Chocolate Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHOCOLATE SHEET CAKE

You know the kind of cake that has you sneaking back for just one more sliver? The kind of cake that has a dedicated knife that remains in the cake pan so that you can trim off just a little more? The kind of cake that before you know it, you’ve eaten an entire row of thin little slices?

This is that cake. I leave the cake knife right in the pan because there’s no point in putting it away when another bite is sure to happen.

There’s something about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter that never gets old. It’s quite possibly my favorite dessert combination of all time – like a big warm hug and you are going to love this chocolate cake for that very reason.

In addition, you’re going to love this cake because:

• Bakes fast – only about 20 minutes of bake time
• Rich chocolate – the flavor is incredible, especially if you have dutch-process cocoa powder
• Peanut butter frosting – the frosting is truly the best! Everyone is always raving about the decades peanut butter frosting.

This recipe is simple, bakes in one pan, and makes enough to feed a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a party, or for a fun family treat, it’s going to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Let’s go bake a cake!

❤️ Ashley

how to to make chocolate sheet cake

This chocolate sheet cake comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients and one mixing bowl. Here is a brief overview of how to make it. The full instructions, including ingredient amounts, are found in the recipe card below.

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a sheet pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Combine the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt.
3. Make the cocoa mixture in a saucepan with butter, cocoa powder, and boiling water.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir to combine.
5. Mix in the milk and the eggs – in a separate bowl combine milk and vinegar. Allow it to sit for a few minutes then add in eggs and vanilla extract. Combine this with the cake batter and stir until fully combined.
6. Bake the cake – pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan. This cake bakes in about 20 minutes!

how to to make peanut butter frosting

Arguably, the best part about this sheet cake recipe is the peanut butter frosting! It is simply incredible, and so easy to make! Here’s a brief overview of how to make it.

1. Combine cream cheese and butter – mix until light and fluffy.
2. Add in powdered sugar – one cup at a time.
3. Stir in creamy peanut butter and mix until smooth.
4. Frost the sheet cake once it has cooled completely.

tips for the best chocolate sheet cake with peanut butter frosting

• Use fresh baking soda – it’s always a good idea to check the expiration date on your baking soda. If it’s been sitting in the back of your pantry for quite some time, it might be time to add it to your grocery list.
• Don’t skip the boiling water step – adding boiling water to the cocoa mixture intensifies the chocolate flavor and assists with the moist texture. It really does make a big difference!
• Use dutch process cocoa powder – it offers a smoother, richer flavor with a deep, dark cocoa color.
• Allow the cake to cool before frosting – this should go without saying, but just as a reminder, allow the cake to cool completely so that the peanut butter frosting doesn’t melt.
• Use creamy peanut butter – stick with a standard peanut butter. No natural peanut butters here unless you like grainy frosting.