Now, in another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. I like to start and end with the dry ingredients; it helps prevent lumps. Plus, the batter should be smooth and pourable but not too runny! Finally, fold in those colorful M&Ms gently; we want them to stay intact and whole for that perfect crunch in every bite.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan (I often use parchment paper to make for easy removal later), and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While that heavenly cake is baking, let’s whip up the peanut butter frosting! Just mix together the softened butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar in a bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. When the cake has cooled completely, spread that decadent frosting generously on top, and don’t forget to sprinkle extra M&Ms for a festive touch.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve tested this cake a few different ways, and one of my biggest tips is to make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. It really does make a difference! Also, don’t rush the creaming process; letting your butter and sugars cream for a good five minutes helps get that airy structure you want in a cake. I’ve forgotten this step in the past and have ended up with a denser cake than I prefer.
If you’re in a pinch for time, you can use a store-bought frosting instead of making your own. I’ve done this too, and while it’s a great shortcut, I find homemade frosting has a depth of flavor that truly elevates the cake. Lastly, if you want to experiment, try swapping half of the peanut butter for a flavored nut butter, like almond or cashew; it’s a fun way to switch things up!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I often made early on was opening the oven too early to check on the cake. It can be so tempting to peek, but every time you open the door, you let out heat, which can affect how the cake rises. Trust the baking time and use a toothpick to check doneness instead. (See the next page below to continue…)