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Peanut Butter M&M’s Cake

Peanut Butter M&M’s Cake

A rich and colorful Peanut Butter M&M’s Cake combining creamy peanut butter flavor with crunchy, vibrant Peanut Butter M&M’s. Perfect for celebrations or any sweet craving, this cake is easy to make with simple ingredients and customizable for dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for gluten-free version)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky), room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk, room temperature

Mix-ins

  • 1 cup Peanut Butter M&M’s

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese (optional), softened
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter
  • 23 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pans and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the unsalted butter, peanut butter, and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This creates the perfect base for your cake’s texture.
  4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for proper emulsification. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
  5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking.
  6. Fold in Peanut Butter M&M’s: Gently fold the Peanut Butter M&M’s into the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the batter.
  7. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow layers to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Prepare the Frosting: Whip together powdered sugar, cream cheese (if using), peanut butter, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired spreading consistency.
  9. Assemble and Decorate: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting evenly on top, then place the second layer. Frost the entire cake and garnish with extra Peanut Butter M&M’s for added color and crunch.

Notes

  • Bring all butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
  • Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and tender.
  • Use a kitchen scale or eyeball evenly when dividing batter between pans for uniform layers.
  • Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
  • Customize by adding extra M&M’s atop the cake for presentation and crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: peanut butter cake, Peanut Butter M&M’s recipe, colorful cake, celebration cake, easy cake recipe, gluten free cake option