Nothing beats the irresistible combination of rich peanut butter and tender cake that makes this peanut butter sheet cake an absolute crowd-pleaser. We’ve perfected this recipe to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss – it’s the kind of dessert that disappears within minutes at potlucks and family gatherings.
What sets our peanut butter sheet cake apart is its incredibly moist texture and the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. The generous layer of creamy peanut butter frosting creates an indulgent finish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Unlike traditional layer cakes this single-pan wonder feeds a crowd effortlessly.
Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration or simply craving something special we guarantee this cake will become your new go-to dessert. The best part? You probably already have most ingredients in your pantry right now.
Ingredients
We’ve organized these ingredients into two simple categories to make your baking process seamless. Most of these pantry staples create the perfect foundation for our rich and indulgent peanut butter sheet cake.
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup milk
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Equipment Needed
Before we jump into creating this irresistible peanut butter sheet cake, let’s gather the essential baking equipment that will ensure our success in the kitchen.
Essential Baking Pans
We need to select the right pan size based on our serving needs and preferred cake thickness. A 9×13-inch pan works perfectly for the standard recipe and serves as our go-to choice for family gatherings. For larger crowds or thinner cake layers, we recommend using a 10x15x1-inch jellyroll pan which accommodates more batter beautifully. Those wanting to create an authentic Texas-style sheet cake should opt for an 11×17-inch pan that delivers the signature thin, wide presentation.
Stovetop Equipment
Our peanut butter frosting requires careful preparation on the stovetop. We’ll need a medium pot for boiling the butter and peanut butter mixture, which creates that signature smooth and glossy frosting texture that makes this cake special.
Mixing and Measuring Tools
Proper mixing ensures our cake batter develops the perfect consistency. Mixing bowls in various sizes help us separate dry ingredients from wet ingredients before combining them seamlessly. Measuring cups and spoons guarantee accuracy in our ingredient proportions, which directly impacts the final taste and texture of our cake.
| Pan Size | Best For | Cake Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 9×13-inch | Standard family recipe | Medium thick |
| 10x15x1-inch | Larger gatherings | Thin to medium |
| 11×17-inch | Texas-style presentation | Thin |
Having these tools ready before we start baking streamlines our process and helps us achieve bakery-quality results every time.
Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to create our irresistible peanut butter sheet cake. We’ll guide you through each stage from preparation to the final frosting application.
Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F for optimal baking results. Grease your chosen pan thoroughly with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. A 10×15-inch or 12×17-inch sheet pan works perfectly for this recipe depending on your serving needs.
Make the Cake Batter
Combine peanut butter, water, and butter in a medium pot and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Heat until completely melted and smooth. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
Pour the hot peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until well combined. Add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until the batter becomes smooth and lump-free.
Bake the Cake
Pour the prepared batter into your greased pan and spread it evenly to all corners. Bake for 13 to 26 minutes depending on your pan size and oven performance. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting
Combine butter, buttermilk, and peanut butter in a small pot and bring to a vigorous boil. Remove from heat once the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the hot butter mixture, whisking continuously until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Frost the Cake
Pour the warm frosting directly over the cake while it’s still slightly warm for the best spreading results. Use an offset spatula to distribute the frosting evenly across the entire surface. Allow the frosting to set for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving for clean, professional-looking slices.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Once you’ve created this delicious peanut butter sheet cake, proper storage ensures it maintains its moist texture and rich flavor. We’ll share our best practices for keeping your cake fresh and preparing components ahead of time.
Storing the Finished Cake
Room Temperature Storage: We recommend storing your peanut butter sheet cake in an airtight container or covering it tightly with plastic wrap. Your cake will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days when stored this way.
Refrigeration Method: Cakes with frosting or ganache benefit from refrigerator storage. Place your frosted sheet cake in the refrigerator where it will maintain quality for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing for Long Term: We can extend the cake’s life up to 3 months through freezing. Wrap your cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3-4 days | Unfrosted cake |
| Refrigerated | 3-4 days | Frosted cake |
| Frozen | 3 months | Long term storage |
Make-Ahead Instructions
Advance Cake Preparation: We often bake our peanut butter sheet cake ahead of scheduled events. Store your unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days before adding frosting.
Frosting Timeline: Prepare your peanut butter frosting up to 3 days in advance. Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Pro Baking Tips: Use shelf stable peanut butter brands like Jif or Skippy for optimal texture and sweetness in both cake and frosting. High altitude bakers should adjust the recipe accordingly to ensure proper rising and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Our peanut butter sheet cake delivers the best flavor and texture when served at room temperature. We recommend allowing refrigerated cake to sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to achieve that perfect tender crumb.
Cutting and Presentation
We cut our sheet cake into neat squares or rectangles for easy serving at parties and potlucks. A sharp knife wiped clean between cuts ensures clean edges and professional presentation. For standard 9×13-inch pans we create 24 generous squares while larger jellyroll pans yield up to 35 servings.
Enhanced Garnishing Options
Adding visual appeal transforms our basic cake into a bakery-worthy dessert. We sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts across the frosted surface for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Chocolate drizzle creates elegant diagonal lines when applied with a fork or squeeze bottle. Peanut butter chips scattered on top provide bursts of concentrated flavor while mini chocolate chips add delightful contrast.
Perfect Beverage Pairings
Our rich peanut butter cake pairs beautifully with classic beverages that complement its intense flavors. Cold milk provides the traditional pairing that balances the cake’s sweetness. Hot coffee cuts through the richness while improving the nutty notes. We also enjoy serving it alongside vanilla ice cream for special occasions.
Serving Temperature Guidelines
| Storage Method | Serving Temperature | Best Texture Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature storage | Serve immediately | Peak flavor and moistness |
| Refrigerated cake | 15-20 minutes at room temp | Optimal crumb texture |
| Frozen cake | 30-45 minutes thawing | Full flavor restoration |
Occasion-Exact Serving
For potluck events we pre-cut the entire cake and arrange pieces on disposable plates for grab-and-go convenience. Birthday celebrations benefit from candle placement in individual squares rather than the whole cake. Office parties work well with smaller rectangular portions that fit standard paper plates without mess.
Recipe Variations
Transform your classic peanut butter sheet cake into exciting new flavors with these delicious variations. Each adaptation maintains the moist texture and rich taste while adding complementary flavors that enhance the overall dessert experience.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
We elevate the classic recipe by incorporating chocolate chips directly into the batter for an indulgent chocolate peanut butter combination. Add approximately 1 cup of chocolate chips to the prepared batter, folding them in gently before pouring into your prepared pan. The chocolate chips create pockets of rich chocolate throughout each slice while maintaining the cake’s signature peanut butter flavor.
For the frosting, we recommend improving the peanut butter base with cocoa powder or warming spices like cinnamon. Mix 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder into the frosting ingredients to create a deeper, more complex flavor profile. This chocolate enhanced frosting pairs beautifully with the chocolate chip studded cake, creating a dessert that satisfies both chocolate and peanut butter cravings.
The baking time remains the same as the original recipe, though we suggest checking for doneness a few minutes earlier since chocolate chips can affect the cake’s structure slightly.
Peanut Butter Banana Sheet Cake
Mashed ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and additional moisture to our peanut butter sheet cake, creating a delightful flavor combination reminiscent of a peanut butter banana sandwich. Replace 1/2 cup of the wet ingredients with 3/4 cup of mashed ripe bananas, incorporating them into the batter after combining the peanut butter mixture with the dry ingredients.
Choose bananas that are very ripe with brown spots for optimal sweetness and easier mashing. The bananas not only add fruity flavor but also contribute to the cake’s tender crumb structure. We fold the mashed bananas into the batter just until combined to prevent overmixing, which could result in a dense texture.
This variation pairs exceptionally well with the standard peanut butter frosting, though you can also add a tablespoon of banana extract to the frosting for an even more pronounced banana flavor. The finished cake offers a perfect balance of nutty peanut butter and sweet banana that appeals to all ages.
Troubleshooting Tips
Even experienced bakers encounter challenges when creating the perfect peanut butter sheet cake. We’ve compiled the most common issues and their answers to help you achieve bakery-quality results every time.
Texture Problems
Dry or coarse cake texture typically stems from overmixing the batter or using outdated leavening agents. We recommend sifting all dry ingredients together before combining them with wet ingredients. Fold flour into the mixture gently rather than beating vigorously to maintain the cake’s tender crumb. Incorrect measurements of liquid ingredients can also create texture issues so measure buttermilk and other wet components precisely.
Oil Separation Issues
Natural peanut butter creates important problems in both cake batter and frosting due to oil separation. We strongly advise using commercial creamy peanut butter brands rather than natural varieties for consistent results. The stabilizers in regular peanut butter prevent the oily texture that can ruin your cake’s appearance and mouthfeel.
Pan Release Problems
Cakes sticking to the pan frustrate even seasoned bakers. Grease your 9×13-inch pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray before adding batter. Parchment paper provides additional insurance against sticking especially for larger sheet pans. Allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before attempting removal to prevent breaking.
Frosting Consistency Challenges
Thick frosting that won’t spread smoothly needs gradual milk additions until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely thin frosting requires additional powdered sugar to achieve proper thickness. Stir the butter and peanut butter mixture constantly while heating to prevent scorching which creates lumpy frosting.
Temperature-Related Issues
Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create smoother batter. Remove butter and eggs from refrigeration 30 to 60 minutes before baking for optimal mixing. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or create uneven texture throughout the finished cake.
Baking Time Accuracy
Underbaked cake appears wet in the center while overbaked cake becomes dry and crumbly. Check doneness at the minimum baking time using a toothpick inserted in the center. The toothpick should emerge with just a few moist crumbs attached rather than wet batter or completely clean.
| Common Issue | Primary Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dry texture | Overmixing or old leavening | Gentle folding, fresh baking soda |
| Oil separation | Natural peanut butter | Use commercial creamy variety |
| Sticking | Inadequate pan prep | Thorough greasing plus parchment |
| Thick frosting | Insufficient liquid | Add milk gradually |
| Thin frosting | Too much liquid | Add powdered sugar incrementally |
Following these troubleshooting guidelines ensures your peanut butter sheet cake turns out perfectly moist with smooth frosting every time you bake.
Conclusion
This peanut butter sheet cake delivers everything we love about homemade desserts – rich flavor amazing texture and the satisfaction of creating something truly special. We’ve equipped you with all the knowledge needed to bake store and serve this crowd-pleasing treat with confidence.
Whether you’re making it for your next family gathering or simply satisfying a weeknight craving this recipe won’t disappoint. The versatility of variations and make-ahead options makes it perfect for any occasion.
Now it’s time to preheat that oven and experience the incredible aroma of peanut butter cake filling your kitchen. Your friends and family will be asking for this recipe before they’ve finished their first slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes peanut butter sheet cake different from regular cake?
Peanut butter sheet cake features a unique moist texture created by combining peanut butter directly into both the cake batter and frosting. Unlike regular cakes, it’s baked in a single large pan and topped with warm peanut butter frosting while still slightly warm, creating a rich, dense dessert that’s perfect for feeding crowds.
How long does peanut butter sheet cake stay fresh?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for the same duration if frosted. For longer storage, freeze the cake for up to 3 months. The cake maintains its moist texture best when properly covered to prevent drying out.
Can I make peanut butter sheet cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the unfrosted cake up to two days in advance and store it covered at room temperature. The frosting can be made up to three days ahead and refrigerated. Simply rewarm the frosting slightly before spreading it on the cake for best results.
What pan size should I use for peanut butter sheet cake?
Use a 9×13-inch pan for the standard recipe serving 12-15 people. For larger gatherings, use a 10x15x1-inch jellyroll pan. For Texas-style presentation serving even more people, an 11×17-inch pan works perfectly. Always grease your pan well to prevent sticking.
Why is my peanut butter frosting separating or oily?
Oil separation typically occurs when using natural peanut butter or when the frosting gets too warm. Use shelf-stable commercial peanut butter brands for best results. If separation occurs, let the frosting cool slightly and whisk vigorously, or add a tablespoon of powdered sugar to help bind the mixture.
How do I know when the sheet cake is done baking?
Baking time varies by pan size: 18-22 minutes for 9×13-inch pans, 15-18 minutes for larger pans. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, and the edges start pulling slightly away from the pan sides.
What’s the best way to serve peanut butter sheet cake?
Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture. If refrigerated, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving. Cut into neat squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Garnish with chopped peanuts, chocolate drizzle, or peanut butter chips for extra appeal.
Can I make variations of this peanut butter sheet cake?
Absolutely! Try adding chocolate chips to the batter for a Chocolate Peanut Butter version, or replace some wet ingredients with mashed bananas for a Peanut Butter Banana cake. Both variations maintain the signature moist texture while adding complementary flavors that enhance the original recipe.
