Description
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
Serving Tips
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.