Dreamy M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Nestled in the world of decadent M&M’s peanut butter cake lies a sweet symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.
Chocolate candies sprinkle magic throughout this rich dessert, creating bursts of color and crunch.
Soft, moist layers promise an indulgent experience that speaks directly to peanut butter lovers.
Creamy frosting adds another dimension of nutty goodness, complementing the cake tender crumb.
Childhood memories blend seamlessly with gourmet sensibilities in this delightful treat.
Each slice brings a playful combination of textures and tastes that make ordinary moments extraordinary.
Step into a world where comfort and excitement merge on your plate, beckoning you to savor every delectable bite.
M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake—Chocolate Lovers’ Favorite
All the Ingredients Needed for This Peanut Butter Cake
Cake Base Ingredients:Wet Ingredients:Decorative and Sweet Ingredients:How to Bake a Peanut Butter Cake With M&M’s Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup
Warm up the oven to 350°F.
Coat two round cake pans with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Components
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl until well combined.
Step 3: Blend Creamy Base
In a separate large bowl, whip butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Build Sweet Foundation
Gradually mix in sugar until fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each.
Stir in vanilla for extra flavor.
Step 5: Create Cake Batter
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the peanut butter mixture.
Mix gently until just combined to keep the batter light.
Step 6: Fold Colorful Candies
Carefully fold M&M’s into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour batter equally into prepared pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Step 8: Cool Cake Layers
Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Whip Frosting Base
Beat butter and peanut butter together until creamy and smooth.
Step 10: Finish Frosting
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
Mix in cream and vanilla until frosting becomes light and fluffy.
Step 11: Assemble Cake Layers
Spread frosting on top of first cake layer.
Carefully place second layer and cover entire cake with remaining frosting.
Step 12: Add Final Touches
Sprinkle additional M&M’s across the top of the frosted cake for a playful, colorful finish.
Pro Tips for Rich, Moist Peanut Butter Cake Layers
Fun Variations for Your Next Peanut Butter Cake
How to Serve Slices of M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake
Storing Cake With Frosting for Best Results
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for smooth. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Toss the M&M’s in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking during baking.
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Mms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Creamy MMS Peanut Butter Cake delights chocolate and peanut lovers with its rich, indulgent layers of sweet comfort. Smooth frosting and chocolate candies create a nostalgic dessert that whisks you to moments of pure bliss.
Ingredients
Cake Base Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (125 grams) creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake Decoration Ingredients:
- 1 cup (170 grams) M&M’s
- Additional M&M’s for decoration
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (250 grams) creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them thoroughly.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking until well integrated.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and peanut butter together until smooth and uniform in texture.
- Incorporate sugar gradually into the butter mixture, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the peanut butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Fold M&M’s into the batter gently, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Divide batter equally between prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
- Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Prepare frosting by beating butter and peanut butter until creamy and well-blended.
- Gradually add powdered sugar to the butter mixture, beating until smooth. Incorporate heavy cream and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Place first cake layer on serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Carefully position second cake layer.
- Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting, ensuring even coating on top and sides.
- Garnish the cake by sprinkling additional M&M’s across the surface for a colorful and playful finish.
Notes
- Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for lactose-intolerant bakers.
- Choose natural peanut butter without added sugars to reduce overall sweetness and enhance authentic peanut flavor.
- Prevent M&M’s from sinking during baking by lightly coating them in flour before folding into cake batter.
- Chill cake layers before frosting to minimize crumbs and create a smoother, more professional-looking finished dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 368 kcal
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Nathaniel Brooks
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling
Education
Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques.
Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.