Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake

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Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of this Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake — a decadent dessert that combines moist chocolate cake with a luscious peanut butter frosting. Topped with creamy peanut butter chips for added texture and flavor, this cake is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just satisfying your sweet tooth. Each bite is a heavenly blend of fudgy chocolate and nutty peanut butter, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Whether you’re a die-hard peanut butter lover or simply enjoy a rich dessert with layers of creamy sweetness, this sheet cake is bound to impress. The velvety frosting melts in your mouth, while the peanut butter chips provide a satisfying crunch. It’s easy to make yet looks like a bakery masterpiece — ideal for casual get-togethers or special occasions.

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Ingredients for Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 6 tablespoons milk
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1 cup peanut butter chips

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Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×18-inch sheet pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the water and cocoa powder, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Pour this hot cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until combined.

Add the eggs, sour cream, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.

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Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it out with a spatula. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, set the cake aside to cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.

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Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together until smooth. Stir in the milk and bring the mixture just to a simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is silky and lump-free.

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Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour the warm peanut butter frosting over the slightly cooled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Immediately sprinkle the peanut butter chips over the top before the frosting sets.

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Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. This ensures the frosting firms up for a smooth, creamy texture that complements the rich chocolate base. Enjoy!

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 1 week. Cover it well to prevent the frosting from drying out.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (Based on 20 servings):

• Calories: 380
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 38g
• Protein: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for the frosting?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to the frosting if you prefer a bit more bite.

2. What if I don’t have peanut butter chips?

You can substitute chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or even crushed pretzels for a unique twist.

3. Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

Absolutely! For a thicker cake, use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time to 28-30 minutes.

4. How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend to achieve similar results.

5. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the frosting and refrigerate it. When ready to use, gently reheat it until smooth and spreadable.

6. Is this cake suitable for nut-free diets?

Since peanut butter is a key ingredient, this cake is not suitable for nut-free diets. However, you can try sunflower seed butter as an alternative.

7. Can I add additional toppings?

Absolutely! Crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, or a drizzle of melted chocolate make fantastic extra toppings.

8. How can I enhance the chocolate flavor in the cake?

Adding 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter will deepen the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.

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