Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

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Absolutely! Here’s a detailed and rich write-up for your Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting — complete with intro, full ingredients, step-by-step instructions, history, and all the tasty details for peanut butter lovers.

Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting – The Ultimate Nutty Comfort Dessert

Introduction

If you’re a peanut butter fan craving a rich, moist cake loaded with creamy peanut butter flavor, this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake will become your go-to dessert. With a tender yellow cake base enhanced by the nutty warmth of peanut butter, topped with an ultra-smooth, luscious peanut butter frosting, this sheet cake is a timeless classic for birthdays, potlucks, or anytime indulgence.

Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this cake captures the essence of comfort food with every bite. Its straightforward ingredients and simple process make it perfect for bakers of all levels. Plus, the sheet cake format means it’s great for feeding a crowd or slicing up for multiple snack-sized treats.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup softened butter (unsalted preferred)
  • ⅓ cup water (or milk for richer flavor)
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions & Methods

Step 1 – Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch sheet pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until creamy and smooth.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Mix in the cake mix and water (or milk) gradually until everything is combined and smooth. Avoid overmixing.

Step 2 – Bake the Cake

  1. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 3 – Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
  3. Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Beat on medium-high until fluffy.
  4. If frosting is too thick, add additional milk 1 tablespoon at a time. If too thin, add more powdered sugar until desired spreadable consistency is reached.

Step 4 – Frost the Cake

  1. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife.
  2. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle chopped peanuts, mini peanut butter cups, or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.

History & Background

Peanut butter as a beloved American staple dates back to the late 19th century, but peanut butter cakes became popular mid-20th century as peanut butter became more widely available and affordable. The combination of yellow cake with peanut butter frosting is a home baking classic—simple yet packed with flavor.

Sheet cakes rose in popularity in the 1950s for their practicality: easy to bake in large quantities and ideal for casual gatherings. This peanut butter sheet cake blends that ease with the beloved rich taste of peanut butter, making it a staple at Southern family tables and bake sales nationwide.

Formation: Flavor & Texture Profile

  • Cake Base: Moist and tender with the classic buttery richness of yellow cake, infused with a hint of peanut butter.
  • Frosting: Creamy, smooth, and intensely peanut buttery, providing a sweet and salty contrast to the cake’s mellow crumb.
  • Optional Toppings: Add crunch or chocolate notes for textural interest and a layered flavor experience.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a luscious crowd-pleaser that tastes like pure peanut butter bliss. It’s simple enough for any baker to tackle but decadent enough to impress guests. The pairing of fluffy cake and rich peanut butter frosting makes it a comforting, nostalgic dessert perfect for any occasion.

For the Lovers of Peanut Butter 🥜❤️

  • If you’re addicted to peanut butter cups, peanut butter cookies, or peanut butter swirl ice cream, this cake will be your new obsession.
  • It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, birthday parties, or just satisfying that peanut butter craving.
  • For extra flair, try swirling melted chocolate into the frosting or adding chopped roasted peanuts on top.

If you want, I can also give you a gluten-free or vegan twist on this recipe, or help with a printable recipe card. Just say the word!

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