Peanut Butter M&M’s Cake

There are some days when only a slice of pure comfort will do and this Peanut Butter M&Ms Cake delivers on every level with its rich peanut butter sponge loaded with pops of candy and finished with the kind of silky frosting dreams are made of This is my go to bake for birthdays and cozy movie nights when everyone gathers around the kitchen waiting for a slice

My family lights up when this cake comes out I baked it once for a last minute party and everyone still raves about it Whenever we need a showstopper this is the recipe I pull out

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: brings the needed structure and ensures a tender crumb Choose unbleached for best texture
• Baking powder and baking soda: leaven for light and fluffy layers Use fresh for the best rise
• Salt: deepens flavor and balances the sweetness Sea salt gives extra dimension
• Unsalted butter: for moisture and richness Opt for European style if you can
• Creamy peanut butter: brings signature nutty taste Look for no stir brands for best results
• Granulated sugar: sweetens and helps with a golden crust Pick a finer grain sugar for extra smoothness
• Large eggs: provide structure and bind everything together
• Vanilla extract: warms up all the flavors Pure vanilla makes a noticeable difference
• Buttermilk: tenderizes and keeps the cake soft Full fat buttermilk is ideal
• M&Ms: bring color and pops of chocolate Use classic or try peanut M&Ms for extra crunch
• Powdered sugar: is essential for a cloudlike frosting Sift to avoid lumps
• Heavy cream: gives the frosting its creamy spreadable texture Choose fresh cream for a silkier finish
• Additional M&Ms for topping: turn the cake into a festive centerpiece

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Pans:

Preheat your oven to 175C or 350F Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans ensuring every bit is covered so nothing sticks

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk flour baking powder baking soda and salt in a medium bowl until evenly combined This prevents lumps later and spreads the leavening agents evenly

Cream Butters:

In a large bowl beat the butter and peanut butter with a mixer on medium until the mixture looks smooth and creamy This can take two or three minutes Plan for a blend that looks pale and fluffy

Add Sugar and Eggs:

Gradually add granulated sugar to the butter mixture beating until very light and fluffy This step aerates the batter Crack eggs in one by one beating after each until you see them disappear into the mix The batter should thicken slightly Stir in vanilla extract so the warm aroma comes through

Combine Wet and Dry with Buttermilk:

Starting and ending with the flour mix alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk in three additions total Begin mixing in a third of the flour mix then add half the buttermilk Repeat and finish with flour Stir gently between each addition The batter should look smooth no streaks but avoid overmixing which toughens the crumb

Fold in M&Ms:

Gently stir in M&Ms using a spatula This helps keep the color from bleeding and ensures even distribution so every slice has candy bits

Bake:

Divide the batter evenly between the pans Tap gently to pop air bubbles Bake for 25 to 30 minutes Rotate pans halfway Clever cake tip Insert a skewer in the center at 25 minutes If it comes out clean you are ready

Cool:

Let cakes cool in pans for ten minutes which helps set the edges Turn onto a wire rack and cool completely before frosting This prevents the frosting from melting off

Make the Frosting:

Beat butter and peanut butter in a clean bowl until ultra creamy Slowly add sifted powdered sugar and keep blending to avoid lumps Add heavy cream and vanilla continue beating until frosting becomes pale light and spreadable

Frost and Decorate:

Spread frosting generously over one cooled cake layer Top with the second layer and frost the top and sides until completely covered Finish by pressing extra M&Ms into the top for bursts of color and crunch

Peanut butter is truly the star here Its creaminess is unbeatable and brings back memories of baking with my mom when I was little A frosted slice loaded with candy was always her reward for helping in the kitchen and now it is mine too

Storage Tips

Store the cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days If you need to keep it longer pop it in the fridge where it will stay fresh for up to five days Let the cake come to room temp before serving for the softest crumb For longer storage freeze individual slices double wrapped and thaw overnight on the counter Frosting holds up beautifully

Ingredient Substitutions

If you only have salted butter simply reduce the added salt by a pinch Almond butter can replace peanut butter in both cake and frosting but the flavor changes Try using chopped peanut butter cups instead of M&Ms for an even richer treat Dairy free buttermilk works well too just blend a splash of vinegar with your favorite plant milk

Serving Suggestions

Dress up each slice with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream For a festive touch drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top Serve on a pretty cake stand with coffee or milk for extra smiles

Seasonal Adaptations

Use pastel M&Ms for spring events Choose red and green for winter holidays Try orange and purple for Halloween birthdays

Success Stories

Every time I share this cake at work potlucks it vanishes in minutes Kids in our neighborhood ask for this as their birthday cake year after year It is one of those foolproof recipes that gets passed around Friends often reach out for the recipe after tasting a single bite

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic and seal well You can make the frosting fresh just before serving Thawed cake layers still taste bakery fresh after a quick spin in the freezer so this is a dreamy make ahead option

I learned one time that softening the butter first is the real secret to a melt in your mouth crumb And do not skip that extra handful of M&Ms on top It is what makes everyone smile

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the cake moist?

Use buttermilk and do not overbake. Let the cake cool in the pans before transferring to a rack.

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Creamy peanut butter creates a smoother texture, but crunchy can be used for added texture.

→ What kind of M&M's work best?

Regular milk chocolate M&M's are classic, but peanut or mini versions add unique flavor and texture.

→ How do I frost the layers evenly?

Ensure cakes are completely cool, then use an offset spatula to spread frosting smoothly.

→ How long will this dessert stay fresh?

Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.