Craving a decadent dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser? Look no further than peanut butter sheet cake! This classic treat combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a moist and fluffy cake base, creating a delightful indulgence for any occasion.
In my years of exploring the world of baking, I’ve found that peanut butter sheet cake recipes are a go-to option for busy days when I want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s for a potluck, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and irresistible taste.
Ingredients
Preparing a delightful peanut butter sheet cake requires a harmonious blend of ingredients to bring out the best flavors and textures. Let’s start with the essentials for both the cake and frosting.
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
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Equipment Needed
I always ensure I have the necessary equipment ready before starting any baking adventure. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful peanut butter sheet cake:
For the Cake:
- 13×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (medium to large size)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
Having all these tools at hand will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Preparation
Before diving into creating this delightful peanut butter sheet cake, it’s essential to take a few initial steps to set the stage for baking success.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring that the oven is properly heated before you start mixing the batter is crucial for the cake to bake evenly and rise to perfection.
Prepare Baking Pan
Next, prepare a 13×9-inch baking pan by either greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This step will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, making it easier to remove slices later on. Now that the oven is preheating and the pan is prepped, it’s time to mix up the batter for your peanut butter sheet cake.
Directions
In this section, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing and assembling your delectable peanut butter sheet cake.
Making the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the peanut butter, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.
- Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until smooth and well combined. The batter should be thick and creamy.
Baking the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Pour the prepared batter into the pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Preparing the Frosting
- In a saucepan, combine the butter, milk, and peanut butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Remove the mixture from heat and gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir until the frosting is creamy and free of lumps.
- Allow the frosting to cool slightly before spreading it over the cooled cake.
- Once the cake has cooled, evenly spread the prepared frosting over the top using a spatula or knife.
- For an added touch, you can sprinkle chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings on top of the frosting.
- Allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving your irresistible peanut butter sheet cake.
Serving Suggestions
After creating this delightful peanut butter sheet cake, I love to serve it in various ways to enhance the dining experience. Here are a few serving suggestions that can elevate the enjoyment of this delectable treat:
1. Warm with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving a slice of peanut butter sheet cake while it’s still warm alongside a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
2. Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, drizzling some warm chocolate sauce over a slice of peanut butter sheet cake adds a luxurious touch to the dessert and complements the nutty flavors perfectly.
3. Top with Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling some chopped peanuts or pecans on top of the frosted peanut butter sheet cake not only adds a crunchy texture but also enhances the nuttiness of the cake.
4. Pair with a Hot Beverage: Enjoying a slice of peanut butter sheet cake with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa makes for a cozy and comforting dessert experience, perfect for chilly evenings.
5. Fresh Fruit Garnish: Adding a side of fresh berries or sliced bananas to the plate not only adds a pop of color but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the peanut butter cake.
Storage Tips
After indulging in the delightful peanut butter sheet cake, you might find yourself with leftovers or wanting to prepare in advance. Here are some handy storage tips to ensure your cake stays fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature:
- Once the peanut butter sheet cake has completely cooled, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To maintain its freshness, ensure the cake is covered properly to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigeration:
- If you need to store the cake for a longer period, refrigeration is the way to go.
- Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
- The peanut butter sheet cake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes for the best texture and flavor.
- For extended storage, consider freezing portions of the peanut butter sheet cake.
- Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Frozen cake can last for up to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.
- Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your peanut butter sheet cake at its best, whether freshly baked or kept for later indulgence.
Conclusion
Creating a peanut butter sheet cake is a delightful way to treat yourself and your loved ones to a scrumptious dessert. The ease of making this cake, coupled with its irresistible peanut butter flavor, makes it a go-to option for gatherings or simply satisfying a sweet craving. With detailed instructions on preparing the batter, baking the cake, and crafting the perfect frosting, anyone can whip up this delectable treat. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later, the peanut butter sheet cake promises to deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. Experiment with different garnishes and serving styles to elevate the experience further. Embrace the convenience and deliciousness of this beloved dessert choice for any occasion.