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  • ร—
    Home ยป Desserts ยป Cake

    Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

    September 11, 2023 By Sam 48 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    collage of peanut butter sheet cake, top image of full cake, cut, slices missing. Bottom image of single slice on plate with fork

    This Peanut Butter Sheet Cake takes less than an hour to make from start to finish. It’s topped with a fudgy, candied peanut butter icing that’s out-of-this-world amazing! Recipe includes a how-to video.

    Bite missing from a slice of sheet cake frosted with peanut butter frosting.

    A Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream Cake

    Sure, layer cakes are impressive, but there’s something to be said about classic, from-scratch sheet cakes. Their ease (no leveling, layering, crumb coating), flavor (just as good!), and nostalgic, homey feel is simply unparalleled in the cake world. Today’s tender peanut butter sheet cake is no different; it’s simple, flavorful, and is decorated and served right in its baking dish. It’s a classic!

    This cake has a balanced peanut butter flavor that’s prominent without being too overwhelming. My favorite part is the frosting though…itโ€™s like a candied peanut butter fudge topping! It’s super rich (so we use just the right amount) and pairs beautifully with the texture of the cake. 

    I think you’re really going to love this one, so let’s dive right in!

    What You Need

    Overhead view of ingredients including butter, buttermilk, peanut butter, vanilla, and more.

    Here are the key ingredients in this peanut butter sheet cake:

    • Peanut butter. Do NOT use “natural” peanut butter that separates! Unfortunately, in many peanut butter recipes (like my buckeyes, peanut butter balls, and the frosting on my peanut butter chocolate cake) readers have reported oily failures when they tried to use natural peanut butter, so best bet is to avoid it here. I prefer to use creamy peanut butter, but crunchy could be used instead.
    • Butter. I highly recommend using unsalted butter in this recipe (and most of my others!). I have a post comparing salted vs. unsalted butter that you can check out if you’d like an in-depth explanation, but essentially, unsalted butter allows for better precision. This is especially important when using a salted ingredient like peanut butter
    • Buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can always use my easy buttermilk substitute, but the real stuff will give you the best flavor and moisture.
    • Brown sugar. Light brown sugar adds some depth to the cake that really complements the peanut butter flavor well, like in my peanut butter cookies.
    • Baking soda. Make sure to use baking soda and not baking powder–they are not the same thing! If you want to learn more about the differences between the two, read my post on baking powder vs. baking soda.

    SAM’S TIP: When making your frosting, you’ll want to stir CONSTANTLY once the butter melts. When the mixture comes to a boil, remove it immediately to prevent any burning.

    Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!

    How to Make It

    Collage of four photos showing dry ingredients being combined with a melted peanut butter mixture.
    1. Whisk together the dry ingredients and sugars in a large bowl and set aside.
    2. Bring oil, butter, and water to a boil over medium heat.
    3. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in your peanut butter until it’s melted and smooth.
    4. Pour your peanut butter mixture into your dry ingredients and mix until combined. Let cool 5-10 minutes.
    Collage of two photos showing cake batter being stirred before baking and in its pan after baking.
    1. Combine buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla, then stir this into your prepared batter until just combined.
    2. Pour batter into a greased pan and bake for 30-32 minutes.
    Collage of four photos showing peanut butter icing being prepared and spread onto a sheet cake.
    1. Measure and sift your sugar, then set it aside.
    2. Cook buttermilk, butter, peanut butter, and salt over medium-low heat until the butter melts, then increase heat to medium and whisk constantly.
    3. Once the mixture boils, remove it from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla.
    4. Pour the icing over the warm cake and use an offset spatula to smooth.

    SAM’S TIP: Once your frosting is fully prepared, you need to work quickly to get it on the cake. The frosting will solidify somewhat, and you want that to happen on the cake–not in the bowl!

    Overhead view of a sheet cake that's been frosted with a fudgy peanut butter frosting.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does this cake need to be refrigerated?

    Nope! Not unless you want it refrigerated, anyway. Simply store at room temperature covered or in an airtight container and enjoy within three days.

    Can I use a different frosting?

    Definitely! When I first published this recipe, I used my peanut butter frosting (with some chocolate added to half the batter for a swirl), so that’s always an option. My Texas sheet cake frosting, my chocolate fudge frosting, or just about any other frosting would work well, too.ย 

    Can I freeze peanut butter sheet cake?

    Yes! You’ll want to wrap it well and store in an airtight container for up to three months.

    Peanut butter sheet cake that's been frosted and sliced in its pan.

    Baking, decorating, and serving all in the same pan–the beauty of a sheet cake!

    Enjoy!

    Letโ€™s bake together! Iโ€™ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook

    Peanut butter sheet cake that's been frosted and sliced in its pan.

    Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

    This peanut butter sheet cake takes less than an hour to make from start to finish. It's topped with a fudgy, candied peanut butter icing that's out-of-this-world amazing!
    Recipe includes a how-to video!
    5 from 29 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Cake, Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 32 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 57 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24 servings
    Calories: 354kcal
    Author: Sam Merritt

    Ingredients

    Sheet Cake

    • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
    • ยพ cups (150 g) light brown sugar firmly packed
    • ยพ teaspoon baking soda
    • ยพ teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup (237 ml) water
    • ยพ cup (177 g) unsalted butter cut into pieces
    • ยผ cup (60 g) canola or vegetable oil
    • ยฝ cup (145 g) creamy peanut butter
    • ยฝ cup (118 ml) buttermilk
    • 2 large eggs room temperature preferred
    • 1 ยฝ teaspoons vanilla extract

    Fudgy Peanut Butter Frosting

    • 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar
    • ยฝ cup (118 ml) buttermilk
    • 10 Tablespoons (150 g) unsalted butter cut into pieces
    • โ…” cup (165 g) creamy peanut butter
    • ยผ heaping teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Recommended Equipment

    • 13×9 baking pan
    • Mixing bowls
    • Medium-sized saucepan
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 13×9 baking pan. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking soda, and salt.
      2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, ยพ cups (150 g) light brown sugar, ยพ teaspoon baking soda, ยพ teaspoon salt
    • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine water, butter, and oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until butter is melted and bring to a boil.
      1 cup (237 ml) water, ยพ cup (177 g) unsalted butter, ยผ cup (60 g) canola or vegetable oil
    • Once boiling, remove from heat and add peanut butter. Stir until peanut butter is dissolved and mixture is smooth. Add to bowl with dry ingredients and stir until combined. Set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes.
      ยฝ cup (145 g) creamy peanut butter
    • Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
      ยฝ cup (118 ml) buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 1 ยฝ teaspoons vanilla extract
    • Gradually stir buttermilk mixture into batter, stirring until just combined.
    • Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and transfer to center rack of 350F (175C) preheated oven and bake for 30-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Prepare frosting.

    Fudgy Peanut Butter Frosting

    • Measure out sugar and set aside (if youโ€™re worried about lumps in your icing, sift the sugar after measuring).
      4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar
    • Combine buttermilk, butter, peanut butter, and salt in a medium-sized saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until butter is melted. Increase heat to medium and bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Once boiling, remove from heat.
      ยฝ cup (118 ml) buttermilk, 10 Tablespoons (150 g) unsalted butter, โ…” cup (165 g) creamy peanut butter, ยผ heaping teaspoon salt
    • Immediately add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
      1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Whisk until smooth and immediately pour evenly over cake (in the pan, I do not remove my cake from the pan).

    Notes

    Jelly Roll Pan

    To bake in a jellyroll pan (15×10″ pan) bake on 350F for 18-22 minutes.ย 

    Peanut Butter

    I recommend against using a โ€œnaturalโ€ variety of peanut butter (the kind where the oil separates out) as this could affect the texture of the cake.
    Creamy or crunchy peanut butter will work here, I prefer creamy for smoother results, but if you opt for crunchy youโ€™ll just have small peanut pieces in your cake and icing.

    Storing

    Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to three days.

    ย 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 181mg | Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 359IU | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda Wobbe

      March 17, 2024 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      Just like everyone else I have to let you know how much we loved this cake and frosting! The sheet cake made it easier to get a smaller and more convenient portion size. Iโ€™d like you to know that we used natural peanut butter with no problems. You do need to stir it up before using.

      Reply
      • Sam

        March 17, 2024 at 8:57 pm

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Linda! Thank you for the feedback using natural peanut butter. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    2. Esther

      February 20, 2024 at 10:36 pm

      Would it be possible to try this low carb, as in using almond flour and alternate sweeteners? Ty xx

      Reply
      • Sam

        February 21, 2024 at 9:25 am

        Hi Esther! I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure how it would turn out. Let me know how it goes if you try it. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    3. Rose Shickle

      February 07, 2024 at 3:20 pm

      Do you add the frosting while the cake is still hot?

      Reply
      • Sam

        February 07, 2024 at 3:25 pm

        Hi Rose! You will want your cake to be cooled a bit so it doesn’t melt the frosting. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    4. JENNIFER JONES

      January 20, 2024 at 12:35 pm

      5 stars
      absolutely delicious cake and frosting. I’ve always had a problem making frosting but this turned out really well!!

      Reply
      • Sam

        January 21, 2024 at 2:37 pm

        I’m so happy to hear this, Jennifer! Thank you so much for trying my recipe, and for your feedback, I really appreciate it!

        Reply
    5. Jacque Emanuel

      December 18, 2023 at 9:12 pm

      5 stars
      Hi, I just made this cake a few days ago and it is absolutely delicious! I never leave reviews but I just had to comment on this one because the cake is so so good!
      Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful holiday!

      Reply
      • Sam

        December 19, 2023 at 12:03 pm

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Jacque! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    6. Tara

      December 03, 2023 at 12:08 pm

      This cake was superb!!! The icing is to die for. I even used a gluten free four and it was perfection (Robin Hood GF all purpose flour).

      Reply
      • Sam

        December 03, 2023 at 9:36 pm

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Tara! Thank you for the feedback using gluten free flour. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
        • Liane

          February 03, 2024 at 10:28 am

          5 stars
          This recipe is amazing, probably the best one I have tried! Also, I just wanted to point out that the formatting you use as you give the instructions, listing the ingredients and their amounts needed, as you are explaining the recipe steps it’s genius! I can’t tell you how much that is appreciated! It is frustrating scrolling up and down and up and down! You made it perfectly easy! Thank you for this recipe and the hundreds of others I have made of yours, never had one I didn’t like!!!

        • Sam

          February 05, 2024 at 10:46 am

          I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Liane! Thank you for your feedback. ๐Ÿ™‚

    7. Angie

      November 22, 2023 at 11:26 pm

      This cake is delicious. I made it for Thanksgiving!! Yum yum. We love peanut butter anything!

      Reply
    8. Julie Gomez

      October 28, 2023 at 1:21 pm

      OMGโ€ฆ. I just made this, and it was AMAZING!!!! The icing is to die for, and I cannot wait to make it again! THANK YOU for sharing your recipe.

      Reply
      • Sam

        October 28, 2023 at 9:31 pm

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Julie! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
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    The author (Sam) in blue shirt holding donut Hi, I'm Sam! I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate). Read more about me.

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