Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake Recipe Sweet & Nutty

Creamy peanut butter dances across this texas sheet cake, promising a decadent adventure for dessert enthusiasts.

Sweet memories of childhood blend seamlessly with rich, moist layers that melt on your tongue.

Chocolate and peanut butter create an irresistible partnership that feels like pure comfort.

Deep rectangular pans ensure every slice carries maximum flavor and texture.

Southern baking traditions shine through in this simple yet extraordinary treat.

Soft crumbs promise indulgence without complexity, making this cake approachable for novice bakers.

You’ll want to slice into this masterpiece and savor every delightful bite.

Recipe Versions for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

  • Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cake: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use coconut milk instead of dairy milk and replace sour cream with dairy-free yogurt alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free peanut butter and reduce total sugar content in frosting for a diabetic-friendly dessert.
  • Protein-Packed Modification: Add a scoop of peanut butter protein powder to the cake batter. Incorporate chopped peanuts on top of frosting for extra protein and crunch.

Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake with Big Flavor

  • Perfect for busy bakers who want a delectable dessert without spending hours in the kitchen, this peanut butter Texas sheet cake takes less than an hour from start to finish.
  • Designed to satisfy large gatherings, the generous sheet pan serves multiple people effortlessly, making it ideal for potlucks, family reunions, and casual celebrations.
  • Requires minimal technical skills with straightforward mixing techniques, ensuring even novice bakers can create a professional-looking dessert that tastes absolutely phenomenal.
  • Combines classic chocolate and peanut butter flavors in a moist, tender cake that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary treat.

What You Need for Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Butter, Boiling Water: Main wet ingredients that help create a moist, tender cake texture.
  • Flour, Sugar, Baking Soda: Essential dry ingredients for cake structure and rise.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds rich, nutty flavor and moisture to the cake. Choose a smooth, creamy variety for best results.
  • Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure to the cake.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor profile.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Butter, Milk, Cocoa Powder: Base ingredients for a rich chocolate frosting. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy frosting texture.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds nutty undertone to the chocolate frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the frosting's flavor complexity.
Baking and Serving:
  • Parchment Paper: Optional, helps with easy cake removal.
  • Sheet Pan: 13×18-inch pan ideal for creating a classic Texas sheet cake.

How to Bake a Moist Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350F. Prepare a sheet pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add boiling water and stir together. Remove from heat and mix in:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking soda
Blend until just combined. Stir in:
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Sour cream
  • Eggs
  • Salt
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and pour into the prepared sheet pan. Spread evenly across the surface.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center- it should come out clean.

Step 4: Whip Up the Decadent Frosting

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add milk and cocoa powder. Stir until smooth and bubbling. Remove from heat and whisk in:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Peanut butter
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until glossy and well blended.

Step 5: Frost and Finish

Pour the warm frosting directly over the hot cake. Spread evenly with a spatula. Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting to set slightly. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious creation.

Tips for Topping and Slicing Sheet Cake Easily

  • Swap Ingredients Wisely: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives for lactose-intolerant friends, maintaining the cake's rich, moist texture.
  • Prevent Dry Cake: Check cake doneness early and avoid overbaking by testing with a toothpick at 18 minutes to ensure a tender, soft crumb.
  • Master Frosting Technique: Pour warm frosting over warm cake immediately to help it spread smoothly and create a glossy, even layer without clumps.
  • Customize Peanut Butter Flavor: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture or natural peanut butter for a more intense, less sweet nutty profile.
  • Store Like a Pro: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week, bringing to room temperature before serving for best taste.

Storage Suggestions for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Let cold cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture and enhance flavor.
  • Warm individual cake slices for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain moisture.
  • Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

Pairing Ideas for a Texas-Sized Treat

  • Complement the rich peanut butter cake with a smooth, slightly sweet milk stout that echoes the dessert's decadent chocolate and nutty flavors.
  • Brew a strong, bold coffee with a splash of salted caramel syrup to balance the cake's sweetness and enhance its deep, warm undertones.
  • Top each slice with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, providing a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, dense cake texture.
  • Mix bourbon with cold milk for a sophisticated drink that cuts through the cake's richness while highlighting its nutty, chocolate notes.
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Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Indulgent peanut butter texas sheet cake brings Southern comfort to dessert tables with rich, creamy layers. Chocolate-drizzled perfection promises sweet satisfaction that keeps friends and family coming back for generous slices.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients (Dry):

  • 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400 g / 14.1 oz) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.17 fl oz) baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml / 0.08 fl oz) salt

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) water
  • 1 cup (227 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.17 fl oz) vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (113 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) creamy peanut butter
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml / 2.7 fl oz) whole milk
  • 3 ½ cups (440 g / 15.5 oz) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.17 fl oz) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and coating a 13×18-inch sheet pan with grease or parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
  2. Create the cake foundation by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then incorporate boiling water and blend thoroughly.
  3. Remove the butter mixture from heat and fold in flour, sugar, and baking soda until just combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Enhance the batter with creamy peanut butter, sour cream, eggs, salt, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
  5. Transfer the silky batter into the prepared sheet pan, using a spatula to distribute it evenly across the surface.
  6. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted centrally emerges clean and free of raw batter.
  7. While the cake bakes, craft the luxurious frosting by melting butter in a saucepan, then introducing milk and cocoa powder, stirring until the mixture becomes glossy and begins to bubble.
  8. Immediately remove the frosting from heat and vigorously whisk in powdered sugar, additional peanut butter, and vanilla extract until achieving a glossy, well-integrated glaze.
  9. Once the cake emerges from the oven, promptly drench its warm surface with the prepared frosting, using a spatula to ensure complete and even coverage.
  10. Allow the cake to rest for 15-20 minutes, permitting the frosting to set slightly and the cake to cool to a comfortable serving temperature.
  11. Slice into generous squares and serve, revealing the decadent peanut butter and chocolate layers.

Notes

  • Customize oven temperature for different pan sizes by adjusting baking time and monitoring cake’s doneness carefully.
  • Swap traditional peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for nut-free version, ensuring same creamy consistency.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and sour cream to create smoother, more consistent cake batter texture.
  • Prevent frosting from becoming grainy by sifting powdered sugar and whisking thoroughly during preparation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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