Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

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Peanut butter cream cheese frosting is a tasty twist on a classic frosting. Sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting and rich peanut butter come together to create a frosting that works well on cakes, cupcakes, quickbread, and more.

Overhead shot of cake topped with frosting

Cream cheese frosting is a classic topping for various desserts, such as cupcakes, cakes, and bars. It's no surprise, really. It's so rich, creamy, sweet, and delicious! That sweet, tangy flavor is a wonderful counterpoint to the sweetness in these kinds of desserts. I added peanut butter to classic cream cheese frosting to create a rich peanut butter frosting that works with all kinds of baked goods.

This rich, delicious peanut butter cream cheese frosting is made with just a handful of pantry staples that are probably in your kitchen right now. It's a simple recipe that comes together quickly and easily.

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Ingredients
Flavor Variations and Substitutions
Equipment
Instructions
Top Tips
FAQ
Related
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💬 Comments

Ingredients

Salted butter - softened
Cream cheese - softened
Creamy peanut butter
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar

See the recipe card at the end of the post for exact quantities.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

Use this dairy-free cream cheese frosting if you don't eat dairy..
Get creative and use a flavored peanut butter to make this an even more unique flavor.

Equipment

Instructions

1: Beat the butter and cream cheese on medium speed for 3 minutes in a large mixing bowl.

Overhead shot of whipped butter and cream cheese in bowl.

2: Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Then, add the peanut butter and vanilla extract and mix on medium-low for 90 seconds.

Peanut butter and cream cheese mixed in bowl

3: Scrape down the bowl again. Then, add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low until all the frosting has been added. Beat on medium-high for a minute until rich and creamy.

Closeup shot of peanut butter cream cheese frosting in mixing bowl.

Top Tips

Be sure your cream cheese and butter are softened for easy mixing and the best frosting texture< but not too warm.
You'll need a hand or stand mixer to whip this frosting properly.
Be sure to scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl between additions so everything is fully combined.

Overhead shot of cake topped with peanut butter cream cheese frosting.

FAQ

What goes with cream cheese frosting?

Cream cheese frosting can be used on cakes, cupcakes, dessert bars, and quick breads. You can even use it as a dessert dip!

Why is my frosting grainy?

If the cream cheese isn't fully softened, you'll end up with frosting that has little bits of raw peanut butter or cream cheese in it.

Can I mix this frosting by hand?

I wouldn't recommend mixing this frosting by hand. To get the ultra-smooth and creamy consistency you want in this frosting, it's really best to use a hand mixer.

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