Gooey Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake Recipe: Sweet Heaven!

Sweet and rich, this peanut butter Texas sheet cake bursts with creamy indulgence that will make mouths water instantly.

Chocolate lovers won’t be able to resist the dense, moist layers packed with robust flavor.

Generous portions mean everyone gets a delicious slice of pure comfort.

The cake’s smooth peanut butter frosting creates a decadent finish that melts on your tongue.

Warm from the oven or served at room temperature, this dessert delivers pure bliss with every bite.

Bakers of all skill levels can whip up this simple yet impressive treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate dessert that combines classic Southern charm and irresistible nutty sweetness.

Kitchen Gear for Texas Sheet Cake Success

• Large sheet pan (13×18 inches): Essential for creating the classic sheet cake.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and mixing cake batter.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Great for blending frosting ingredients.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading batter and frosting evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center.

How to Make a Texas-Style Peanut Butter Cake

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F and prep your baking pan with a quick grease or parchment paper lining.

• Whip Together the Cake Base

Melt butter in a saucepan, splash in boiling water, then mix in flour, sugar, and baking soda. Stir in peanut butter, sour cream, eggs, salt, and vanilla until super smooth. Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly.

• Bake to Perfection

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

• Create Decadent Frosting

In a saucepan, melt butter, then add milk and cocoa powder. Stir until the mixture bubbles and looks silky. Pull off the heat and whisk in powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla until glossy and rich.

• Finish and Feast

Pour warm frosting over the just-baked cake, spreading it edge to edge. Let the cake rest for 15-20 minutes so the frosting can set. Cut into squares and enjoy your Texas-sized treat!

Hacks to Improve Your Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

• Let the cake rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes after frosting to achieve the perfect texture and allow the glaze to set beautifully.
• Prepare this sheet cake a day in advance and store covered at room temperature, which actually helps the flavors meld and intensify overnight.
• Swap traditional flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make this delectable dessert accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Replace peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile while maintaining the rich, creamy texture of the original recipe.
• Cut the sheet cake into smaller bite-sized squares for party platters or kid-friendly servings, making it easier to share and enjoy.

Plating a Texas Sheet Cake with Flair

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a stunning dessert display by cutting the cake into neat squares and arranging them on a decorative platter with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings scattered around.
• Nutty Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a rich espresso to complement the cake's deep peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle chopped peanuts, drizzle melted chocolate, or dust with powdered sugar on top to add texture and make the sheet cake look even more irresistible for special occasions.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Slice into smaller bite-sized pieces for a potluck, family gathering, or casual weekend brunch where guests can enjoy a sweet, indulgent treat that's sure to impress.

How to Keep Sheet Cake Moist for Days

• Store leftover cake slices in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining maximum freshness and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap individual cake squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers for convenient storage up to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Keep cake covered at ambient temperature for 2-3 days if planning to consume quickly, ensuring the peanut butter frosting remains smooth and cake stays moist.
• Remove refrigerated cake 30 minutes before serving to allow frosting and cake to soften, restoring original delicious flavor and creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter might change the texture and consistency of the cake. Stick to creamy, smooth peanut butter for the best results and even mixing.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The edges should also look slightly golden and pulling away from the pan.

• What if I don't have a sheet pan?

You can use a 9×13 inch baking pan as an alternative. Just be aware that the baking time might slightly vary, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier.

• Is it necessary to pour frosting on a warm cake?

Yes, pouring frosting on a warm cake helps it spread more easily and allows the frosting to slightly absorb into the cake, creating a more moist and delicious texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 24

Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, moist texture with smooth melting properties.
• Boiling Water: Activates ingredients and helps create a silky, even cake batter consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structural foundation and enables cake's perfect crumb development.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create golden, caramelized edges during baking.
• Baking Soda: Ensures light, fluffy texture by helping cake rise and become airy.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Delivers intense nutty flavor and contributes to cake's moistness.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create incredibly soft cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor profile with warm, aromatic undertones.

• Butter: Creates smooth, glossy base for decadent chocolate coating.
• Milk: Helps achieve perfect frosting consistency and adds creaminess.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides rich, intense chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting for perfect spreading.
• Peanut Butter: Introduces complementary nutty flavor to chocolate frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavor and adds subtle depth.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking.

Decadent Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

This classic Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake delivers rich, indulgent flavors straight from Southern kitchens. Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will appreciate its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing results.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 oz) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g / 14.1 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) water
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) buttermilk
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml / 0.08 fl oz) salt
• 1 tsp (5 ml / 0.17 fl oz) baking soda
• 1 tsp (5 ml / 0.17 fl oz) vanilla extract
• ½ cup (113 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter (for frosting)
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) creamy peanut butter (for frosting)
• 3 ½ cups (440 g / 15.5 oz) powdered sugar, sifted
• ⅓ cup (80 ml / 2.7 fl oz) whole milk
• 1 tsp (5 ml / 0.17 fl oz) vanilla extract (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 13×18-inch sheet pan with grease or parchment paper for easy cake removal.
2. Cake Base Formation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, blend in boiling water, then mix in flour, sugar, and baking soda until smooth.
3. Batter Enhancement: Incorporate peanut butter, sour cream, eggs, salt, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture becomes uniform and velvety.
4. Baking Process: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Frosting Creation: While cake bakes, craft the glaze by melting butter, mixing in milk and cocoa powder until glossy and bubbling.
6. Frosting Finalization: Remove from heat, whisk in powdered sugar, additional peanut butter, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, shiny consistency.
7. Cake Finishing: Immediately pour warm frosting over the just-baked cake, spreading to cover entirely and allowing it to set for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, premium peanut butter and cocoa powder to elevate the cake’s rich, authentic flavor.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense, tough texture; stir just until ingredients combine smoothly.
• Monitor Baking Time Precisely: Check the cake at 20 minutes to prevent overbaking, which can lead to a dry, crumbly result; use the toothpick test for perfect doneness.
• Frost While Warm: Apply the frosting immediately after baking when the cake is still warm, allowing it to absorb the glaze and create a more intense, moist texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg