Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting a moist, rich, and indulgent peanut butter cake topped with creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfect for any peanut butter lover!
Ingredients
For the cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
For the frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and beat until fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, make the frosting: Beat together the butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the milk and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth and fluffy.
When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish.
Once cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 12 servings. The total time is about 50 minutes—15 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to bake. It’s a great recipe to whip up when I want a quick but impressive dessert.
Variations
For a chocolate twist, I like to add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
You can swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy if I want a bit more texture.
To make it gluten-free, I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Adding chopped peanuts on top of the frosting adds a nice crunch and enhances the peanut flavor.
For a lighter frosting, I sometimes use cream cheese mixed with peanut butter instead of all butter.
Storage/Reheating
I store this cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, I bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. To reheat a slice, I warm it gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to soften the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
I recommend using creamy peanut butter that’s smooth and easy to blend for the best texture. Natural peanut butter can work but may cause the frosting or batter to be a bit grainy or less creamy.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often bake it the day before and frost it just before serving to keep the frosting fresh and creamy.
Is it possible to freeze this cake?
Yes, I wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight, then frost it once thawed.
Can I substitute the whole milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, I usually swap it with almond milk or oat milk without any issue, and it tastes just as good.
What can I do if my frosting is too thick or too thin?
If it’s too thick, I add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it’s spreadable. If it’s too thin, I beat in more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
Conclusion
This peanut butter sheet cake with peanut butter frosting has become one of my favorite go-to desserts whenever I want something rich, indulgent, and satisfying. The combination of moist cake and creamy frosting is hard to beat, especially for peanut butter fans like me. I love how easy it is to make and how well it pleases a crowd. Whether for a family gathering or a casual treat, this cake always delivers.
Recipe:

Peanut Butter Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist, rich, and indulgent peanut butter sheet cake topped with creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfect for any peanut butter lover!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
For the frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and beat until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, make the frosting: Beat together the butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the milk and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth and fluffy.
- When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish.
- Once cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
For a chocolate twist, add ½ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for extra texture.
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make it gluten-free.
Add chopped peanuts on top of the frosting for added crunch.
For lighter frosting, use cream cheese mixed with peanut butter instead of all butter.
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days.
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to soften frosting.
Use almond or oat milk as a non-dairy alternative to whole milk.
If frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg