The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is beloved for her approachable and delicious recipes, and her Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is no exception. Building upon the foundation of the classic Texas Sheet Cake, this peanut butter version offers a delightful nutty twist that has quickly become a family favorite. This recipe takes the familiar ease and crowd-pleasing nature of a sheet cake and infuses it with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
This isn’t just another cake recipe; it’s a gateway to peanut butter paradise. What makes this Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Sheet Cake so special?
- Unmistakable Peanut Butter Flavor: From the cake itself to the luscious icing, peanut butter is the star. It’s rich, nutty, and perfectly balanced without being overly sweet.
- Easy to Make: Like all sheet cakes, this recipe is wonderfully straightforward. It’s perfect for beginner bakers and busy individuals who want a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Sheet cakes are ideal for gatherings, and this peanut butter version is guaranteed to be a hit. Its generous size and universally loved flavor profile make it perfect for parties, potlucks, and family dinners.
- Moist and Tender Cake: The combination of butter, water, and milk in the batter ensures a cake that’s incredibly moist and tender, staying fresh for days.
- Rich and Creamy Icing: The warm peanut butter icing poured over the cake while it’s still slightly warm creates a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that complements the cake perfectly.
Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Recipe Ingredients
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Before you start baking this delectable peanut butter sheet cake, gather your ingredients. You’ll find that most of them are pantry staples, making this recipe even more appealing for a last-minute dessert craving.
For the Cake:
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 sticks (1 cup) Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Peanut Butter (creamy or crunchy, your preference – the original recipe suggests Jif Extra Crunchy)
- ½ cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 large Eggs
For the Icing:
- 1 stick (½ cup) Unsalted Butter
- ½ cup Peanut Butter
- 6 teaspoons Milk (plus more as needed for desired consistency)
- 1 pound Powdered Sugar, sifted
Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Pioneer Woman-inspired Peanut Butter Sheet Cake.
Making the Cake
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. While the original recipe mentions a 10×15 inch pan or jelly roll pan, using a 9×13 inch pan will result in a thicker cake, which many prefer.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, baking soda, flour, and salt. Set aside.
- Melt Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, water, and peanut butter. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the peanut butter melts smoothly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Once the butter mixture is boiling, immediately pour it over the flour mixture in the large bowl. Whisk constantly until everything is well combined and smooth. Be sure to break up any lumps to ensure a consistent batter.
- Temper Eggs: In a separate small bowl, whisk the milk and vanilla extract together. Gradually pour this mixture into the batter, whisking continuously. In another small bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the batter while whisking vigorously to temper them and prevent them from cooking from the heat of the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly in the pan while you prepare the icing.
Making the Peanut Butter Icing
- Melt Icing Ingredients: In the same saucepan you used for the cake, combine the butter, peanut butter, and 6 teaspoons of milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately whisk in the sifted powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, you want it pourable but not too runny.
- Frost the Cake: Pour the warm icing evenly over the slightly cooled cake while it’s still in the pan. The warmth will help the icing spread and create a beautiful, glossy finish.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
- Don’t Overbake: Sheet cakes can dry out easily if overbaked. Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes and remove it from the oven as soon as a skewer comes out clean.
- Sift Your Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar is crucial for smooth, lump-free icing. It makes a big difference in the final texture.
- Adjust Icing Consistency: The amount of milk in the icing is a guideline. Feel free to adjust it to achieve your preferred consistency. Some like a thicker icing, while others prefer it thinner and more pourable.
- Add Toppings: While the peanut butter icing is fantastic on its own, consider adding toppings for extra flair and flavor. Chopped peanuts, mini peanut butter cups (like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, roughly chopped), a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate this cake even further.
- Make it Ahead: This cake is even better the next day or two! The flavors meld together, and the cake becomes even more moist. It’s perfect for making ahead of time for parties or gatherings.
- Storage: Store leftover peanut butter sheet cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
This Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Classic Dessert: Serve squares of the cake as is for a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.
- Party Cake: Its sheet cake format makes it ideal for parties and potlucks. Decorate with sprinkles or chopped peanut butter cups for a festive touch.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Coffee Break Treat: Enjoy a square with your morning or afternoon coffee for a delightful pick-me-up.
This Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and bursting with peanut butter flavor. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved favorite!
