Peanut Butter Sheet Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Quick & Creamy Peanut Butter Sheet Cake With Frosting Recipe

Baking a delightful peanut butter sheet cake with peanut butter frosting promises pure comfort and indulgence.

Creamy textures and rich flavors combine in this irresistible dessert that melts hearts.

Soft, moist layers promise a decadent experience for anyone craving something sweet.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this simple yet impressive treat.

Chocolate chips or chopped peanuts could add delightful crunch to each delectable slice.

Smooth frosting blankets the cake in a luxurious embrace of nutty goodness.

Why Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Frosting Is A Crowd Favorite

  • Simplify Baking: Leverage a cake mix to create a delightful dessert without complex measuring or complicated steps, perfect for home bakers seeking a stress-free experience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Combine the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter throughout both cake and frosting, guaranteeing a sweet treat that appeals to peanut butter lovers of all ages.
  • Quick Family Dessert: Prepare a large sheet cake that serves multiple people, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend celebrations with minimal preparation time.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Easily customize the frosting's consistency by adjusting milk quantity, allowing for a personalized touch that suits different preferences and ensures a perfect texture every single time.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Frosting

For the Cake Base:
  • Butter: A rich ingredient that provides moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds a deep nutty flavor and contributes to the cake's creamy consistency.
  • Cake Mix: A convenient base that ensures a smooth and consistent cake batter.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the cake rise and maintain structure.
  • Water: Helps to blend the ingredients and create a smooth cake batter.
For the Frosting:
  • Butter: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the frosting.
  • Peanut Butter: Intensifies the nutty flavor and adds richness to the frosting.
  • Confectioners Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth, spreadable texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the frosting.
For the Liquid Adjustment:
  • Milk: Helps adjust the consistency of the frosting, making it lighter and more spreadable.

How to Bake Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 325F (163C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Magic

Grab your mixing bowl and electric mixer. Blend the softened butter and peanut butter until they become best friends and look super smooth.

Toss in:
  • Eggs
  • Cake mix
  • Water

Whip everything together on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter looks silky and inviting. Pour this creamy mixture into your prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and let it bake for 40 minutes. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean.

Let the cake cool down completely before dressing it up with frosting.

Step 4: Create Dreamy Frosting

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until they’re well blended.

Slowly add in:
  • Confectioners sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk

Whip until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. If it seems too thick, splash in a bit more milk to get that perfect spreadable consistency.

Step 5: Frost with Love

Once the cake has cooled, spread that luscious peanut butter frosting all over the top, making sure to cover every delicious inch.

Step 6: Slice and Celebrate

Cut into 12-15 slices and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure peanut butter heaven!

Tips to Perfect Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Frosting

  • Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure the cake's perfect texture and taste.
  • Let butter and eggs sit at room temperature before mixing for smoother, more even batter.
  • Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is fully baked.
  • Adjust milk quantity gradually to create a spreadable, creamy frosting that's not too thick or thin.
  • Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Variations on Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Frosting

  • Chocolate Chip Crunch: Fold 1 cup of chocolate chips into the cake batter for extra richness. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top of the frosting for added texture and crunch.
  • Banana Peanut Butter Remix: Mix 2 mashed ripe bananas into the cake batter for moisture. Top the frosted cake with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey.
  • Salted Caramel Upgrade: Swirl salted caramel sauce over the frosting. Garnish with caramel pieces and a light sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
  • Nutella Swirl Edition: Create a marbled effect by swirling Nutella into the cake batter before baking. Garnish the frosted cake with chocolate shavings and chopped hazelnuts.

Best Pairings for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Frosting

  • Pair with Creamy Milk Companion: Cold, whole milk complements the rich peanut butter cake perfectly, cutting through its dense sweetness and providing a smooth, refreshing contrast.
  • Enhance with Chocolate Harmony: Serve alongside dark chocolate squares or mocha-flavored coffee, which intensify the nutty cake's deep flavor profile and add sophisticated depth.
  • Garnish with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or almonds on top of each slice to introduce extra texture and amplify the cake's natural nuttiness, creating a delightful sensory experience.
  • Balance with Fruity Brightness: Add a small side of fresh strawberries or raspberry compote to introduce a tangy, light element that helps offset the cake's richness and provides a palate-cleansing effect.

How to Store Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Frosting

Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.

Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, place in the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing.

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For a crisp edge, use the oven by heating at 300F for 5-7 minutes, which helps restore the cake’s original texture and warmth.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the cake mix with another brand or flavor, but it may slightly alter the texture and taste of the cake.

  • Is this cake suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, this recipe contains peanut butter and is not safe for those with nut allergies.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature before frosting.

  • What type of peanut butter works best for this recipe?

Creamy, smooth peanut butter works best for both the cake and frosting to ensure a consistent texture.

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Peanut Butter Sheet Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Peanut Butter Sheet Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy Peanut Butter Sheet Cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, moist layers and indulgent frosting. Chocolate lovers and peanut butter fans will savor each delectable bite of this classic American dessert perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) softened butter
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
  • 1/2 cup (128 grams) creamy peanut butter

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (360 grams) confectioners sugar
  • 1/2 cup (128 grams) creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) softened butter
  • 2+ tablespoons (30+ milliliters) milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 325F (163C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch pan with grease.
  2. Using an electric mixer, blend softened butter and peanut butter until uniform and creamy.
  3. Incorporate eggs, cake mix, and water into the butter mixture, beating thoroughly for 2 minutes until the batter becomes smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
  6. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
  7. For the frosting, combine softened butter and peanut butter in a mixing bowl, blending until thoroughly mixed.
  8. Gradually fold in confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, whipping until the frosting becomes light and airy.
  9. Adjust frosting consistency by adding small amounts of milk if needed to achieve desired smoothness.
  10. Once the cake has reached room temperature, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly across the surface.
  11. Cut into 12-15 portions and serve.

Notes

  • Soften butter and peanut butter at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
  • Use high-quality cake mix and pure peanut butter for enhanced flavor profile.
  • Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense, tough cake texture.
  • Check cake doneness early to prevent drying out, as ovens vary in temperature and performance.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 421
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 277 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 72 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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