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

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Indulge in this rich and creamy peanut butter cake topped with colorful M&M’s!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup M&M’s

For the Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat and Prepare:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Make the Batter:

  1. Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, beat together the butter and peanut butter until creamy.
  2. Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add the sugar, beating until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  3. Combine Mixtures: Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk to the peanut butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  4. Fold in M&M’s: Gently stir in 1 cup of M&M’s.

Bake:

  1. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Cool Cakes: Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

  1. Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Frost the Cake: Spread frosting on the top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  2. Decorate: Sprinkle additional M&M’s on top of the frosted cake.

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

60 minutes

Tips:

  • Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • For a smoother frosting, sift the powdered sugar before mixing.
  • Add a pinch of salt to the frosting if you prefer a less sweet taste.

Key Takeaway:

This M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake combines the richness of peanut butter with the fun and colorful crunch of M&M’s, making it a delightful treat for any occasion!

FAQs:

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but it will change the texture slightly, adding some crunch to the cake and frosting.

2. Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk.

3. How can I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

4. Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, wrap the cake layers individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

Chef’s Advice:

For an even richer flavor, toast the M&M’s in the oven for a few minutes before folding them into the batter. This extra step enhances their crunch and deepens the chocolate flavor, making your cake even more irresistible.

The Perfect Peanut Butter Base

The foundation of this cake is a moist and flavorful peanut butter batter. The creamy peanut butter is not only incorporated into the cake itself but also featured prominently in the frosting, ensuring a cohesive and indulgent flavor throughout. The combination of butter and peanut butter gives the cake a rich, dense texture that is both satisfying and delicious.

The Magic of M&M’s

Adding M&M’s to the batter not only enhances the cake’s visual appeal but also introduces a delightful crunch and a burst of chocolatey goodness in every bite. The colorful candies melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey sweetness that complement the peanut butter base perfectly. Sprinkling additional M&M’s on top of the frosting adds an extra layer of fun and festivity to the cake.

Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

The frosting is a creamy blend of butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream, whipped to perfection. This smooth, velvety frosting pairs wonderfully with the dense cake, providing a luscious finish that melts in your mouth. Adding a pinch of salt to the frosting can balance the sweetness and enhance the peanut butter flavor.

Tips for Perfection

To ensure your cake turns out perfectly, make sure to let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting. Sifting the powdered sugar before mixing can help achieve a smoother texture. For those who prefer a less sweet frosting, adding a pinch of salt can create a more balanced flavor profile.

Conclusion

This M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter with the fun and colorful crunch of M&M’s. It’s perfect for celebrations or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and visually appealing treat. Enjoy this decadent cake and let each bite bring a smile to your face!

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