Dreamy M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Creamy M&Ms peanut butter cake blends childhood nostalgia with decadent dessert magic.

Sweet memories dance across my taste buds whenever I slice into this colorful treat.

Chocolate and peanut butter create an irresistible combination that sparks joy in every bite.

Colorful candy shells add playful crunch to each delectable slice.

Soft cake layers promise rich, smooth indulgence with every forkful.

Whipped frosting brings intense peanut butter flavor that melts seamlessly into tender crumb.

Grab a plate and let pure deliciousness begin!

Essential Ingredients for M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

• Cake Mix: A pre-mixed dry ingredient blend that provides the foundation for the cake's structure and flavor.
• Peanut Butter: A creamy spread that adds rich, nutty flavor and moisture to the cake batter.
• M&Ms: Colorful chocolate candies that bring sweetness and a playful crunch to the cake.

• Butter: A creamy base that provides richness and helps create a smooth frosting texture.
• Powdered Sugar: A fine sugar that dissolves easily and creates a silky, sweet frosting.
• Milk: A liquid that helps adjust the frosting's consistency and adds softness.
• Peanut Butter: A rich ingredient that enhances the frosting's flavor and creates a creamy texture.
• Vanilla: A classic flavoring that adds depth and complexity to the frosting.

• Cake Pan: A baking vessel that helps shape and cook the cake evenly.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: A non-stick agent that prevents the cake from sticking to the pan.

How to Create M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Step 1: Mix Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the cake mix following the instructions on the package. Grab a large mixing bowl and combine all the cake mix ingredients until you have a smooth, creamy batter.

Step 2: Enhance the Cake

• Creamy peanut butter
• Colorful M&Ms

Pour the enhanced batter into a well-greased cake pan. Spread the mixture evenly to ensure consistent baking. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake according to the cake mix package timing. Once baked, remove and let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Whip Up Peanut Butter Frosting

• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Smooth peanut butter
• Vanilla extract

Beat the ingredients with an electric mixer until the frosting becomes silky smooth and free of lumps. The consistency should be creamy and spreadable.

Step 4: Decorate and Serve

Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the peanut butter frosting over the entire surface. Create swirls and peaks for a beautiful finish. Sprinkle additional M&Ms on top for a playful and colorful decoration. Slice and serve this delectable peanut butter cake that’s sure to make everyone smile.

Pro Tips for M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Mix peanut butter directly into cake batter for a richer, more pronounced peanut butter taste throughout the cake.
• Prevent Candy Sinking: Lightly coat M&Ms in flour before adding to batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
• Achieve Creamy Frosting: Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother, lump-free peanut butter frosting that spreads easily.
• Control Sweetness Level: Adjust powdered sugar quantity to personalize frosting's sweetness according to your preference.
• Decorate Strategically: Press extra M&Ms gently into frosted cake sides and top for a colorful, professional-looking presentation.

Variations to Try with M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap cake mix with vegan cake mix, use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and swap M&Ms with dairy-free chocolate candies.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and choose sugar-free chocolate candies.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Eliminate peanut butter, use sunflower seed butter instead, and select nut-free chocolate candies for those with allergies.

Pairing Ideas for M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

• Enhance Flavor Harmony: Pair this sweet and nutty M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with cold milk for a classic childhood-inspired combo that balances the rich frosting.
• Elevate Dessert Experience: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the cake's peanut butter intensity and provide a creamy, cool contrast.
• Match Beverage Delight: Enjoy with a hot caramel latte or cappuccino, which will highlight the cake's sweet and nutty undertones while offering a warm, sophisticated drinking experience.
• Amplify Dessert Pleasure: Complement the cake with a small glass of chocolate liqueur for adults, creating a decadent pairing that intensifies the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

Best Storage Tips for M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the entire unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
• Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

FAQs for M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

• Can I use a different type of candy instead of M&Ms?

Yes, you can substitute M&Ms with other colorful candies like Reese’s Pieces or chopped candy bars to add variety and personal flair to the cake.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, this recipe contains peanut butter and M&Ms with peanuts, making it unsafe for those with nut allergies.

• How can I make the cake more moist?

Add an extra egg or substitute some of the water with milk in the cake mix to enhance moisture and richness.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients like peanut butter and M&Ms are certified gluten-free.

The Magic Behind M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

• Boost Family Fun: Create a colorful, playful dessert that brings smiles to kids and adults with its vibrant M&Ms and rich peanut butter flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Quickly personalize the cake by adjusting M&Ms colors for birthdays, holidays, or special celebrations without complex modifications.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Combine the classic love of peanut butter and chocolate in a single, irresistible cake that satisfies multiple taste preferences.
• Simple Baking Process: Follow straightforward steps using basic cake mix and pantry ingredients, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

M&Ms Peanut Butter Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent m&ms peanut butter cake combines creamy peanut butter frosting with colorful candy crunch, creating a dessert paradise. Sweet chocolate and nutty notes dance together, promising pure bliss for chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts seeking ultimate comfort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup M&Ms
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup milk

Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare cake batter following standard mixing guidelines.
2. Gently fold peanut butter into the prepared mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
3. Sprinkle M&Ms evenly across the batter, carefully stirring to suspend candies without breaking them.
4. Transfer the enriched batter into a thoroughly greased cake pan, spreading smoothly to create an even surface.
5. Bake for recommended time until a toothpick inserted near the center emerges clean and cake appears golden.
6. Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents moisture accumulation and maintains texture.
7. Whip softened butter until light and fluffy using an electric mixer at medium speed.
8. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, creating a smooth base for the frosting while preventing lumps.
9. Blend in milk, peanut butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
10. Once cake has cooled, generously apply frosting across the entire surface using an offset spatula.
11. Decorate the frosted cake by sprinkling additional M&Ms on top for visual appeal and extra crunch.

Notes

• Choose creamy peanut butter for a smoother, more consistent cake texture that blends easily into the batter.
• Fold M&Ms gently into the cake mix to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• For a gluten-free version, swap the regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Chill the cake before frosting to create cleaner, more precise decorative edges and help the frosting set more effectively.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg