Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Short description

Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a rich, moist, and indulgently flavorful dessert, featuring a tender peanut butter-infused cake topped with a creamy, luscious peanut butter frosting. This easy-to-make sheet cake is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply satisfying a peanut butter craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is both easy and incredibly delicious, offering a smooth, peanut-buttery taste in every bite. Using a cake mix base makes preparation quick, while the homemade frosting adds a decadent finishing touch. It is ideal for feeding a crowd, travels well, and can be made ahead, making it a favorite for potlucks, birthdays, or simple family desserts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix

  • 4 large eggs

  • ½ cup softened butter (1 stick)

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter

  • ¼ cup softened butter

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • 3-4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

  2. Prepare the Cake Batter
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, creamy peanut butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
    Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the batter is smooth and fully combined.

  3. Bake the Cake
    Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

  4. Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting
    In a medium bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
    Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
    Add the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
    Stir in the vanilla extract.

  5. Frost the Cake
    Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top of the cake.

  6. Serve
    Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy this rich, peanut buttery treat.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 12-16 slices.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Chocolate swirl: Swirl a little melted chocolate into the frosting before spreading it on the cake.

  • Crunchy twist: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.

  • Peanut topping: Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the frosted cake for extra crunch.

  • Double peanut butter: Add peanut butter chips into the cake batter for even more peanut flavor.

  • Frosting alternative: Top with chocolate frosting for a chocolate-peanut butter combination.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
This cake can also be frozen; wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow?

Yes, a chocolate cake mix pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter frosting for a richer dessert.

How do I make the frosting smoother?

Add milk gradually and beat well until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Yes, it actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have settled.

What type of peanut butter is best?

Use creamy, processed peanut butter for the smoothest results, such as Jif or Skippy.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

It is not recommended, as natural peanut butter can separate and affect the frosting’s texture.

How can I prevent the cake from drying out?

Do not overbake and store the cake properly covered to maintain moisture.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the cake?

If kept at room temperature, consume within 2 days; otherwise, refrigeration is recommended for longer storage.

Print
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Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Rich, moist, and packed with nutty flavor, this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers! Easy to whip up with a cake mix shortcut and topped with a creamy, dreamy frosting, it’s perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or whenever you crave a simple yet indulgent dessert


Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup softened butter (1 stick)

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

  • 1/4 cup softened butter

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • 3-4 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

  • Preheat Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    • Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

  • Prepare the Cake Batter:

    • In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, creamy peanut butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.

    • Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth.

  • Bake the Cake:

    • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

    • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

    • Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

  • Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting:

    • In a medium bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy.

    • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.

    • Add milk a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

    • Stir in vanilla extract.

  • Frost the Cake:

    • Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake.

  • Serve:

    • Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy!


Notes

  • Add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top for extra texture and crunch.

  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

  • Perfect base for a fun peanut butter and chocolate drizzle combo if you want to get fancy!

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