This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a rich, moist dessert that celebrates the bold flavor of peanut butter from top to bottom. Made effortlessly with a yellow cake mix and topped with a creamy, sweet peanut butter frosting, it’s the perfect treat for potlucks, celebrations, or any day that calls for comfort food in cake form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a peanut butter lover, this sheet cake is pure heaven. It’s soft, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make with pantry staples and a box cake mix as the base. The frosting is ultra-smooth and creamy, delivering just the right amount of sweetness. This cake travels well, slices easily, and serves a crowd—ideal for casual gatherings and events.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
1 box yellow cake mix
4 large eggs
½ cup softened butter (1 stick)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup softened butter
2 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. Set aside.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened butter, creamy peanut butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until the batter is smooth and fully blended.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Frost the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top with a spatula.
Serve:
Slice into squares and serve. This cake is delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12–16 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
Add Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips for texture and extra flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for a chocolate-peanut butter twist.
Swirl Option: Swirl a spoonful of jam or jelly into the batter before baking for a PB&J-inspired treat.
Cupcake Version: Divide the batter into cupcake liners and adjust the bake time to 18–20 minutes.
Frosting Swap: Use a chocolate ganache frosting for a deeper, richer flavor contrast.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze frosted or unfrosted cake slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Best served at room temperature. No reheating needed.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s best to use regular creamy peanut butter for consistent texture. Natural peanut butter may separate and affect the frosting’s consistency.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, both the cake and the frosting can be made a day in advance. Frost just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Can I reduce the sugar in the frosting?
You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly, but it may affect the texture and sweetness. Taste and adjust as needed.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, white or chocolate cake mix can be used, but yellow cake enhances the peanut butter flavor best.
What’s the best way to spread the frosting?
Use an offset spatula or butter knife and apply it gently to avoid tearing the soft cake.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans or a larger sheet pan if desired.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, if you prefer added texture, crunchy peanut butter works well in both the cake and frosting.
Is this cake overly sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced by the peanut butter’s richness. You can adjust sweetness in the frosting if preferred.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
Can I turn this into a layered cake?
Yes, divide the batter between two 9-inch round pans and adjust the baking time to 20–25 minutes.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a deliciously nostalgic dessert that’s both simple to make and crowd-pleasing. Its moist texture, rich flavor, and creamy frosting make it an irresistible choice for any peanut butter fan. Whether for a casual family dessert or a special gathering, this cake delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite.
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a peanut butter lover’s dream! Made with a yellow cake mix base and loaded with creamy peanut butter flavor, this soft and moist cake is topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or whenever you’re craving a sweet, nutty treat!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
1 box yellow cake mix
-
4 large eggs
-
1/2 cup softened butter (1 stick)
-
1 cup creamy peanut butter
-
1 cup milk
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
-
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
-
1/4 cup softened butter
-
2 cups powdered sugar
-
3-4 tablespoons milk (adjust to desired consistency)
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. -
Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, softened butter, peanut butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth. -
Bake the Cake:
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool completely on a wire rack. -
Prepare Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat peanut butter and butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until combined.
Mix in milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Stir in vanilla extract. -
Frost and Serve:
Spread frosting over the cooled cake.
Slice into squares and serve for a deliciously rich peanut butter treat!
Notes
-
For extra flair, top with crushed peanuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
-
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
-
This cake freezes well—wrap tightly and thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
