Are you looking for an easy and delicious homemade dessert? Look no further than this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting recipe. In less than an hour,
you can create a classic sheet cake with a balanced peanut butter flavor. The moist and flavorful cake is topped with a rich and fudgy peanut butter frosting that will leave you craving for more.
With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you're hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet treat, this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is sure to impress.
Key Takeaways:
- This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make homemade dessert.
- The recipe calls for creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter for the best results.
- Buttermilk adds flavor and moisture to the cake, while brown sugar enhances the depth of the peanut butter flavor.
- The cake batter is made by combining dry ingredients with a melted peanut butter mixture and adding wet ingredients.
- The cake is baked for about 30-32 minutes and topped with a warm and smooth peanut butter frosting.
Key Ingredients in Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
The key ingredients in this peanut butter sheet cake include peanut butter, butter, buttermilk, brown sugar, and baking soda. It is important to use creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter for the best results. The buttermilk adds flavor and moisture to the cake, while the brown sugar adds depth to complement the peanut butter flavor. Baking soda is used for leavening.
Making the Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Batter
To create the delicious peanut butter sheet cake, start by whisking together the dry ingredients and sugars in a large bowl. This will ensure that all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
In a saucepan, bring oil, butter, and water to a gentle boil. This step helps to infuse the cake with moisture and makes it extra tender. Then, add in the creamy peanut butter and stir until it melts and becomes smooth. The rich and velvety peanut butter will add a delightful nutty flavor to the cake.
Next, pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or spoon to combine the ingredients until they are well mixed. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated into the batter.
Allow the batter to cool slightly before adding the wet ingredients - buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gently stir these wet ingredients into the batter until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense and tough cake.
By following these simple steps and combining the dry and wet ingredients in the right order, you'll create a smooth and silky peanut butter sheet cake batter. Now you're ready to proceed to the next step of baking this delicious dessert!
Baking and Frosting the Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
To make the perfect peanut butter sheet cake, it's important to follow the baking and frosting steps carefully. Here's how:
- Pour the prepared batter into a greased pan, ensuring all sides are greased to prevent sticking.
- Bake the cake in a preheated oven for 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This will ensure that the cake is fully cooked and moist.
- While the cake bakes, it's time to prepare the irresistible peanut butter frosting. Begin by measuring and sifting the powdered sugar to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth texture in the frosting.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter, peanut butter, and a pinch of salt together. The heat will help blend the flavors and create a creamy mixture.
- Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the sifted powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. Continue whisking until the frosting is smooth and glossy.
- Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, pour the warm and luscious frosting over the top. Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly, covering the entire surface of the cake.
This step is crucial as it allows the warm frosting to seep into the cake, creating a heavenly combination of flavors and textures. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Frosting Options and Storage
While the recipe calls for a peanut butter frosting, there are other options available to suit your taste preferences. You can get creative and try different frosting flavors like a peanut butter chocolate swirl frosting, a rich chocolate fudge frosting, or any other frosting that pairs well with peanut butter. The choice is yours!
Once you've frosted your cake, you might be wondering about the best way to store it. The good news is that the frosted cake does not need to be refrigerated unless you prefer it chilled. You can simply cover the cake with a cake dome or place it in an airtight container and store it at room temperature for up to three days.
If you have leftovers or want to save some cake for later, freezing is a great option. To freeze the cake, make sure it has cooled completely and is properly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Frozen peanut butter sheet cake can be stored for up to three months, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a slice whenever you crave it.
Enjoying the Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Once the peanut butter sheet cake is baked to perfection, it's time to indulge in its deliciousness. The best part is that you can enjoy it straight from the pan it was baked in, eliminating the need for any additional dishes. Simply grab a fork and dig in!
To add an extra touch of flavor and texture, consider garnishing the cake with your favorite toppings. Here are some garnishing options that complement the peanut butter flavor:
- Chopped salted peanuts: Sprinkle a handful of chopped salted peanuts on top of the cake for a delightful crunch.
- Mini chocolate chips: For all the chocolate lovers out there, mini chocolate chips are a perfect addition to the peanut butter sheet cake.
- Crushed peanut butter cookies: Take your cake to the next level by crumbling some peanut butter cookies on top. The combination of textures will leave you craving more.
- Chocolate sprinkles: Add a touch of color and sweetness with a sprinkle of chocolate on the cake.
- Colored sprinkles: For a fun and festive touch, use colored sprinkles to bring some joy to your peanut butter sheet cake.
These garnishing options not only enhance the visual appeal of the cake but also provide additional flavors that complement the peanut butter goodness. Feel free to get creative and mix and match your favorite toppings. After all, serving the peanut butter sheet cake is a chance to showcase your personal style and taste.
Tips and Substitutions for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
When making a Peanut Butter Sheet Cake, there are a few tips and substitutions you can consider to achieve the best results:
- Use Creamy Peanut Butter: Opt for creamy peanut butter instead of "natural" peanut butter. Creamy peanut butter provides a smoother texture and better flavor in the cake.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles. This homemade buttermilk substitute will work just as well in the recipe.
- Choose the Right Pan: The recipe can be adapted to be made in a jelly roll pan or a sheet pan. However, keep in mind that if you use a jelly roll pan, the baking time may be shorter than the original recipe. Adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure the cake is cooked through.
By following these tips and making the appropriate substitutions, you can create a delicious Peanut Butter Sheet Cake that suits your preferences and baking equipment.
Freezing and Storing Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
If you find yourself with leftover cake, don't worry - you can easily freeze individual slices for future enjoyment. To do this, place each slice in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to separate the slices with parchment paper to prevent the frosting from sticking together. Frozen cake slices can be stored for up to two months, allowing you to indulge in a delicious treat whenever you desire.
When it comes to storing the unfrosted cake, you have a couple of options. If you plan on enjoying it within the next few days, you can keep it at room temperature. Simply cover it or place it in an airtight container to protect it from drying out. However, if you want to extend its shelf life, you can also store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent the cake from absorbing any unwanted odors or flavors.
Additional Notes and Variations
When making this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake, there are a couple of important notes and variations to keep in mind.
Buttermilk Substitution
If you find yourself without buttermilk, don't worry! You can easily make a substitution using common kitchen ingredients. Simply add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill the cup with milk up to the 1-cup mark. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, and you'll have a homemade buttermilk substitute ready to use in your cake batter.
Peanut Butter Options
When it comes to choosing peanut butter for your Peanut Butter Sheet Cake, the choice is yours. You can opt for creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture or go for crunchy peanut butter if you prefer some added texture in your cake. However, it's important to avoid using "natural" peanut butter in this recipe as it may affect the texture and consistency of the cake.
"You don't have to stick to the traditional options, feel free to experiment and personalize the cake according to your preference."
By substituting buttermilk and choosing the right type of peanut butter, you can customize this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake to suit your taste and pantry. Enjoy the process of making this delightful dessert even more by adding a touch of your own creativity!
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make homemade dessert. The classic sheet cake is moist and flavorful, with a balanced peanut butter taste. The rich and fudgy peanut butter frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.
Whether you're a peanut butter lover or simply looking for a classic sheet cake recipe, this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake will surely satisfy your dessert cravings. With its simple preparation and irresistible flavor, it's a great choice for any occasion.
So why not give this peanut butter sheet cake recipe a try? Enjoy the indulgence of a homemade dessert with the convenience of a sheet cake. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this classic sheet cake and savor the delightful combination of peanut butter goodness. You won't be disappointed.
