Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with a moist, tender cake base. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or just a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, this cake is sure to please everyone. With its luscious peanut butter frosting and simple preparation, it’s a crowd favorite that you can whip up in no time. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that guarantees smiles all around.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake has everything going for it. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love it:
- Rich Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and warm spices creates a unique and satisfying taste.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and a quick baking time, this cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Feed a Crowd: The sheet cake format makes it easy to cut into squares and serve, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Delicious Frosting: The creamy peanut butter frosting takes this cake to the next level, adding sweetness and richness.
Ingredient List
To make this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (see note for easy substitution)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 3/4 cup butter
- 6 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Equipment & Tools
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following equipment and tools:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk: To blend your wet ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements.
- Baking Sheet: A standard size (18×13 inches) works best for sheet cakes.
- Spatula: For spreading frosting and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cake evenly after baking.
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake: How It’s Done
Follow these simple steps to create your Peanut Butter Sheet Cake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Grease and flour your baking sheet to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, water, butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. This mixture should be creamy and well-combined.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Buttermilk
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then add them to the batter along with the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Stir until fully incorporated. The batter will be slightly runny, which is perfect for a moist cake!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, buttermilk, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Be generous with the frosting because it’s the best part!
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Cut the cake into squares and serve. This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is perfect for any occasion, and it pairs wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
Adaptations for Special Diets
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some adaptations you can make:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar content by using a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
Here are some tips to keep in mind when making your Peanut Butter Sheet Cake:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
- Don’t overmix the batter; stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off to avoid overbaking.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
To keep your Peanut Butter Sheet Cake fresh and delicious:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, where it will last for about a week.
- You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Handy Q&A
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Just keep in mind that it will change the consistency slightly, giving you a more textured frosting and cake.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a simple substitute is to mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Can I add chocolate chips to the cake batter?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to enhance the flavor of your Peanut Butter Sheet Cake. Just fold in about 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips before pouring the batter into the baking sheet.
How do I ensure my cake is moist?
To keep your cake moist, avoid overbaking it. Check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time and ensure you let it cool completely before frosting.
If you’re looking for more delicious treats to try, consider these links:
In Closing
The Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is a fantastic dessert that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with a light and fluffy cake, topped with a creamy frosting that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to enjoy a sweet moment at home, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout dessert that everyone will remember. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful cake. Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises properly.
- Step 2: Grease and flour your baking sheet to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, water, butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. This mixture should be creamy and well-combined.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Step 5: Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then add them to the batter along with the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Stir until fully incorporated. The batter will be slightly runny, which is perfect for a moist cake!
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, buttermilk, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 9: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Be generous with the frosting because it’s the best part!
- Step 10: Cut the cake into squares and serve. This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is perfect for any occasion, and it pairs wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
- Don’t overmix the batter; stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
