M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
4. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and beat until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
7. Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M’s, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Peanut Butter Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with milk until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
3. Add the vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

3. Assemble the Cake:

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place the first layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting on top of the first layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining peanut butter frosting.
4. Decorate the top of the cake with the remaining M&M’s, pressing them gently into the frosting.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• This cake pairs perfectly with a tall glass of milk!

Tips for Success:

• Peanut Butter Quality: Use creamy peanut butter for both the cake and frosting for smooth consistency. If you like a chunkier texture, you can use chunky peanut butter in the cake batter, but creamy is best for frosting.
• Cake Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• M&M’s Decoration: Feel free to mix up the colors of M&M’s to match a theme, especially for holidays or parties!

This M&M’s Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a peanut butter lover’s dream come true! The combination of soft cake, rich frosting, and crunchy M&M’s is sure to make it a hit at your next gathering. 🍬🥜