Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

When it comes to frosting, few combinations can rival the rich, decadent flavors of peanut butter and cream cheese.

Whether you're frosting a cake, topping cupcakes, or adding a filling to cookies, Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting delivers the perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and nutty peanut butter.

It’s no surprise that bakers love this frosting, not just for its irresistible flavor but also for its versatility and ease of use.

I still remember the first time I tasted Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting at a family gathering.

It was on top of a moist chocolate cake, and the smooth, luscious texture left an impression I couldn’t forget.

It wasn’t overly sweet, which made it a refreshing change from traditional buttercream, and I was hooked. Since then, it has become a go-to for nearly every dessert I bake.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a smooth, spreadable frosting ready in minutes. Whether you use a stand mixer or a hand mixer, this recipe ensures a perfect consistency every time.

Rich, Smooth Texture: The combination of peanut butter and cream cheese creates a velvety, rich frosting that glides over cakes or cupcakes with ease. It’s thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Customizable: Want to add a twist? This frosting can easily be customized with different extracts, fruits, or even chocolate to match the flavors of your desserts.

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

Cream Cheese (1 block, 8 oz): The base of the frosting, cream cheese provides tanginess and creaminess, balancing the sweetness.

Peanut Butter (½ cup, creamy): Adds that signature nutty flavor. Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture.

Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Butter adds richness and helps create a light, fluffy texture when properly creamed with sugar.

Powdered Sugar (2-3 cups): Sweetens the frosting and helps to thicken it. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired level of sweetness and thickness.

Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor of both the peanut butter and cream cheese without overpowering them.

Pinch of Salt (optional): Helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

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How to Make Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This ensures they cream together smoothly without any lumps.

2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The key here is to ensure the mixture is lump-free before adding any other ingredients.

3. Add the Peanut Butter:
Add the peanut butter to the mixture and continue beating until it’s fully incorporated. The frosting should look light and fluffy at this stage.

4. Add the Powdered Sugar Gradually:
Slowly add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until the frosting reaches your desired consistency and sweetness. You can add a bit more powdered sugar if you prefer a thicker consistency.

5. Add Vanilla Extract and Salt (optional):
Mix in the vanilla extract, and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness if needed. Continue mixing until everything is well combined.

6. Adjust the Texture (if needed):
If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches the right consistency.

Customization and Flavor Variations

Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the frosting for a rich, chocolatey twist.

Fruit-Flavored Frosting: Mix in fruit purees like strawberry or raspberry for a fruity variation. Just be mindful of adding too much liquid, as it can alter the consistency.

Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond, peppermint, or coconut to complement the peanut butter flavor.

Food Coloring: For colored frosting, use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid thinning the frosting. Gel colors provide vibrant shades without affecting consistency.

Ways to Pair Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Cakes: Chocolate cakes, banana cakes, or even a simple vanilla cake are all excellent canvases for Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting.

Cupcakes: Whether it’s chocolate, red velvet, or peanut butter cupcakes, this frosting will elevate your treats to the next level.

Cookies: Spread a layer of frosting on sugar cookies, peanut butter cookies, or oatmeal cookies for an indulgent treat.

Filling: Use it as a filling between cake layers, inside sandwich cookies, or even in macarons

DOWNLOAD FREE RECIPE CARD

Common Problems and Fixes

Frosting Too Runny: If your frosting turns out too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until it thickens. Also, make sure your cream cheese and butter aren’t too warm.

Frosting Too Thick: If it’s too stiff, add a small amount of milk (1 tablespoon at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency.

Grainy Texture: This can happen if powdered sugar isn’t sifted or mixed in properly. Ensure you're mixing on low speed to prevent lumps from forming.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature:
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate it to keep it fresh.

Refrigeration:
Store the frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. When ready to use, allow it to soften at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before spreading.

Freezing:
You can freeze Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting for up to 2 months. Store it in an airtight container and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, beat it again to restore its creamy texture before using.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but be aware that natural peanut butter can make the frosting a bit looser. If you use natural peanut butter, be prepared to add extra powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency.

2. Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! This frosting can be made up to a week in advance if stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it soften before using.

3. Can I use this frosting under fondant?
Due to the cream cheese base, this frosting might not hold up well under heavy fondant. For best results, use it as a filling or top layer and refrigerate your cake until ready to serve.

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