Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: Both the cake and the frosting are infused with peanut butter, offering a double dose of nutty goodness.
• Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of ingredients ensures a soft and moist crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this sheet cake is simple to make, even for beginners.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or a casual dessert at home, this cake fits the bill.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Water
• Unsalted butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or a 9×13-inch baking pan, depending on your preference for cake thickness.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Heat the Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, unsalted butter, and creamy peanut butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the hot peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the vegetable oil, buttermilk, large eggs, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Frosting: While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, combine unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and buttermilk over medium heat. Stir until smooth and bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 15 minutes. Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake, spreading it evenly.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake and frosting to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 20 servings.
• Preparation Time: About 25 minutes
• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 50-60 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Sheet Cake: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
• Crunchy Texture: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts into the batter for added crunch.
• Jelly Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of your favorite jelly or jam onto the batter before baking, swirling gently with a knife for a peanut butter and jelly effect.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For extended freshness, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

How can I make a buttermilk substitute?

Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with enough milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

It’s recommended to use regular creamy peanut butter, as natural varieties can separate and affect the texture of the cake and frosting.

What type of pan is best for this cake?

A 10×15-inch jelly roll pan yields a thinner cake, while a 9×13-inch pan produces a thicker, more traditional cake.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming grainy?

Ensure the powdered sugar is sifted before mixing and whisk thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, folding in 1 cup of chocolate chips can add a delightful chocolatey surprise to each bite.

Is it necessary to frost the cake while it’s warm?

Yes, pouring the warm frosting over a warm cake allows it to spread easily and creates a fudgy layer on top.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Store it in an airtight container and avoid overbaking. Adding an extra tablespoon of buttermilk can also help retain moisture.

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. Frost it just before serving for the freshest taste.

What can I serve with peanut butter sheet cake?

This cake pairs well with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that delivers rich peanut butter flavor in every bite. Its moist texture, easy preparation, and crowd-pleasing taste make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a sweet topping, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.