M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

If you are craving a show-stopping dessert that brings together the rich creaminess of peanut butter with vibrant pops of candy-coated sweetness, look no further than this delightful M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of moist cake layers studded with crunchy Peanut Butter M&M’S and enveloped in luscious, creamy peanut butter frosting. This recipe feels like a warm hug for your taste buds, delivering nostalgic flavors in a fun, colorful, and utterly irresistible package.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a truly unforgettable cake. Each one plays an important role—from building the structure and moisture of the cake, adding flavor depth, to bringing that special candy crunch and creamy frosting finish.

• Butter (1 cup, room temperature): Crucial for a tender crumb and creamy frosting texture.
• Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a golden color.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor nuance of the cake.
• Eggs (3): Provide structure and richness to keep the cake moist.
• Vanilla yogurt (1 cup, drained): Adds moisture and subtle tang, enriching the cake’s texture.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the cake’s foundation and gives it body.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Leavens the cake to keep it light and fluffy.
• Salt (pinch): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Peanut Butter M&M’S (3/4 cup, roughly chopped): Adds bursts of peanut-flavored candy crunch throughout the cake.
• Creamy peanut butter (2 cups): The star ingredient for that rich peanut butter frosting.
• Powdered sugar (5 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to spreadable perfection.
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup, optional): Whipped into the frosting to make it lighter and fluffier.

How to Make M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pans and Preheat Oven

Begin your adventure by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round baking pans with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cake layers release smoothly and bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Place the softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Use a paddle attachment on low speed to beat them until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. This step incorporates air, crucial for a tender crumb and delightful rise.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs

Blend in the vanilla extract for that warm flavor note. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition—this ensures a smooth, cohesive batter without any curdling.

Step 4: Combine Yogurt and Dry Ingredients

Beat in the drained vanilla yogurt gently for moisture and slight tang. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt in two to three batches, mixing just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix as it can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Fold in M&M’S

Now comes the fun part. Gently fold in the roughly chopped Peanut Butter M&M’S using a spatula. These candies add delightful surprises in every bite, making this cake extra special and colorful.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide your batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 22–25 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check doneness—it should come out clean. Baking time is just right to yield moist but fully cooked layers.

Step 7: Cool the Cake Layers

Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool completely in their pans on a wire rack. Patience here means easier handling later and a professional finish when frosting.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

Once the cakes are cool, whip together the butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth with a paddle attachment. This rich base ensures a decadent frosting to complement the cake layers.

Step 9: Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, half a cup at a time, beating gently after each addition. This slow mixing avoids a powdery mess and results in a perfectly thick and creamy frosting.

Step 10: Incorporate Heavy Cream (If Using)

If you want to take your frosting to the next level, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream and whip on low to gradually higher speed for five minutes. This technique lightens the frosting, giving it a luscious, airy texture.

Step 11: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving platter and fit a cake ring around it if you have one. Spread half the frosting evenly over the layer, ensuring delicious coverage edge to edge.

Step 12: Add Second Layer and Frost

Top with the second cake layer carefully. Press down gently and, if using a cake ring, tighten it slightly for a neat edge. Spread the rest of the frosting over the top for a smooth, luscious finish.

Step 13: Decorate and Set

Finish by decorating with additional Peanut Butter M&M’S or a mix of Peanut and regular M&M’S. Their colorful crunch adds festive energy and extra flavor bursts. Then refrigerate the cake for 2–3 hours to set the frosting before serving.

How to Serve M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Add extra Peanut Butter M&M’S and chopped peanuts on top for a vibrant and textured look. A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips can also introduce a lovely contrast. These little details make serving the cake feel like a celebration.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These add freshness that balances the richness and keeps each bite exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence. Alternatively, use clear glass plates to showcase the colorful M&M’S peeking through each layer—eyes eat first, after all!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake loosely covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the peanut butter frosting fresh and prevents drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying to retain the perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid reheating. However, letting refrigerated cake slices sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving gives the frosting a lovely softness.

FAQs

Can I substitute the vanilla yogurt with something else?

Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream works well as a substitute and will maintain the moist tenderness of the cake. Just be sure to drain excess liquid for the best texture.

Do I have to chop the Peanut Butter M&M’S?

Chopping the candies helps distribute their peanutty crunch evenly throughout the cake and prevents them from sinking. If you prefer whole M&M’S on top or mixed in, that’s also delicious but slightly changes the texture.

What if I don’t have a cake ring for assembly?

No worries at all! Simply assemble the cake on a flat plate and use a spatula to smooth the frosting around the edges and top. The ring helps with a neat finish but is not required for a fantastic cake.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the frosting?

Yes, but be prepared for a frosting with a bit of texture. Creamy peanut butter creates a smooth frosting, while crunchy adds a nutty crunch—choose based on your texture preference!

Is this cake suitable for kids’ birthday parties?

Definitely! The colorful Peanut Butter M&M’S make it playful and kid-friendly, while the peanut butter flavor is a crowd-pleaser. Just be sure to check for peanut allergies among guests.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this M&M’S Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe a try—it’s one of those desserts that brings joy with every bite and always sparks smiles around the table. Whether for a special occasion or an indulgent weekend treat, the combination of peanut butter softness and candy-coated fun makes this cake a new family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

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