Peanut Butter M&M’s Cake
Peanut Butter M&M’s Cake is a rich, creamy, and colorful dessert combining the nutty flavor of peanut butter with the vibrant crunch of M&M’s candy. This moist and tender cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for celebrations or casual treats. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it delivers a fun and delicious experience that pleases both kids and adults alike.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 1 9-inch two-layer cake (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains gluten and nuts (can be adapted gluten-free and nut-free)
Drys
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wets
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter or oil (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
Extras
- 1 1/2 cups M&M’s candy (reserve about 1/4 cup for topping)
- Optional frosting: cream cheese or peanut butter frosting
- Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans with butter or nonstick spray. Let the peanut butter soften at room temperature to blend smoothly with other ingredients.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to ensure even distribution for a perfect rise.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: Using a mixer or hand whisk, blend softened peanut butter, sugar, and butter (or oil) until light and fluffy. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternating with milk or buttermilk. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Fold in M&M’s: Reserve a handful of M&M’s for topping, then carefully fold the rest into the batter for colorful bursts in every slice.
- Bake and Cool: Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread your chosen frosting over the cooled layers and sprinkle reserved M&M’s on top for a fun and festive finish.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Use natural, creamy peanut butter for enhanced flavor and consistency.
- Weigh batter per pan for even layer thickness and uniform baking.
- Freeze M&M’s before folding into batter to prevent sinking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: peanut butter cake, M&M cake, chocolate peanut butter dessert, colorful cake, party cake