Introduction to Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
When it comes to desserts that truly impress, peanut butter sheet cake is a game changer. This delightful cake combines the comfort of a classic sheet cake with the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter, making it an undeniable crowd-pleaser. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this cake is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. In less than an hour, you can whip up a moist and decadent cake that's topped with a fudgy peanut butter frosting that’s simply irresistible.
What makes this cake stand out is its versatility. It serves 24 generous slices, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family. Plus, the fudgy frosting boasts a unique blend of sweetness and nutty flavor, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience. Whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic or just looking to try something new, this cake is bound to win your heart.
If you’re curious about the magic behind this recipe, check out the video tutorial which breaks down the steps for you. Let’s dive into how to create this heavenly treat and bring some joy to your table!
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
When you're ready to whip up a delicious peanut butter sheet cake, gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let's break down what you'll need.
Essential Ingredients for the Cake
To craft a delightful cake, you'll want to have the following essentials handy:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
- Light brown sugar: ¾ cup (150 g), firmly packed
- Baking soda: ¾ teaspoon
- Salt: ¾ teaspoon
- Water: 1 cup (237 ml)
- Unsalted butter: ¾ cup (177 g), cut into pieces
- Avocado, canola, or vegetable oil: ¼ cup (60 g)
- Creamy peanut butter: ½ cup (145 g)
- Buttermilk: ½ cup (118 ml)
- Large eggs: 2, preferably at room temperature
- Vanilla extract: 1 ½ teaspoons
These ingredients come together in a time-efficient way, allowing you to enjoy a fresh slice in no time!
Key Ingredients for the Fudgy Peanut Butter Frosting
Now, let’s talk about that irresistible frosting. Here are the critical components:
- Powdered sugar: 4 cups (500 g)
- Buttermilk: ½ cup (118 ml)
- Unsalted butter: 10 tablespoons (150 g), cut into pieces
- Creamy peanut butter: ⅔ cup (165 g)
- Salt: ¼ heaping teaspoon
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
This fudgy frosting adds a rich layer of flavor to your cake, making every bite a heavenly experience! If you’d like to grab some buttermilk, you can learn how to make an easy substitute here.
With these ingredients in hand, you're well on your way to baking an unforgettable peanut butter sheet cake that everyone will rave about!
Preparing Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Baking a peanut butter sheet cake is an easy and delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious cake that’s perfect for gatherings, or just to enjoy a piece at home.
Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start mixing, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Here’s what you need for the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (avocado or canola works too)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the fudgy frosting, gather:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ heaping teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix the Dry Ingredients Together
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugars, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures that the leavening agents and flavorings are evenly distributed throughout your cake, giving you that perfect rise and taste.
Create the Cake Batter
Next, in a medium saucepan, combine your water, butter, and oil. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts and the combination reaches a boil. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and promptly stir in the creamy peanut butter until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool for about 5-10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually combine the buttermilk mixture with the peanut butter mixture, stirring until the batter is just blended. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan (lightly greased), ready to bake.
Bake the Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Pop the pan into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30-32 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with minimal moist crumbs. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with a heavenly aroma!
Prepare the Fudgy Frosting
While the cake cools, it’s time to whip up that luxurious frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine the buttermilk, butter, peanut butter, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat until melted, then bring to a boil. Remove it from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and luscious.
Frost and Serve Your Cake
Once your peanut butter sheet cake has cooled completely, pour the warm fudgy frosting evenly over the cake while still in the pan. This creates a beautifully decadent layer of frosting that will melt into the cake. Let it set for just a moment, then slice and serve. Enjoy the rich flavors and delight your friends and family with a slice of pure joy!
For more tips and tricks on baking cakes, you can check out this guide on cake baking, which offers wonderful insights and recipe variations. Happy baking!
Variations on Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Adding chocolate for a rich twist
If you’re a chocolate lover, why not take your peanut butter sheet cake to the next level by adding cocoa powder? Simply incorporate ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa into the dry ingredients. For an extra decadent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the fudgy peanut butter frosting. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a delightful treat that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!
Incorporating fruit for a fresh flavor
For a fresh twist, try folding in some ripe mashed bananas or diced apples into your peanut butter sheet cake batter. The fruit adds natural sweetness and a lovely moist texture. Alternatively, topping the cake with sliced strawberries or bananas right before serving creates a refreshing contrast to the rich frosting. Try exploring seasonal fruits to find the perfect burst of flavor that complements this classic cake!
Perfecting these variations lets you customize your cake experience, ensuring every bite is delightful!
Baking notes for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Tips for perfecting the texture
To achieve a perfectly moist peanut butter sheet cake, consider these tips:
- Measure ingredients accurately: Using a kitchen scale can help ensure even results.
- Don’t overmix: Incorporate the buttermilk and eggs just until combined for a lighter texture.
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature; this helps create a smoother batter.
Common mistakes to avoid
Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of while baking:
- Skipping the baking soda: It’s crucial for that lovely rise, so double-check your ingredients.
- Cooling too long before frosting: Let the cake cool slightly, but apply the frosting while it’s warm for a decadent melt-in-your-mouth effect.
- Using natural peanut butter: Stick to creamy or crunchy varieties to maintain the cake's structure and flavor.
With these notes in mind, you’ll be well on your way to baking a delicious peanut butter sheet cake that impresses friends and family!
Serving suggestions for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Pairing with vanilla ice cream
One of the best ways to elevate your peanut butter sheet cake experience is by serving it alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cool, rich vanilla perfectly complements the warm, fudgy cake and its decadent peanut butter frosting. Think of it as a delightful contrast—creamy versus moist, sweet versus savory. You could even drizzle a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce over the ice cream for an indulgent touch.
Moist cake alternatives for toppings
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider topping your peanut butter sheet cake with fresh fruits like sliced bananas or strawberries. The natural sweetness and slight acidity of these fruits can bring a refreshing balance. Alternatively, a sprinkle of crushed chocolate cookies or toffee bits adds a delightful crunch and richness. Whatever your choice, these toppings can enhance the cake's moistness and create a truly unforgettable dessert.
Tips for Making the Perfect Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Best Practices for Measuring Ingredients
Accurate measurements are key to a delicious peanut butter sheet cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour: spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing, ensuring your cake isn’t dense. For brown sugar, pack it firmly into the cup for the right sweetness. If possible, invest in a digital kitchen scale for the most precise measurements, especially with ingredients like peanut butter and flour.
How to Test for Doneness
To guarantee your peanut butter sheet cake is perfectly baked, use the toothpick method. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. Remember, slight carryover cooking occurs, so take it out a minute or two early for a wonderfully moist texture! Don’t forget to check out this handy guide on baking times and temperatures for tips!
Time Details for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Preparation Time
Getting started on your peanut butter sheet cake is a breeze! The prep work only takes about 25 minutes, giving you just the right amount of time to gather your ingredients and mix them together.
Baking Time
Once you've mixed your batter, it's time for the magic to happen in the oven. The baking process takes around 30-32 minutes, allowing the cake to rise and develop that delicious flavor.
Total Time
In total, you'll need about 57 minutes from start to finish, which means you can have this delectable treat ready to serve in no time! Perfect for a quick dessert or a sweet surprise for guests.
If you're eager to jump into this recipe, make sure to check out the full instructions and video to guide you through the process! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Calories
Each serving of this delicious peanut butter sheet cake packs in 354 calories. While it's certainly indulgent, it's a treat worth every bite!
Protein
You'll also get a modest 5 grams of protein per serving. This adds a little nutritional benefit to your dessert and helps keep you satisfied.
Sugar Content
With 36 grams of sugar, this cake leans toward the sweeter side. It’s perfect for those special occasions when you want to indulge your sweet tooth without feeling guilty about it. For a healthier twist, consider pairing it with some fresh fruit to balance the sweetness!
Feel free to explore more about the health benefits of peanut butter on websites like Healthline or Medical News Today. Enjoy your baking!
FAQs about Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This peanut butter sheet cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just let it cool completely after baking, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
What’s the best way to store it?
To keep your peanut butter sheet cake fresh, cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It should last up to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, consider refrigerating it, but note that this could slightly alter the texture of the frosting.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
While you might be tempted to use natural peanut butter, it's best to stick with creamy or crunchy peanut butter that doesn't have separated oil. Natural varieties can affect the texture of your cake, making it less tender and moist. For a deeper dive on ingredient choices, check out resources on baking substitutions.
By following these tips, you'll ensure your peanut butter sheet cake is a hit every time!
Conclusion on Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
In summary, this peanut butter sheet cake is a delightful and easy dessert that will impress friends and family alike. With its rich flavors and fudgy frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and savor the joy that comes with each bite! Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Equipment
- 13x9 baking pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Medium-sized saucepan
Ingredients
Sheet Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cups light brown sugar firmly packed
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
- ¼ cup avocado, canola or vegetable oil
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs room temperature preferred
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Fudgy Peanut Butter Frosting
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 10 Tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ heaping teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Cake Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 13x9 baking pan. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking soda, and salt.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine water, butter, and oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until butter is melted and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and add peanut butter. Stir until peanut butter is dissolved and mixture is smooth. Add to bowl with dry ingredients and stir until combined. Set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir buttermilk mixture into batter, stirring until just combined.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and transfer to center rack of 350F (175C) preheated oven and bake for 30-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Prepare frosting.
Frosting Preparation
- Measure out sugar and set aside (if you’re worried about lumps in your icing, sift the sugar after measuring).
- Combine buttermilk, butter, peanut butter, and salt in a medium-sized saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until butter is melted. Increase heat to medium and bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Once boiling, remove from heat.
- Immediately add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Whisk until smooth and immediately pour evenly over cake (in the pan, I do not remove my cake from the pan).
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