Peanut Butter M&M’s Cake
Peanut Butter M&M’s Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining creamy peanut butter with colorful, crunchy M&M’s candies. Perfect for celebrations or everyday treats, this easy-to-bake cake balances nutty richness and chocolatey sweetness, topped with a smooth peanut butter frosting and decorated with vibrant M&M’s for a playful finish.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains gluten and nuts; customizable to gluten-free and nut-free versions
Cake Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup M&M’s candies (plus extra for topping)
Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed for consistency)
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy release after baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures an even rise and a light texture for the cake.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add milk to achieve a smooth batter consistency.
- Blend Dry and Wet Ingredients: Slowly incorporate the sifted flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Add the M&M’s: Fold in 1 cup of M&M’s candies gently into the batter, reserving some to sprinkle on top before baking.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of milk, whipping until fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a thick layer of peanut butter frosting, then top with the second layer. Cover the entire cake with frosting and decorate with the remaining M&M’s candies.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk for a smooth batter and even baking.
- Fold M&M’s gently into the batter to prevent melting or color bleeding.
- Remove the cake promptly once it passes the toothpick test to keep it moist.
- Let cakes cool completely and chill slightly before frosting to prevent melting.
- Choose creamy, natural peanut butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.
- Freeze wrapped cake for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Warm slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enhance aroma and soften frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter M&M’s Cake, peanut butter cake, M&M’s dessert, colorful cake, peanut butter frosting, kid-friendly cake, celebration cake