Welcome back to my kitchen, friends Chef James here! Today, I’m excited to share a dessert that brings together two of America’s most beloved flavors: a rich, moist peanut butter chocolate sheet cake. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly becomes a family classic. And if you love simple, crowd-pleasing desserts, don’t miss our pillar guide on sheet cake recipes the mother of all sheet-cake creations on the site.
This recipe is inspired by the old-school Southern tradition of chocolate cakes poured warm with icing, much like our popular texas sheet cake recipe. I first baked this cake for a neighborhood gathering, and it vanished even faster than our beloved chocolate cherry cake. The combination of creamy peanut butter and deep cocoa flavor delivers that nostalgic, comforting sweetness everyone craves.
Whenever I test new desserts, especially those involving dairy and eggs, I follow handling recommendations from the USDA. And when I want to refine baking techniques or understand how cocoa interacts with fats and moisture, I turn to the experts at Serious Eats.
If you enjoy fruity desserts as well, you may also like our banana sheet cake another sweetheart recipe loved by busy families. Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes this cake so special.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Here’s why this easy chocolate peanut butter dessert is guaranteed to become a household favorite:
- One-bowl preparation perfect for busy home cooks looking for a true one-bowl chocolate cake.
- Ultra-moist crumb this is the definition of a moist chocolate sheet cake.
- Irresistible peanut butter icing silky, sweet, and deeply satisfying.
- Weeknight-friendly quick to prepare, quick to bake.
- Uses affordable ingredients everything is available at Aldi, Costco, or Trader Joe’s.
- Customizable decorate with chocolate chips, Reese’s cups, or peanuts.
- Kid-friendly + potluck perfect.
If you’re exploring more creative variants, have a look at our bright, citrusy lemon sheet cake proof that sheet cakes can fit every mood and season.
And for even more ideas, browse our master guide: sheet cake recipes.
Tell me: are you Team Chocolate, Team Peanut Butter, or both?
INGREDIENTS NEEDED
To make the perfect peanut butter chocolate sheet cake recipe, here’s exactly what you’ll need along with tips to make every ingredient shine.
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour For best texture, I rely on the expertise of King Arthur Baking to understand how protein levels affect a cake’s crumb.
- Granulated sugar Provides sweetness and structure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-process yields deeper flavor; natural cocoa gives brighter chocolate notes.
- Baking soda + baking powder Essential for lift and tenderness.
- Salt Enhances chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted butter Melted for a smooth, velvety batter.
- Creamy peanut butter Opt for no-stir peanut butter for the perfect consistency.
- Eggs Provide structure; always follow safe handling recommendations from the USDA.
- Milk or buttermilk Ensures softness and moisture.
- Sour cream The secret ingredient for a moist chocolate sheet cake that stays tender for days.
- Vanilla extract Deepens both chocolate and peanut butter notes.
Peanut Butter Icing
- Butter Provides a glossy finish.
- Creamy peanut butter The star of the show for a luscious peanut butter icing for cake.
- Powdered sugar Creates a smooth frosting texture.
- Milk Adjusts the pourable consistency.
- Chopped peanuts Optional but highly recommended for crunch.
If you enjoy unique flavor twists, consider exploring our soft, warmly spiced apple cinnamon sheet cake another reader favorite.
And don’t forget: the full collection of inspirations is always available in sheet cake recipes.
HOW TO COOK THIS RECIPE
Baking this peanut butter chocolate sheet cake is simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Follow these clear steps for perfect results every time.
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan. A light spray of baking oil ensures a clean release.
2. Combine dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt. For perfect texture and understanding how cocoa hydrates, I often refer to the science approach from Serious Eats.
3. Melt butter & peanut butter
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, gently melt butter with creamy peanut butter. Stir until smooth. This warm mixture will give the cake its signature tender crumb.
4. Add liquids
Remove pan from heat and whisk in the milk, sour cream, and vanilla. Pour over dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix that keeps your cake soft and airy.
5. Add eggs last
Whisk eggs separately, then fold them into the batter. Eggs bind the cake, but must be handled with care always follow safety recommendations from the USDA.
6. Pour & bake
Pour batter into your prepared pan. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until the center springs back or a toothpick comes out clean.
Chef James’s Extra Tip:
For extra contrast, swirl a spoonful of peanut butter into the warm batter before baking it creates a marbled effect reminiscent of our zesty lemon sheet cake.
7. Prepare the icing while the cake is warm
A warm cake helps the peanut butter icing melt slightly, creating a smooth, glossy finish.
If you want to see other creative takes, check out our full collection of sheet cake recipes.
TIPS & VARIATIONS
1. Reese’s Inspired Variation
Transform this into a true Reese’s inspired sheet cake by sprinkling chopped mini Reese’s Cups over the warm icing. It melts just enough to create a gooey-chocolate ripple.
For more party-friendly ideas, check our colorful funfetti sheet cake.
2. Gluten-Free Version
Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. The structure remains moist and fudgy, especially if you add an extra spoon of sour cream.
If you need inspiration, see our gluten free sheet cake.
3. Festive Holiday Twist
Add crushed pretzels on top for a sweet-salty effect, or drizzle dark chocolate for a winter-holiday vibe. For additional seasonal ideas, the flavor combinations at Food Network are a goldmine.
Chef James’s Suggestion
Serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream the melting cream against the warm peanut butter glaze is life-changing.
And as always, you can explore delicious inspirations inside our master hub of sheet cake recipes.
STORAGE & REHEATING
Refrigeration
Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The icing sets beautifully overnight.
If you love fruit-forward desserts, try our cozy apple cinnamon sheet cake next it stores just as well.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices in plastic, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
- Microwave: 10–15 seconds for a soft, warm bite.
- Oven: 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Air fryer: 300°F for 3–4 minutes (crispy edges amazing!)
FAQ (peanut butter chocolate sheet cake)
Here are the most common questions readers ask about making a perfect peanut butter chocolate sheet cake answered with clarity and baking expertise.
1. Why is my sheet cake dry?
Dryness usually comes from overbaking or not using enough moisture-rich ingredients like sour cream. For a cake that stays soft and tender, I always follow the same principles I use in all my sheet cake recipes. Make sure to remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
2. Can I make this cake without coffee?
Yes! Simply replace coffee with warm water or milk. Coffee deepens chocolate flavor, but it’s optional your cake will still taste incredible.
3. Can I freeze this peanut butter chocolate sheet cake?
Absolutely. Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight based on USDA guidelines for best safety.
4. How do I make the cake even more moist?
Add an extra tablespoon of sour cream or milk. You can also poke tiny holes and pour a thin glaze, similar to our sheet cake with condensed milk method.
5. Can I turn this into a layer cake?
Yes, bake the batter in two 8-inch round pans and reduce baking time. The peanut butter frosting spreads beautifully between layers.
6. Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better the next day because the icing sets perfectly. Store as recommended in our master list of sheet cake recipes.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
This cake pairs beautifully with simple, bright, or contrasting flavors. Here’s what I love serving alongside it:
1. Light Citrus Desserts
A gentle citrus touch balances the richness of peanut butter and chocolate. Try our tropical, refreshing coconut sheet cake recipe for an easy two-cake dessert table.
2. Classic American Favorites
If you want something deeper and more dramatic in color, the bold flavors of our red velvet sheet cake pair wonderfully with peanut butter desserts.
3. A Splash of Fresh Fruit
Fresh berries or sliced bananas bring a light, sweet contrast to the dense, chocolaty crumb.
To explore more combinations, browse all our sheet cake recipes.
MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
(Avec 1 pillar + 2 clusters internes)
If you loved this peanut butter chocolate sheet cake, you’ll enjoy these other fan-favorite desserts from the Tiramisucake kitchen:
- Our warm and cozy pumpkin sheet cake
- A fruitier twist: apple cinnamon sheet cake
- Discover even more classics in our complete guide to sheet cake recipes
Each recipe brings its own personality perfect for holidays, birthdays, or cozy family evenings.
RECIPE CARD
Print
peanut butter chocolate sheet cake
This rich, moist peanut butter chocolate sheet cake combines creamy icing and deep cocoa flavor into a family-favorite Southern-inspired dessert.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process or natural)
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Wet Ingredients:
Unsalted butter (melted)
Creamy peanut butter (no-stir)
Eggs
Milk or buttermilk
Sour cream
Vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Icing:
Butter
Creamy peanut butter
Powdered sugar
Milk
Chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter with peanut butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in milk, sour cream, and vanilla.
5. Pour mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Whisk eggs separately, then fold into batter.
7. Pour batter into pan and bake 25–30 minutes.
8. While baking, prepare icing: beat butter, peanut butter, and sugar with milk until smooth.
9. Pour icing over cake while still warm for glossy finish.
10. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped peanuts or mini Reese’s Cups.
11. Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
Swirl a spoonful of peanut butter into batter before baking for a marbled effect.
For gluten-free version, use 1:1 gluten-free flour and extra sour cream.
Let cake cool before covering to avoid condensation.
Stores well refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 2 months.
Serve with ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
And there you have it a warm, nostalgic peanut butter chocolate sheet cake baked right from the heart of my kitchen. This recipe brings together everything I love about American comfort desserts: simplicity, richness, and a touch of childhood magic.
As always, we prepare and test our recipes with careful attention to food safety following the USDA, and I refine techniques by studying trusted culinary sources like Food Network.
If you’re craving more simple, family-friendly treats, explore our full collection of sheet cake recipes your go-to hub for everything fluffy, moist, and delicious. You might also enjoy revisiting your favorites in the sheet cake recipes archive or discovering a new season-inspired gem inside sheet cake recipes.
Thank you for baking with me today. If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a comment I love hearing from you.
Happy Baking! – Chef James
