Chocolate Sheet Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting
Try this Chocolate Sheet Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting recipe.
Try this Chocolate Sheet Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting recipe.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled)
- 2 large eggland's best eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (42g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder (not dutch-
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk at room temperature1
- 1 and 1/2 cups (405g) creamy peanut butter (do not u
- 3 cups (360g) confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream half-and-half, or whole milk2
- toppings: 1/2 cup (135g) melted creamy peanut butt 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups, handful of mini chocolate chips or peanut butter chips, and/or chocolate sprinkles3
- 12 x17 half sheet pan (i own and love this one)
- Carbohydrate 0.0696360666666667 g
- Cholesterol 19.522 mg
- Fat 7.36511213333333 g
- Fiber 0.000176666666666667 g
- Protein 0.0775554 g
- Saturated Fat 4.66427133333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (10g)
- Sodium 58.5477333333333 mg
- Sugar 0.0694594 g
- Trans Fat 0.515744773333335 g
- Calories 67 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350degreesF (177degreesC). Generously grease a 12x17 inch half sheet/jelly roll pan. Set aside.
- Heat the butter, water, and cocoa powder together in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the butter has melted and everything is smooth and combined. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Pour the warm chocolate/butter mixture on top, then slowly whisk together until combined. It will be very thick.
- Whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a medium bowl. The mixture will be thick. Whisk in the vanilla until combined, then pour into the chocolate batter and whisk until combined. Finally, whisk in the buttermilk.
- Pour the chocolate batter into the sheet pan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. (Mine takes exactly 17 minutes.) Use a toothpick to test for doneness: stick it into the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, continue baking.
- Remove cake from the oven and set the pan on a wire rack. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting. The refrigerator helps speed things up, if you have room for the large pan!
- Make the frosting: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat softened butter and peanut butter together on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
- Add the confectioners' sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low speed for about 20 seconds, then gradually increase to high speed. Beat on high for 1 minute until combined and frosting is fluffy. Taste; add more salt if needed. To thicken, add more confectioners' sugar and to thin, add more cream.
- Spread frosting all over cooled cake, then top with toppings. Slice and serve. Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It's so good cold!
- Make ahead tip: Cake can be made 1 day in advance, covered tightly at room temperature, and then frosted before serving. Frosting can also be made 1 day ahead of time-- cover tightly and keep in the refrigerator. Bring frosting to room temperature before spreading. Frosted cake can be frozen up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
My Go-To Chocolate Sheet Cake: A Busy Mom's Baking Secret
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, soccer practice, and dinner prep, finding time for anything – let alone baking a decadent dessert – feels like a luxury. But honestly, sometimes, a little sweetness is exactly what I need to recharge and reconnect with my family. That's where this chocolate sheet cake comes in. It's my secret weapon for those moments when I need a delicious treat without a lot of fuss.
This recipe isn't just about the ease; it's about the pure, unadulterated joy of a perfectly moist chocolate cake. The rich cocoa flavor is perfectly balanced by the creamy peanut butter frosting, creating a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite. My kids adore it (and let's be honest, so do I!). It’s become a staple at our family gatherings and a perfect way to end a busy week. The best part? It's incredibly adaptable. I often swap out the toppings, depending on what we have on hand and what my little ones are craving that day. Sometimes it's a sprinkle of chocolate chips, other times it's a generous helping of chopped peanut butter cups, or even a drizzle of melted peanut butter. The possibilities are endless!
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Moms Like Me:
Simple Ingredients: I've always appreciated recipes that don't require a million hard-to-find ingredients. This one uses pantry staples you likely already have, making it perfect for impromptu baking sessions.
Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Even on my most hectic days, this recipe is a breeze. The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, meaning less time spent in the kitchen and more time spent with my family.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This is the real game-changer for busy moms. The cake can be made ahead of time, and the frosting can be prepped the day before. That means I can have dessert ready to go without the last-minute stress.
Perfectly Portioned: The sheet cake format makes it easy to cut into generous squares, ideal for sharing with family and friends (or grabbing a quick piece for myself when the kids are asleep!).
The Perfect Comfort Food: Let's be real; sometimes, you just need a warm, comforting chocolate cake. This recipe delivers on that front, providing a cozy and satisfying treat to brighten even the most challenging of days.
Beyond the Recipe:
Making this cake isn't just about baking; it's about creating a little bit of magic in the midst of everyday chaos. The aroma of chocolate and peanut butter baking in the oven is enough to lift anyone's spirits. The process of whisking, mixing, and baking provides a moment of mindfulness, a quiet pause in the whirlwind of motherhood. It's a small act of self-care, a moment to connect with myself and create something special for those I love.
And watching my kids’ faces light up when they see this cake is the best reward of all. It’s more than just a dessert; it's a symbol of comfort, love, and the sweet moments we share in the midst of life's beautiful chaos. It's a reminder that even on our busiest days, we can always find time for a little bit of happiness, one delicious slice at a time.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, try this recipe. It's a simple act of self-care that can transform a stressful day into something a little bit sweeter.
