- Butter (1 cup, room temperature): Provides a smooth, creamy base for both cake and frosting, ensuring tenderness and taste.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the peanut butter flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth that complements the peanut butter’s nuttiness.
- Eggs (3): Bind ingredients together while adding moisture and structure.
- Vanilla yogurt (1 cup, drained): Keeps the cake moist and tender with a hint of tanginess.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the cake’s sturdy yet soft crumb.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
- Peanut Butter M&M’S (3/4 cup, roughly chopped): Bursts of chocolate and peanut candy mixed right into the batter for vibrant texture.
- Creamy peanut butter (2 cups): The star ingredient for a frosting that’s silky and rich.
- Powdered sugar (5 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting into a luscious spread.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup, optional): Whipped into the frosting to create a fluffy, airy finish.
How to Make M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Baking Pans and Preheat Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round baking pans with parchment paper. Setting this up now makes transferring the cakes super easy after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together on low speed using a paddle attachment. Beat for about 3 minutes until the mixture turns light and creamy—this step ensures your cake will be tender and well aerated.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Add the vanilla extract, then incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This slow mixing helps create a smooth, homogeneous batter full of flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Combine Yogurt and Dry Ingredients
Beat in the drained vanilla yogurt carefully. Then, gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt in two or three additions, mixing just until combined. Gentle mixing helps avoid a dense cake and keeps it light and fluffy.
Step 5: Fold in M&M’S
Using a spatula, gently fold in the roughly chopped Peanut Butter M&M’S to distribute them evenly without breaking them down too much. These candies add delightful bursts of color and candy-peanut crunch throughout your cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. When done, let the cakes cool completely in their pans on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
Beat 1 cup of softened butter together with the creamy peanut butter until smooth and silky. Gradually add powdered sugar, half a cup at a time, mixing gently until fully combined. If desired, whip in heavy cream using a whisk attachment for about 5 minutes to achieve a light, fluffy consistency.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving platter. Spread half the frosting evenly over the top. Add the second layer, pressing it gently down, and frost with the remaining peanut butter frosting. Garnish with extra Peanut Butter M&M’S to add a final dazzling touch.
How to Serve M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Extra Peanut Butter M&M’S on top are perfect for adding pops of color and a fun crunch that complements the creamy frosting. You can also sprinkle chopped peanuts or drizzle a little melted peanut butter for a gourmet touch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with simple sides such as vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced bananas. These fresh accompaniments balance the richness of the cake and frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the cake in slices on rustic wooden boards surrounded by jars of extra Peanut Butter M&M’S and peanut butter cups. You could also create mini versions in cupcake form to showcase this recipe at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, keep the cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate to extend freshness for up to five days. The frosting stays creamy and delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then foil for up to three months. Thaw completely, then frost just before serving to enjoy the M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe fresh.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature. If refrigerated, let slices sit out for 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance flavors. Avoid microwaving as peanut butter frosting can separate when overheated.
FAQs
Can I use regular M&M’S instead of Peanut Butter M&M’S?
Absolutely, but keep in mind that regular M&M’S will give you less peanut flavor and more chocolate crunch. The Peanut Butter M&M’S add a distinct peanutty twist that’s central to this cake’s identity.
Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy butter and yogurt with plant-based alternatives, such as vegan butter and coconut yogurt. Just be sure to pick versions that are unsweetened and similar in texture for best results.
How do I prevent the M&M’S from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
Chilling the batter slightly before folding in candies and then folding them in gently helps keep the M&M’S suspended in the batter while baking.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. You may need to add a little xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it, to maintain structure.
What if I don’t have heavy cream for the frosting?
The heavy cream is optional and mainly used to lighten the frosting. If you don’t have it, the frosting will still be delicious—just a bit denser and richer.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those cakes that not only tastes like a little party on your palate but also brings a big smile to anyone lucky enough to have a slice. Perfect for sharing with friends, family, or as a special everyday treat, this cake is a fun and satisfying way to celebrate peanut butter and candy lovers alike. Happy baking!
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M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a delightful and colorful dessert that combines a moist vanilla yogurt cake studded with crunchy, peanutty M&M’S and topped with a rich, creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any occasion that calls for a festive, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt, drained in fridge for a couple of hours
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup Peanut Butter M&M’S, roughly chopped
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pans and Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round baking pans with parchment paper, then set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar with a paddle attachment on low speed until light and creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Blend in the vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each to create a smooth batter.
- Combine Yogurt and Dry Ingredients: Beat in the drained vanilla yogurt. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt in two or three batches, mixing just until combined, avoiding over-mixing.
- Fold in M&M’S: Gently fold the roughly chopped Peanut Butter M&M’S into the batter using a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 22–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake Layers: Remove cakes from oven and cool completely in pans on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat together butter and creamy peanut butter with a paddle attachment until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating gently after each addition until creamy and thick.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream (If Using): Add 1/4 cup heavy cream. Using a whisk attachment, whip on low gradually increasing speed for 5 minutes to achieve a lighter, fluffier frosting.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter and a cake ring if available. Spread half the frosting evenly over it.
- Add Second Layer and Frost: Place the second layer on top, pressing gently. Tighten ring if used. Spread the remaining frosting on top evenly.
- Decorate and Set: Decorate with additional Peanut Butter M&M’S or a mixture of peanut M&M’S for extra color and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2–3 hours to set the frosting, then carefully remove the ring and serve.
Notes
- Drain yogurt well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Do not over-mix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- The heavy cream in the frosting is optional but helps create a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Using a cake ring helps achieve neat frosting layers and a professional finish.
- Keep the cake refrigerated after frosting to maintain stability.
