I love how this sheet cake delivers the perfect combination of ultra-moist chocolate cake topped with a luscious peanut butter glaze. The glaze soaks into the warm cake for that irresistible fudgy texture, making every bite rich, comforting, and brilliantly nostalgic.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake Base

Unsalted butter
Water
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar (optional)
All-purpose flour
Baking soda, salt
Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar/sour cream)
Eggs
Vanilla extract

Peanut Butter Glaze

Unsalted butter
Creamy peanut butter
Milk or buttermilk
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Optional: chopped peanuts for sprinkling

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 13 × 9″ pan (or 10 × 15 jelly-roll pan), greased or lined.
In a saucepan, melt together butter, peanut butter (if included in cake), water, and cocoa. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat. Stir in sugar and whisk until combined.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar(s), baking soda, and salt. Add the warm cocoa mixture, then stir in eggs, buttermilk (or sour cream substitute), and vanilla until smooth.
Pour batter into pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the center springs back.
As the cake bakes, prepare the peanut butter glaze by melting butter, peanut butter, and milk together in a saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until glossy and pourable. Add a little powdered sugar or milk to adjust consistency.
Let the cake cool for about 5 minutes, then immediately spread warm glaze over it so it absorbs into the cake.
If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top while the glaze is still warm.
Allow cake to cool fully before slicing for best texture and presentation.

Servings and timing

This cake yields about 16 to 24 servings depending on cut size. Prep and baking take around 30 minutes, including making the glaze and letting the cake rest—great for serving a crowd quickly.

Variations

I sometimes swirl a bit of traditional chocolate Texas sheet cake frosting into the peanut butter glaze for a marbled finish.
I’ve layered half the batter with chocolate and half with straight peanut butter cake batter to create a two‑cake hybrid before baking.
For extra crunch, I press chopped peanuts into the glaze while it’s still warm or use dark chocolate chips or chopped Reese’s cups on top.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. In warmer climates, I refrigerate—just bring to room temperature before serving. Cake also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, tightly wrapped. thaw in the fridge for best texture.

FAQs

Can I add peanut butter into the cake batter itself?

Yes—I’ve added creamy peanut butter to the batter (along with cocoa/water mix) before mixing in flour for extra PB‑flavor throughout. It keeps the cake moist and richly nutty.

Do I need to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds tang and moisture, but you can substitute with milk plus vinegar or use sour cream. Either yields a tender crumb.

When should I pour the glaze?

Pour the glaze when the cake is still warm (about 5 minutes after baking). That way, it seeps in and creates a fudgy texture—classic to this cake style.

Can I make a chocolate-only version?

Absolutely. Skip the peanut butter glazing and use a traditional chocolate Texas sheet cake frosting poured hot. It’s equally decadent.

Is refrigeration necessary?

Not required—but in hot weather or for longer storage, refrigeration helps the glaze set and keeps the cake fresher. Just let slices come back to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

I find this chocolate peanut butter Texas sheet cake to be the epitome of Southern comfort: moist chocolate cake soaked with a rich PB glaze and optionally topped with crunchy peanuts. It’s simple to make, enormously crowd‑friendly, and always disappears fast. Want suggestions for topping twists, mini pans, or peanut‑free alternatives? Just let me know!