There’s something magical about a cake that brings back childhood memories with every single bite. For me, that’s exactly what Mam’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting does. I still remember the first time I made this recipe – it was for my daughter’s birthday, and she had one simple request: “Mom, can you make something with lots of peanut butter and those colorful candies?” Challenge accepted!
What I love most about this peanut butter cake recipe is how it perfectly balances moist, tender cake layers with creamy, dreamy frosting that literally melts on your tongue. The addition of M&Ms and peanut butter candies on top isn’t just for show – they add delightful pops of chocolate and crunch that take this dessert from
ordinary to extraordinary.
Why This Peanut Butter Cake Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
Let me tell you why this cake has become my go-to recipe for celebrations. First, the cake itself is incredibly moist thanks to the combination of oil and buttermilk. Unlike some peanut butter cakes that can be dense or dry, this one stays soft for days. Second, the peanut butter flavor shines through without being overwhelming – it’s present in both the cake and the frosting, creating layers of nutty goodness that peanut butter lovers absolutely adore.
The recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients that you probably already have at home. No fancy equipment needed, no complicated techniques – just straightforward baking that yields professional-looking results. Trust me, when you slice into this beauty and see those gorgeous layers studded with colorful M&Ms, you’ll feel like a baking superstar.
Essential Ingredients for Mam’s Peanut Butter Cake
For the Peanut Butter Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (use regular, not natural)
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Decoration:
- 1½ cups M&Ms (peanut butter or milk chocolate)
- ½ cup peanut butter candy pieces (like Reese’s Pieces)
- Additional M&Ms for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Peanut Butter Cake
Preparing the Cake Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial – don’t skip the preheating! Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper circles for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside. In another bowl (or your stand mixer bowl), beat together the peanut butter, oil, and sugar until well combined and slightly fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time to the peanut butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Now comes the important part: alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition – overmixing can make your cake tough!
Baking the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. I like to use a kitchen scale for precision, but eyeballing it works too. Tap the pans gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The tops should spring back when lightly pressed. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This is important – warm cake will melt your frosting!
Making the Peanut Butter Frosting
While your cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen!
Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla extract and salt. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while beating, adding just enough to reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be spreadable but hold its shape. Beat on high speed for an additional minute to make it extra fluffy.
Assembling the Peanut Butter Cake
Place your first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. If the top is domed, you can level it with a serrated knife for a flatter surface. Spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly over the top of this layer.
Gently place the second cake layer on top, bottom-side up for a flat finish. Apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting all over the cake to seal in any crumbs, then refrigerate for 15 minutes. This makes the final frosting layer so much easier!
After chilling, frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting, using a spatula or bench scraper for smooth sides. Don’t worry about perfection – rustic cakes are beautiful too!
Decorating with M&Ms and Candies
Here’s where the fun begins! Arrange M&Ms around the top edge of your cake, pressing them gently into the frosting. Fill the center with more M&Ms and peanut butter candies, creating a colorful, eye-catching design. I like to add some piped frosting swirls using a star tip for extra flair.
For the sides, you can press M&Ms into the frosting or keep it simple with just the top decorated. There’s no wrong way to do this – let your creativity shine!
Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This is crucial for proper mixing and a tender crumb. Cold eggs and buttermilk can cause the batter to curdle or not mix properly.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until you don’t see any more dry streaks. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes cakes tough.
Choose the Right Peanut Butter: Use regular creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy, not natural peanut butter. Natural varieties are too oily and can affect the cake’s texture.
Test for Doneness: Start checking your cakes at 25 minutes. Oven temperatures vary, and you don’t want to overbake!
Cool Completely: I know it’s tempting, but frosting a warm cake will result in a melted mess. Patience pays off here!
Nutritional Information Per Serving
(Based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 680
- Total Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 78g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 62g
- Protein: 11g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Presentation Tips for Your Peanut Butter Cake
Want to wow your guests? Here are my favorite presentation tricks:
Create a Drip Effect: Warm a small amount of chocolate ganache and carefully drip it around the cake’s edge before adding the M&Ms. This adds drama and sophistication.
Use a Cake Collar: For ultra-clean sides, wrap an acetate strip or parchment paper around your frosted cake, secure it, and refrigerate. Remove it just before serving for professional-looking results.
Add Fresh Elements: A few mint leaves tucked between the M&Ms add a pop of green and freshness to the overall look.
Dust with Cocoa: A light dusting of cocoa powder around the base of the cake on the serving plate creates a beautiful frame.
Perfect Pairings for Peanut Butter Cake
This rich, indulgent cake pairs beautifully with several beverages and accompaniments:
Coffee: A strong, dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness and complements the peanut butter flavors perfectly.
Cold Milk: Classic for a reason! Ice-cold milk is the ultimate pairing for any peanut butter dessert.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.
Hot Chocolate: During colder months, pair this cake with rich hot chocolate for maximum comfort food vibes.
Dessert Wine: For adult gatherings, try a sweet Riesling or Port wine that complements the nutty, sweet flavors.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and reduce flour by ¼ cup for a chocolate twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter in the frosting, and substitute the buttermilk with almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
Add Crunch: Fold ½ cup of chopped peanuts into the cake batter for extra texture and peanut flavor.
Different Toppings: Try Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (chopped), Nutter Butter cookies, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce instead of M&Ms.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store your peanut butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together!
You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. I don’t recommend freezing the assembled, frosted cake as the M&Ms’ colors may bleed.
Make the frosting up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip it before using for the fluffiest texture.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cake is Dry: This usually happens from overbaking or using natural peanut butter. Make sure to check for doneness early and use regular peanut butter.
Frosting is Too Thick: Add more cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Frosting is Too Thin: Add more powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Cake Layers are Domed: Bake at a slightly lower temperature (325°F) for more even rising, or simply level the tops with a serrated knife.
M&Ms are Sliding Off: Make sure your frosting is thick enough and press the M&Ms gently but firmly into the frosting. Chilling the frosted cake slightly before decorating also helps.
Why This Peanut Butter Cake Recipe Works
The combination of oil and buttermilk creates an incredibly moist crumb that stays fresh for days. The peanut butter in the batter provides rich flavor without making the cake heavy, while the frosting delivers that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves.
Using both baking powder and baking soda ensures proper rise and a tender texture. The sugar not only sweetens but also helps keep the cake moist and soft. Every ingredient has a purpose, working together to create peanut butter perfection.
My Personal Tips for Success
After making this peanut butter cake dozens of times, here’s what I’ve learned: First, always measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off – this prevents a dense cake. Second, don’t skip the room temperature ingredients step – it really does make a difference in how smoothly everything combines.
Third, when spreading the frosting, dip your spatula in hot water and wipe it dry between swipes for ultra-smooth results. Finally, have fun with the decorating! This cake is meant to be joyful and celebratory, so don’t stress about making it perfect.
Every time I serve this cake, I’m transported back to that first birthday party when my daughter’s face lit up at the sight of all those colorful M&Ms. That’s the magic of baking – it’s not just about following a recipe, it’s about creating memories and sharing love through food.
Whether you’re making this for a birthday, potluck, or just because you’re craving something sweet and nutty, this Mam’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting will not disappoint. It’s become my signature dessert, and I have a feeling it’ll become yours too.
So grab your mixing bowls, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake the most incredible peanut butter cake you’ve ever tasted. Your family and friends will be begging for the recipe – and now you’ll have it to share!
SEO Block
Focus Keyphrase: Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
SEO Title: Mam’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Slug: mams-peanut-butter-cake-peanut-butter-frosting
Keyphrase Synonyms: peanut butter layer cake, homemade peanut butter cake, peanut butter cake recipe, M&M peanut butter cake
Meta Description: Moist peanut butter cake with creamy frosting and M&Ms. Easy homemade recipe perfect for celebrations.