Peanut Butter M&M’S Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe

This Peanut Butter M&M’S Cake with Creamy Frosting is a joyful, celebration-ready dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Imagine impossibly soft layers of aromatic vanilla cake studded with vibrant Peanut Butter M&M’S candies, all smothered in the creamiest peanut butter frosting you’ll ever taste. If you’re looking to impress a crowd or simply indulge your inner child, this one’s bound to be a new favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient for this Peanut Butter M&M’S Cake with Creamy Frosting is carefully chosen for flavor and texture. Rely on classic baking staples and a handful of fun extras for a cake that feels both nostalgic and totally new.

• Butter (room temperature): Adds richness and ensures both the cake and frosting are decadently smooth.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake layers and helps create that tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Lends warmth and depth to both the cake and frosting.
• Eggs: Bind the batter, create structure, and deliver that classic cake rise.
• Vanilla Yogurt (drained): Makes the crumb moist and adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake, providing stability while keeping it soft.
• Baking Powder: Ensures a light, fluffy texture with every bite.
• Pinch of Salt: Just enough to contrast and enhance all the sweet, nutty flavors.
• Peanut Butter M&M’S (roughly chopped): Colorful, crunchy bursts of peanut butter goodness scattered throughout.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Essential for the rich, velvety frosting that crowns the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps it whip up light and fluffy.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the frosting ultra-creamy and easily spreadable (optional for those using a cake ring).

Variations

Flex your creativity! The best part about this Peanut Butter M&M’S Cake with Creamy Frosting is how easy it is to adjust. Swap in your favorite candies, go gluten-free, or tweak the frosting to suit any craving or need.

• Go Nuts for Peanut M&M’S: Try using Peanut M&M’S for an extra peanutty crunch throughout the cake and on top—it adds a surprise in every bite.
• Double Chocolate: Fold a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle some onto the frosting for chocolatey bliss.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute a reliable cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for an allergy-friendly treat.
• Mini Cakes or Cupcakes: Divide the batter among cupcake tins or mini cake pans for adorable, portable party pieces.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use plant-based yogurt, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream for equally delicious results.

How to Make Peanut Butter M&M’S Cake with Creamy Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Gather Ingredients

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round baking pans with parchment paper—this ensures easy release and perfectly neat layers. Make sure your butter, eggs, and yogurt are at room temperature for the fluffiest cake.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your mixer, add the softened butter and sugar. Beat with the paddle attachment on low-to-medium speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This step is key for a soft, tender crumb!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients One at a Time

Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each egg to ensure full incorporation and a smooth, glossy batter. Next, blend in the drained yogurt, which will add moisture and a hint of tang.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold In M&M’S

Add the flour, baking powder, and salt in 2–3 additions, mixing on low until just combined—overmixing can make the cake tough. Gently fold in the chopped Peanut Butter M&M’S using a spatula, being careful not to overwork the batter.

Step 5: Bake and Cool the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans on a wire rack to preserve moisture and structure.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

Once the cake layers are cool, beat together the butter and peanut butter on medium speed until completely smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time. If using a cake ring, pour in the heavy cream and switch to the whisk attachment, whipping for 5 minutes to achieve a billowy, spreadable topping.

Step 7: Assemble and Decorate the Cake

Set one cake layer on your serving platter and (if you have one) secure a cake ring around it. Spread half the frosting over the layer, then gently place the second cake layer on top. Cover with the rest of the peanut butter frosting and finish with extra Peanut Butter M&M’S (or a combo of M&M’S for more color and fun!). Chill for at least 2–3 hours to set everything before serving.

How to Serve Peanut Butter M&M’S Cake with Creamy Frosting

Garnishes

Pile on extra Peanut Butter M&M’S or mix in vibrant Peanut M&M’S for a rainbow effect. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a pinch of flaky sea salt can send both the flavor and presentation over the top—especially if you want your cake to scream “celebration!”

Side Dishes

This showstopper is rich, so pair slices with tall glasses of cold milk or frosty iced coffee. For summer, fresh berries add a juicy, tart counterpoint and a refreshingly light finish after every decadent bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the Peanut Butter M&M’S Cake with Creamy Frosting into a layer cake sensation by arranging whole M&M’S down the sides for a polka-dot look. Or bake the batter as cupcakes, swirl on generous frosting, and let everyone add their own candy toppings at the table for a playful, interactive dessert bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, or transfer the whole cake to an airtight cake keeper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—the flavors deepen and the cake stays soft and moist with each passing day.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the uncut cake (without extra M&M’S on top for best texture). Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you crave extra warmth, just let a slice come to room temperature or warm gently (10–15 seconds) in the microwave. The frosting will turn irresistibly creamy, and the M&M’S will have a soft bite—perfect comfort in every forkful.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an excuse to bake something special (whether it’s for a birthday, a party, or just a colorful pick-me-up), this Peanut Butter M&M’S Cake with Creamy Frosting is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of cake that brings out smiles and “just one more slice” requests. Give it a try—and don’t forget to savor every creamy, candy-studded bite!

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