Description

This indulgent M&M’S peanut butter cake features moist, tender layers packed with crunchy Peanut Butter M&M’S and a rich, fluffy peanut butter frosting. Perfect for celebrations, every bite offers the irresistible combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and velvety creaminess, visually accented by colorful candy pieces.

Ingredients

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Cake

1 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs
1 cup vanilla yogurt, drained for a couple of hours in the fridge
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup Peanut Butter M&M’S, roughly chopped

Frosting

1 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups creamy peanut butter
5 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, see notes)

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Pans and Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round baking pans with parchment paper. Set aside for later use.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, add the butter and sugar. Using a paddle attachment, beat on low speed until the mixture becomes light and creamy, about 3 minutes.
Add Vanilla and Eggs: Blend in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
Combine Yogurt and Dry Ingredients: Beat in the drained vanilla yogurt. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt in two or three batches, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing.
Fold in M&M’S: Using a spatula, gently fold in the roughly chopped Peanut Butter M&M’S until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake Layers: Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans on a wire rack to ensure easy handling.
Prepare the Frosting: Once the cake layers are cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth using a paddle attachment.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating gently after each addition until all sugar is incorporated and the frosting is creamy and thick.
Incorporate Heavy Cream (If Using): If you have a cake ring, add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the frosting. Switch to a whisk attachment and whip on low, increasing speed gradually for 5 minutes to achieve a lighter, fluffier frosting.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter and fit a cake ring around it if available. Spread half of the frosting evenly over the first layer.
Add Second Layer and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top, pressing down gently. If using a cake ring, tighten it as needed. Spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top.
Decorate and Set: Finish the cake with additional Peanut Butter M&M’S, Peanut M&M’S, or a mixture of both for extra color and flavor.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake in the ring for at least 2–3 hours to set the frosting before carefully removing the ring and serving.

Notes

To drain vanilla yogurt, line a colander with cheesecloth, coffee filter, or paper towels, set over a bowl, add the yogurt, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours.
A cake ring keeps the cake stable while assembling and chilling. If you don’t have one, skip the heavy cream in the frosting; it will still be delicious, just a bit denser.
Ensure cake layers are fully cool before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
Customize the topping by mixing different types of M&M’S for varied color and texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 16 slices per cake)
Calories: 540
Sugar: 54g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 66g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 74mg