Powdered sugar for frosting: Sweetens and creates smoothness Sift if lumpy
Heavy cream for frosting: Adds extra fluffiness and helps achieve a spreadable frosting Use full fat cold cream
Vanilla extract for frosting: Gives aroma and balances peanut notes
Extra M and Ms for topping: Makes the cake festive and colorful
Step by Step Instructions
Prepare the cake pans:
Grease and flour two 9 inch round pans to prevent sticking and achieve even baking
Mix the dry ingredients:
Whisk together the flour baking powder baking soda and salt in a medium bowl to ensure everything is distributed well and to aerate the mixture
Cream the butter and peanut butter:
Beat room temperature butter with peanut butter until the mixture is creamy and smooth This step makes sure the base is evenly flavored and not oily
Incorporate sugar and eggs:
Gradually beat in the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy then add eggs one by one beating well after each addition This patience lets the batter trap more air for a tender cake
Add vanilla extract:
Stir in the vanilla to build up the aroma and unify the flavors
Alternate dry ingredients and buttermilk:
Add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter in turns starting and ending with flour This gradual process reduces overmixing and keeps the cake tender
Fold in M and Ms:
Gently stir in the M and Ms to avoid breaking their shells They will melt slightly in the oven giving a fun colorful effect
Divide and bake:
Evenly distribute the batter into your prepared pans and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes The cakes are finished when a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are golden
Cool the cakes:
Let them rest in their pans for 10 minutes then carefully transfer to a wire rack If you rush this step the cakes could crack
Prepare the frosting:
In a large bowl beat butter and peanut butter until creamy Then gradually add powdered sugar then heavy cream and vanilla and whip until everything is light fluffy and totally smooth
Assemble and frost:
Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate Cover with frosting then top with the second cake and frost the top and sides To get a truly even finish use an offset spatula
Decorate:
Scatter extra M and Ms on top for a festive and playful finish
A slice of peanut butter cake with m&m’s on top.
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A slice of peanut butter cake with m&m’s on top. | lilicooks.com
You Must Know
Delivers comforting peanut butter flavor with a celebration twist
Vegetarian friendly
Cake layers can be made ahead
Frosting can be made in advance and stored in the fridge
Peanut butter is always a favorite ingredient for me because of its nostalgic creamy taste and it reminds me of after school snacks with my brother We would always sneak a spoonful when baking together and now this cake brings back those sweet simple memories with every slice
