PEANUT BUTTER TEXAS SHEET CAKE

If you’re craving a dessert that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter with the classic comfort of a Texas sheet cake, then this Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake is the perfect recipe for you. This delightful cake features a moist, flavorful base infused with creamy peanut butter and is topped with a luscious peanut butter icing that takes it to the next level. Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this delectable dessert!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Peanut Butter Icing:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 (16-oz.) pkg. powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Cake Base
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, water, and peanut butter. Bring to a boil. Pour this mixture over the flour mixture and mix well. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
   • In a separate bowl, combine the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Add this to the peanut butter mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Bake the Cake
   • Spread the batter evenly in a greased 15″x10″ jelly-roll pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the cake springs back when gently touched.
5. Prepare the Peanut Butter Icing
   • For the icing, combine the butter, peanut butter, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the icing reaches a spreading consistency.
6. Frost and Garnish
   • While the cake is still warm, spread the peanut butter icing evenly over the top. Garnish with additional peanuts or chocolate chips, if desired.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-28 minutes
• Total Time: 40-43 minutes

Servings

• Serves approximately 12-15

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Serving Temperature
   • This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can lightly warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance the flavors.
2. Presentation
   • For an attractive presentation, garnish the cake with extra chopped peanuts, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve the cake directly from the pan or transfer it to a cake stand for a more formal presentation.
3. Pairings
   • This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a beverage pairing, consider serving it with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
4. Cutting the Cake
   • Use a serrated knife or a cake cutter for clean slices. Since this is a sheet cake, it’s easy to cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature
   • If you plan to eat the cake within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The cake will remain fresh for up to 3-4 days.
2. Refrigeration
   • For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. The cake will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Note that refrigeration may slightly alter the texture, making it a bit denser.
3. Freezing
   • To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
4. Icing Storage
   • If you have leftover icing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 1 week. Before using it again, reheat slightly in the microwave and stir well to return it to a spreadable consistency.
5. Avoiding Dryness
   • To prevent the cake from drying out, ensure it’s well covered during storage. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help keep the cake moist.

These serving and storage tips will help you keep your Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake delicious and fresh, allowing you to enjoy it at its best for days to come.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake
   • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture. You can also incorporate chocolate chips into the batter.
   • Directions: Mix the cocoa powder with the dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients. For extra chocolatey goodness, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
   • Serving Tip: Top with a drizzle of chocolate ganache or additional chocolate chips for a double chocolate treat.
2. Peanut Butter and Banana Texas Sheet Cake
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of mashed ripe bananas to the batter.
   • Directions: Fold the mashed bananas into the cake batter along with the wet ingredients. This will add moisture and a subtle banana flavor.
   • Serving Tip: Serve with sliced bananas on top or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Texas Sheet Cake
   • Ingredients: Swirl 1/2 cup of your favorite fruit jelly or jam into the cake batter before baking.
   • Directions: After pouring the batter into the pan, drop spoonfuls of jelly or jam over the top. Use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter.
   • Serving Tip: Garnish with extra dollops of jelly or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
4. Peanut Butter Pretzel Texas Sheet Cake
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of crushed pretzels to the batter and top the cake with additional pretzel pieces before baking.
   • Directions: Fold the crushed pretzels into the batter. After icing, sprinkle additional pretzel pieces on top for crunch.
   • Serving Tip: Serve with a side of pretzel sticks for added texture and flavor.
5. Peanut Butter and Toffee Texas Sheet Cake
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of toffee bits to the batter and sprinkle some on top before baking.
   • Directions: Fold the toffee bits into the batter and sprinkle extra on top of the cake before baking.
   • Serving Tip: For an added treat, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
6. Peanut Butter and Coconut Texas Sheet Cake
   • Ingredients: Stir in 1 cup of shredded coconut into the batter.
   • Directions: Mix shredded coconut with the dry ingredients before adding to the batter.
   • Serving Tip: Top the cake with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
7. Peanut Butter and Maple Texas Sheet Cake
   • Ingredients: Replace the vanilla extract with 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup.
   • Directions: Mix maple syrup into the wet ingredients, substituting it for the vanilla extract.
   • Serving Tip: Drizzle additional maple syrup over the icing for a rich maple flavor.
8. Peanut Butter and Coffee Texas Sheet Cake
   • Ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules to the batter or use brewed coffee to replace part of the water.
   • Directions: Dissolve instant coffee in the water before adding it to the batter. Alternatively, replace half the water with brewed coffee.
   • Serving Tip: Serve with a cup of coffee for a perfect pairing.

FAQs:

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
   • Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Just be aware that it will change the consistency of both the cake and the icing slightly.
2. Can I substitute the buttermilk with regular milk?
   • Yes, you can use regular milk instead of buttermilk. To mimic the acidity of buttermilk, you can add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to the milk.
3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
   • To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, including the baking soda, are also gluten-free.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make the cake a day or two in advance. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 1 week or freeze it for up to 2 months.
6. Can I freeze this cake?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

This Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake is a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a moist, fluffy cake base and a creamy, decadent icing. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dessert yet impressive enough for special gatherings. Whether you’re a peanut butter enthusiast or simply looking for a delicious new dessert, this cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite of this sweet, peanut buttery goodness!