Michigan Maple Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Recipe
What is a cake? What is a Michigan Maple Peanut Butter Sheet Cake? Is it the kind of cake that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite? Think of your favorite peanut butter bars, but elevated. What is that comforting peanut butter flavor we all know and love, swirled with rich Michigan maple? What are some of the easiest recipes to throw together? Is it a modern twist on the sheet cakes my grandma used to make? What would happen if a classic peanut butter cookie and maple glazed donut had cake-y flavor? I promise you, this one will become a family favorite in no time!
What is a Michigan Maple Peanut Butter Sheet Cake?
What’s a sheet cake that celebrates the incredible flavor combination of peanut butter and cinnamon? What is a moist, tender cake base generously swirled with peanut butter? Perfectly sweetened with pure Michigan maple syrup. It’s baked in a large sheet pan, making it perfect for feeding or for leftovers. What is a bad thing? What is the difference between a Texas sheet cake and peanut butter fudge? Is it essentially a big, beautiful canvas of flavor that’s incredibly satisfying and easy to share? The maple adds a unique depth that complements the peanut butter in savory ways. What is the quality of Michigan maple?
Why you will love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This Michigan Maple Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is a total winner for so many reasons. The biggest one, of course, is the FLAVOR. The peanut butter is rich and nutty, the maple is warm and caramelly, and the cake itself is perfectly moist and tender. The combination is simply divine.
But it’s not just the taste that makes this cake special. It’s also incredibly easy to make. Seriously, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can totally nail this recipe. It requires minimal effort and uses ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Speaking of pantry staples, that leads to another reason why I love this recipe: it’s cost-effective! You don’t need any fancy ingredients or expensive equipment to make a truly show-stopping dessert.
What I love most about this is its versatility. It’s perfect for everything from casual weeknight desserts to potlucks and parties. You can serve it plain, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra crunch. It’s also a great make-ahead dessert, as it keeps well for several days. If you love peanut butter and maple, you’re absolutely going to fall head-over-heels for this cake. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. It’s honestly up there with my grandma’s famous chocolate cake, and that’s saying something!
How do I make Michigan Maple Peanut Butter Sheet Cake?
Quick Overview
How do you make a simple cake? What is the recipe for peanut butter maple swirl? What is the best way to swirl the peanut butter mixture into the batter and bake until golden brown. Let cool slightly, and then prepare the creamy glaze to go on top! It’s all about achieving that perfect balance of sweet and salty, moist and tender. Is it easier than you think?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Cake Batter:
All-purpose Flour What is the type of flour used to make a cake? What makes it fluffy?
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning. Don’t skimp on this one!
Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist. You can also use canola oil.
Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cake.
What is the recipe for the Peanut Butter Maple Swirl?
Creamy Peanut Butter: Use your favorite brand! Just make sure it is creamy for easy swirling.
Michigan Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and a unique flavor that complements the peanut butter. I always use Grade A dark amber for the richest flavor.
For the Glaze:
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it a smooth, creamy texture.
Milk: Helps to thin out the glaze to the desired consistency. Add more or less depending on your preference.
Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to glaze.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch sheet pan. I always like to line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal, but that’s totally optional.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined so that the baking soda distributes evenly. How do I make a cake to rise properly?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract. Set aside. Make sure the eggs are well beaten to incorporate air into the batter.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in a tough cake. A few lumps are okay!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth. Set aside. If the peanut butter is too thick, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do I make a cake batter? Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter. Don’t over-swirl, you want to see distinct pockets of peanut butter.
Step 7: Bake
If you skewer a wooden spoon into the center of the cake and suck it out, you’ll want to bake another 25-30 minutes or until it comes out clean. How long does it take to bake a cake?
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before frosting. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and salt. How do I make a smooth paste with vanilla extract Pour the glaze over the cooled cake.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. I like to cut mine into squares and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
If you want to take your cake to the next level, here is the recipe. What are some ideas?
For Breakfast:What’s a good start to the day? I like to warm up a slice of bread and enjoy it with my morning coffee. It’s really good!
For Brunch:Serve with other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit salad. Cut it into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter for an elegant presentation. A glass of sparkling cider or a mimosa would be the perfect accompaniment.
As Dessert:Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra decadent dessert. A drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts would also be delicious. Serve it with a glass of milk or dessert wine.
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy a slice of bread with iced tea or milk on chilly nights. What are some of the best comfort food recipes? My family loves to curl up on the couch with a slice of this cake and watch movies.
My family tradition is to always make this cake for my dad’s birthday. He’s a huge peanut butter fan, and he absolutely loves it! We always decorate it with candles and sing “Happy Birthday.” It’s a tradition that we all cherish. For a fun twist, try adding a scoop of peanut butter ice cream on top!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Michigan Maple Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Want to make sure your Michigan Maple Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is a total showstopper? Here are a few of my top tips:
Overmixing Prevention: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined. A few lumps are okay!
Swirl Customization: Don’t over-swirl the peanut butter mixture, you want to see distinct pockets of peanut butter in the batter. Experiment with different swirling patterns to create a unique look.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. You can also substitute canola oil for vegetable oil.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. Insert a wooden skewer into the center to check for doneness.
Glaze Variations: Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more or less milk. You can also add a drop of peanut butter extract to the glaze for an extra peanut buttery flavor.
One thing I learned the hard way is to make sure your baking soda is fresh! If it’s old, your cake won’t rise properly. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands of peanut butter and maple syrup to find your favorite flavor combination. I also suggest using a good baking pan.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make sure your Michigan Maple Peanut Butter Sheet Cake stays fresh and delicious? Here are some tips:
Room Temperature: You can store this at room temperature for up to 2 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep this in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, make sure it’s tightly covered or stored in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: For even longer storage, you can freeze this for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To thaw, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend glazing the cake shortly before serving. If you glaze it too far in advance, the glaze may become sticky. I always do this especially if it is a warm day. One time, I put it in the fridge because it was sticky, and it cracked. It still tasted good, but it wasn’t pretty!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Michigan Maple Peanut Butter Sheet Cake a try! It’s one of my all-time favorite recipes, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of peanut butter and maple is simply irresistible! If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other cake recipes. I have something for everyone! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and let me know what you think! Share your own variations and tips in the comments below! It would also be really helpful if you could rate this cake!
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Michigan Maple Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.75 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup whole milk room temperature
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch sheet pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla to the butter mixture and beat well to combine.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk alternately to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
