Fluffy Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Recipe: A Sweet Homemade Joy

Baking a delectable peanut butter sheet cake brings pure comfort and joy to any gathering.

Soft, moist layers promise an irresistible dessert experience that melts in your mouth.

Creamy peanut butter swirls create a rich, decadent backdrop for this simple yet stunning treat.

Sweet notes of vanilla and smooth butter complement the nutty essence perfectly.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Chocolate chips or a drizzle of ganache can elevate the cake complexity with minimal effort.

You’ll want to slice into this heavenly creation and savor every single crumb.

Flavor Upgrades for PB Sheet Cake

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace yellow cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Remix: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the cake batter and mix chocolate chips into the frosting for a rich, decadent version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar-free cake mix, replace powdered sugar with a monk fruit sweetener, and use almond milk instead of regular milk for a diabetic-friendly alternative.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap eggs with mashed bananas, use plant-based butter, substitute dairy milk with almond milk, and use vegan peanut butter to create a completely plant-based cake.

Serve Sheet Cake for Dessert

• Party Platter Paradise: Create a stunning dessert display with cake squares arranged on a colorful platter, perfect for birthdays or potlucks.
• Nutty Companion Delight: Pair cake slices with cold glasses of milk, vanilla ice cream, or a warm cup of coffee to enhance the rich peanut butter flavor.
• Decorative Dessert Twist: Sprinkle chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for extra texture and visual appeal.
• Weekend Treat Tradition: Pack individual cake squares in lunch boxes or wrap them for a delightful grab-and-go snack that brings smiles to family and friends.

Store PB Cake for Later Slices

• Seal cake in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual cake slices or entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Keep cake covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure it's placed in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For frozen cake, thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving. Bring to room temperature for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this peanut butter sheet cake unique?

The combination of yellow cake mix, creamy peanut butter, and homemade peanut butter frosting creates a rich, indulgent dessert that’s easy to prepare and packed with peanut butter flavor.

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy in both the cake batter and frosting. This will add extra texture and nutty crunch to the cake.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! This sheet cake uses a cake mix as a base, which simplifies the baking process and makes it perfect for novice bakers looking to create a delicious dessert with minimal effort.

• How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake.

Peanut Butter Sheet Cake: Sweet Simplicity

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy bakers who want a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen, this sheet cake comes together in just a few simple steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Peanut butter lovers will go crazy for this rich, creamy cake that combines the classic comfort of yellow cake with the irresistible taste of smooth peanut butter.
• Super Versatile Treat: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, birthday parties, or just a sweet weekend indulgence that everyone from kids to adults will absolutely adore.
• No-Fuss Baking: Requires minimal baking skills and uses straightforward ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for novice bakers or anyone looking for a stress-free dessert option.

Sheet Cake Must-Have Ingredients

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the foundational structure for the cake.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and add richness to the cake.
• Butter (Softened): Adds moisture and enhances the cake's tender texture.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Introduces a deep, nutty flavor to the cake base.
• Water: Helps blend the ingredients and achieve the right cake consistency.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting with a soft texture.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Provides a rich, nutty flavor to the frosting.
• Butter (Softened): Gives the frosting a creamy and spreadable consistency.
• Milk: Helps adjust the frosting's thickness and smoothness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, complementary flavor to the peanut butter frosting.

• Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures the cake does not stick to the pan and allows easy removal.

How to Make Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C).

Grab a sheet cake pan and give it a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter Magic

• Yellow cake mix
• Eggs
• Softened butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Water

Whip everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and beautifully blended.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

While the cake bakes, create a dreamy frosting.

• Creamy peanut butter
• Softened butter

Beat until the mixture looks creamy and irresistible.

Step 5: Transform Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Keep beating until the frosting becomes smooth and easy to spread.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Let the cake cool completely inside the pan.

Once cooled, generously spread the peanut butter frosting across the entire surface.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy

Cut the cake into delectable squares and serve to eager friends and family.

Pro Tips for Moist Sheet Cake

• Ensure all cake ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother, more evenly blended batter that creates a lighter texture.
• Use the toothpick test carefully – insert it into the center, and if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting and sliding off the cake surface.
• Line the sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal and cleanup, making serving and storing a breeze.
• Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness, bringing to room temperature before serving.

Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet comfort meets Southern charm in this classic Peanut Butter Sheet Cake, promising rich, nostalgic flavors that dance across your palate. Homemade goodness fills each bite, inviting you to savor a slice of pure, comforting bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) softened butter

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) softened butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk

Additional Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a sheet cake pan with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, room temperature eggs, softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and water until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency with no visible lumps.
3. Transfer the batter carefully into the prepared sheet cake pan, ensuring an even distribution, and slide into the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
4. During the cake’s baking time, craft the decadent frosting by vigorously blending the creamy peanut butter and softened butter until they create a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
5. Incrementally incorporate powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract into the peanut butter base, continuously beating until the frosting achieves a luxurious, spreadable texture that’s free of any graininess.
6. After removing the cake from the oven, allow it to cool completely within the pan, which prevents potential structural damage and ensures optimal frosting application.
7. Generously spread the prepared peanut butter frosting across the cake’s surface, creating an even, delectable layer that covers every inch of the cooled cake.
8. Slice the cake into uniform squares, revealing the moist interior, and serve at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap cake mix for gluten-free alternative to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
• Use natural unsweetened peanut butter to reduce added sugars and create a more wholesome version of this indulgent sheet cake.
• Enhance cake texture by adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter, creating a more tender and moist crumb.
• Elevate presentation by sprinkling chopped roasted peanuts or drizzling melted chocolate over the frosted cake for extra crunch and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 462
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 255 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg