Looking for the ultimate dessert mashup that brings together bold flavors and nostalgic fun? This M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a celebration in every slice! Bursting with colorful M&Ms and wrapped in a dreamy peanut butter buttercream, this cake is a show-stopping treat for birthdays, parties, or anytime indulgence. The rich, moist peanut butter cake base paired with the sweet crunch of M&Ms makes this recipe a must-try for candy lovers and cake enthusiasts alike.
If you’re craving something that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, this M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting will become your go-to bake.
Why You’ll Love This M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Loaded with flavor: Every bite combines moist peanut butter cake with melty M&Ms for the perfect sweet-and-salty harmony.
- Beginner-friendly: No complicated techniques—just straightforward steps that yield impressive results.
- Perfect for celebrations: The colorful M&Ms make this cake a fun centerpiece for birthdays, holidays, or potlucks.
- Kid-approved: Kids love the burst of chocolate in every bite, especially with all that candy on top!
- Customizable: Swap in peanut butter M&Ms or mini M&Ms for a unique twist.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Here’s a look at the essential ingredients that make this cake irresistible:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the cake structure and balances the moisture from peanut butter.
- Creamy peanut butter: Infuses the cake and frosting with rich, nutty flavor.
- Butter: Adds moisture and a luxurious texture to both the cake and frosting.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar: Sweetens and enhances the caramelized depth in the cake layers.
- Eggs: Helps bind the batter while keeping it soft and fluffy.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cake tender and light.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and adds warmth.
- M&Ms: The star mix-in that adds crunch, color, and chocolatey goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
1. Prep the pans and oven.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugars.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add eggs and vanilla.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate wet and dry.
Gradually add the flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.
6. Fold in M&Ms.
Gently fold in the M&Ms using a spatula—don’t overmix.
7. Bake the cake.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool completely.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
9. Make the frosting.
Beat together peanut butter and softened butter. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and cream until light and fluffy.
10. Assemble the cake.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting over it, top with the second layer, then frost the top and sides. Decorate with more M&Ms on top.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Use mini M&Ms for a more even chocolate distribution throughout the cake.
- Chill the cake for 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for a double chocolate hit.
- Try Nutella frosting instead of peanut butter for a hazelnut-chocolate twist.
- Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How to Store & Reheat
To Store:
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To Freeze:
Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat:
Allow slices to come to room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of indulgent, flavor-packed comfort food, you’ll definitely want to try these next! From peanut butter-packed desserts to buttery savory bakes, these recipes bring the same delicious vibes as our M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting:
- Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake: A gooey, chocolatey peanut butter dream that’s effortlessly easy to make.
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta: A rich, savory dinner idea perfect for cozy nights in.
- Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits: Fluffy, cheesy, and swimming in buttery goodness—an irresistible savory bake!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Creamy works best for a smooth batter and frosting.
What type of M&Ms work best for this cake?
Classic or peanut butter M&Ms work wonderfully. Mini M&Ms are great for a more consistent bite.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! Bake and frost the cake a day ahead, then refrigerate. Let it sit at room temp before serving.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
You can, but homemade peanut butter frosting elevates the flavor and pairs perfectly with the cake.
This M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is everything a dessert lover dreams of—colorful, creamy, nutty, and packed with sweet surprises in every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday bash or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Try it today and don’t forget to share your slice with us in the comments or tag us on social media. Happy baking!
M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups M&Ms plus extra for topping
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 1/2 –3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well, then mix in vanilla.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the wet mixture.
- Fold in M&Ms gently.
- Divide batter between pans and bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto racks.
- For the frosting, beat peanut butter and butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream gradually. Beat until fluffy.
- Frost the first cake layer, stack the second, and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate with extra M&Ms. Chill slightly before slicing for clean edges.