Description
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Sheet Cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a moist and tender sheet cake. Topped with a luscious chocolate peanut butter icing and sprinkled with salted peanuts, this dessert is perfect for gatherings and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Icing
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons milk (2% recommended)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 ½ to 4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired consistency)
- ¼ cup chopped salted peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13- x 9-inch baking pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Prepare chocolate peanut butter mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together, stirring frequently. Once melted, stir in water and cocoa powder. Increase heat to medium-low and bring the mixture just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the chocolate mixture into the flour mixture and stir just until moistened. Add sour cream, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract, then whisk until completely combined to form a smooth batter.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the icing: While the cake bakes, melt butter and peanut butter together in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar, whisking continuously until the icing reaches a thick but pourable consistency and is smooth without lumps.
- Ice the cake: Remove the icing from heat and immediately pour it over the warm cake. Use an offset spatula or butter knife to spread the icing evenly across the surface. Sprinkle chopped salted peanuts on top for added texture and flavor.
- Set and serve: Allow the cake to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the icing firm up slightly for cleaner slices and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs for best texture and flavor.
- The powdered sugar quantity for icing can be adjusted to achieve the perfect thickness.
- For a richer flavor, use natural or homemade peanut butter.
- Ensure not to overbake to keep the cake moist.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Peanut Butter Sheet Cake, chocolate cake, peanut butter dessert, sheet cake, chocolate peanut butter icing, easy chocolate cake recipe
