Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of a cake baking in the oven, especially when it’s a peanut butter sheet cake. This delightful dessert is a crowd-pleaser that combines the rich, savory taste of peanut butter with the sweet, tender crumb of a classic cake. It’s the perfect end to a family dinner or a wonderful addition to a weekend potluck.
The Magic Begins with Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry: flour, sugar, eggs, and, of course, the star of the show—peanut butter. The type of peanut butter you use can change the flavor profile of the cake. Creamy peanut butter will give you a smooth, consistent texture, while using crunchy can add a delightful bite to each slice.
The Process: A Labor of Love
Making a peanut butter sheet cake is a labor of love, but it’s also an incredibly fun and rewarding process. Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan. There’s nothing worse than your cake sticking, so make sure to grease it well!
Mixing the batter is where the magic happens. As you cream together the butter and sugar, then add in the peanut butter, you’ll find the kitchen filling up with a warm, nutty scent. Once the wet ingredients are well combined, you gently fold in the dry ingredients, taking care not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we’re aiming for light and fluffy!
The Icing on the Cake
While the cake is baking, you can prepare the frosting. A peanut butter sheet cake wouldn’t be complete without a creamy, dreamy peanut butter frosting. It’s as simple as beating together peanut butter with powdered sugar, a touch of butter, and a splash of milk until it’s smooth and spreadable.
Sharing the Love
Once your cake has cooled and you’ve slathered on a generous layer of frosting, it’s time to cut into squares and serve. Watching friends and family enjoy the fruits of your labor is incredibly satisfying. The cake’s moist interior paired with the rich frosting is sure to draw oohs and aahs from your guests.
Final Thoughts
Baking a peanut butter sheet cake is more than just following a set of instructions; it’s about creating memories and sharing joy. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for the week ahead, this cake promises to deliver comfort and smiles to anyone who takes a bite. So tie on your apron, grab your whisk, and let’s get baking!
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 sticks butter
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Frosting:
- 1 stick butter
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 6 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a sheet cake pan or two 9×13 inch pans and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
- In a saucepan, mix together the peanut butter, water, and butter. Bring to a rapid boil and then pour over the flour mixture.
- Stir the mixture together and then add the eggs and buttermilk, mixing until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For the frosting, bring the butter, peanut butter, and buttermilk to a rapid boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and powdered sugar.
- While still hot, spread the frosting over the cake. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting.
