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.
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
- 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.
2: Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Then, add the peanut butter and vanilla extract and mix on medium-low for 90 seconds.
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.
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.
FAQ
Cream cheese frosting can be used on cakes, cupcakes, dessert bars, and quick breads. You can even use it as a dessert dip!
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.
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.
Related
📖 Recipe
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese bar softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- First, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium speed for 3 minutes in a large mixing bowl.
- Then, scrape down the sides of the bowl. Then, add the peanut butter and vanilla extract and mix on medium-low for 90 seconds.
- Scrape the bowl down again. Then, add the powdered sugar 1 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.
Notes
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to a month in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
- Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and mix just before using it.
- Your cream cheese should be softened to room temperature but not warm.
- Both a hand or stand mixer work well, but I find that a stand mixer whips just a bit better.
- Never store your frosting longer than a month in the freezer, or it will become grainy.
leah says
this peanut butter cream cheese frosting is a game changer! such a great recipe.
Nicole Kendrick says
We seriously LOVE peanut butter here at GGK. Make sure to check out other similar recipes! All the best.
swathi says
Peanut butter cream cheese frosting- so good and easy to make, perfect treat.
Nicole Kendrick says
I have to force myself not to eat it all while it is still in the bowl lol! - NK
Krystle Smith says
The creamy peanut butter and tangy cream cheese come together so well, making a super smooth frosting that's amazing on cakes, cupcakes, or even just for dipping fruit.
Marie-Pierre says
This is how you nail a perfect cream cheese frosting! I love the merging of two!
Tiffany says
I could eat this frosting just by itself it’s that good!! It’s the perfect amount of sweet and ultra creamy!
NKendrick says
Thank you so much!
Kh says
I never leave reviews but this frosting is the best frosting I’ve ever made. Everyone in my family agrees. It’s light and fluffy and so delicious.
NKendrick says
Oh I love that! Thank you so much for sharing!
Leslie says
One of the best frosting recipes!
NKendrick says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Krystle says
I made this for chocolate cupcakes and it was delectable. I could eat it on its own so good!
Brittany F. says
I made this for my son’s cake who absolutely loves peanut butter! I followed your instructions and it turned out perfect. This frosting is so rich, creamy and delicious.
NKendrick says
So happy to hear this! thank you!
Lisa says
OMG, DROOL. My daughter is obsessed with peanut butter and chocolate, so I used this frosting on fudgy cupcakes for her 21st birthday. They were absolutely devoured...I should have made more! Great recipe.
Khris says
If you are allergic to peanut butter, is there an alternative for this frosting maybe almond butter? Or can you make the frosting without peanut butter altogether?
Nicole Kendrick says
Yes, you can use my cream cheese frosting on my site! Just use regular butter and regular cream cheese in place of the dairy-free!
Ashley says
Love the addition of peanut butter to classic cream cheese frosting! It's great with chocolate cupcakes.
Amy Liu Dong says
My family loved this!
Anonymous says
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Nora says
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Anonymous says
Thank you for sharing this recipe