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.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution)
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
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
- 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: peanut butter cake, Peanut Butter M&M’s recipe, colorful cake, celebration cake, easy cake recipe, gluten free cake option