Decadent & Silky Smooth Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting (Plus Vegan!)
Prepare yourself for a truly irresistible treat: this Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is not just delicious; it’s a revelation! Rich, unbelievably silky smooth, and bursting with the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter goodness and tangy cream cheese, it’s destined to become your new favorite. And the best part? You only need four simple ingredients to whip up this heavenly creation. We’ve even included a comprehensive vegan and dairy-free version, ensuring everyone can enjoy its delightful charm. This frosting isn’t just a topping; it’s an experience!
From the first spoonful, you’ll understand why this frosting stands out. Its effortless preparation belies its luxurious texture, which is arguably the silkiest frosting you’ll ever achieve in your kitchen. Forget gritty, overly sweet, or stiff frostings – this recipe delivers pure, unadulterated bliss that glides onto cakes and cupcakes with ease.
The flavor profile is impeccably balanced. We’ve carefully crafted this recipe to avoid the common pitfall of being excessively sweet, allowing the robust, nutty notes of peanut butter to harmoniously blend with the slight, refreshing tang of cream cheese. It’s a match made in dessert heaven, creating a taste that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
If your heart beats for peanut butter desserts, then you’re also going to adore this rich and intensely creamy chocolate peanut butter frosting. These two recipes prove that peanut butter isn’t just for sandwiches; it’s a superstar in the world of sweets!
While this particular peanut butter cream cheese frosting was initially designed to complement my beloved banana cake with milk recipe, its versatility knows no bounds. Imagine it generously spread over a warm, fluffy air fryer chocolate cake, adding an extra layer of decadence. Or perhaps dolloped high atop delicate vanilla almond flour cupcakes, transforming them into extraordinary confections. This frosting is truly perfect for any cake or cupcake craving, offering a rich flavor and unparalleled texture.
Table of contents
- Ingredients and substitutions
- How to make peanut butter cream cheese frosting
- Tips for making this peanut butter frosting vegan/dairy-free
- Measuring ingredients
- Storage and freezing tips
- Key recipe tips
- Recipe FAQs
- More frosting recipes
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting & Smart Substitutions
Creating this sensational peanut butter cream cheese frosting requires just a handful of staple ingredients, but selecting the right type for each is key to achieving that desired silky texture and balanced flavor. Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of what you’ll need and recommended substitutions. For precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the conclusion of this post.
- Cream cheese – For an authentic, firm, and stable cream cheese frosting, your absolute best choice is a full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. Avoid the whipped or spreadable varieties typically found in tubs, as these have a higher water content and will result in a significantly softer, potentially runny frosting that lacks structure. If you’re opting for a plant-based alternative to make this a vegan peanut butter cream cheese frosting, be mindful that many dairy-free cream cheeses are inherently softer. While they will still work, you might need to adjust by adding a bit more powdered sugar or chilling the frosting to achieve your desired consistency.
- Peanut butter – The type of peanut butter you use is crucial here. For optimal results and a perfectly smooth, non-gritty frosting, always opt for a “shelf-stable” smooth peanut butter, like Jif or Skippy, that doesn’t require refrigeration and stirring. Natural peanut butter (where the oil separates and sits on top) tends to be too oily and thin, leading to a runny, greasy, or even separated frosting. Any major brand of smooth, shelf-stable peanut butter will perform beautifully in this recipe. Crunchy peanut butter is not recommended if you desire a truly silky texture, though a few finely chopped peanuts could be added at the end for garnish if you crave a little crunch.
- Butter – Unsalted butter is generally preferred in baking and frosting recipes as it allows you to control the overall saltiness. However, if salted butter is all you have on hand, it can be used in an equal amount; just be aware that your finished frosting might have a slightly saltier undertone. For a dairy-free or vegan peanut butter frosting, a block or stick-style plant-based butter is essential. Liquid or spreadable vegan butters, like those in tubs, contain too much water and will compromise the frosting’s consistency, making it soft and difficult to work with. Look for brands specifically formulated for baking.
- Powdered sugar – Also widely known as confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar, this ingredient serves two vital purposes: it provides sweetness and acts as the primary thickening agent for the frosting. To ensure the silkiest possible texture and prevent any unwanted lumps, it’s highly recommended to sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture, especially if it has been sitting in your pantry for a while.
How to Master the Art of Silky Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Making this phenomenal peanut butter cream cheese frosting is surprisingly simple, yet yields results that taste like they came from a professional bakery. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve that perfect, velvety consistency:
Step 1: Combine the Fats and Flavor Base. Begin by adding your softened cream cheese, room temperature butter, and the smooth, shelf-stable peanut butter into a large mixing bowl. Ensuring all these ingredients are at room temperature is crucial for a homogenous, lump-free mixture.
Step 2: Achieve Initial Smoothness. Using an electric mixer – either hand beaters or the paddle attachment on a stand mixer – start beating the ingredients together on medium-high speed. Continue to mix until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. This typically takes a few minutes. Don’t forget to stop occasionally and use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring no unmixed pockets remain. This step is vital for that signature silky texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Sweetener (Carefully!). Once your base is smooth, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar. Start beating on a low speed initially. This prevents the powdered sugar from creating a “sugar cloud” and flying all over your kitchen! Mix on low until the sugar is just incorporated and no dry streaks remain. This gentle approach ensures a clean workspace and an evenly sweetened frosting.
Step 4: Whip to Silky Perfection. After the powdered sugar is mixed in, increase the mixer speed to medium-high. Continue to beat for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting transforms into that incredibly silky, light, and fluffy consistency you’re aiming for. Avoid over-whipping, as this can incorporate too much air or warm the ingredients, potentially making the frosting too soft. Once it reaches that beautiful, spreadable smoothness, it’s ready to use!
Expert Tips for a Flawless Vegan/Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Frosting
Adapting this classic frosting to be entirely vegan and dairy-free is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the increasing availability of high-quality plant-based alternatives. However, a few specific considerations will help you achieve the best possible results:
- Temperature Matters, Differently: While traditional butter and cream cheese absolutely need to reach room temperature for optimal creaming, plant-based alternatives often behave differently. Many vegan butters and cream cheeses are naturally softer, even when cold. They typically don’t require as much time, or sometimes any time at all, to soften at room temperature.
- Assess Softness First: Before you start, feel the texture of your plant-based cream cheese. If it already feels quite soft and pliable straight from the fridge, you can likely skip the room temperature step entirely. Using it too warm can result in a very thin, almost liquid frosting. For vegan butter, block or stick varieties generally need a little softening, but usually less than their dairy counterparts.
- Consistency Variations: Be aware that the texture and firmness of plant-based butter and cream cheese can vary significantly between brands. Some brands of vegan cream cheese are naturally much softer than others. This can impact the final consistency of your vegan peanut butter cream cheese frosting. You might find you need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve the desired thickness.
- Choose Wisely: Plant-Based Butters: Always opt for plant-based butters that come in block or stick form and are specifically marketed as suitable for baking or replicating dairy butter in recipes. These typically have a better fat-to-water ratio for frostings. Avoid spreadable, tub-style vegan butters, as their higher water content will make your frosting runny and unstable.
- Reliable Plant-Based Cream Cheese: I’ve had good success with brands like Daiya (not sponsored) for plant-based cream cheese, as its texture holds up well in frostings. Experiment with different brands to find one you prefer that offers a good balance of flavor and firmness.
- Adjusting Sweetness and Thickness: This recipe uses a moderate amount of powdered sugar to let the peanut butter and cream cheese flavors shine. If you prefer a sweeter or thicker vegan frosting, gradually add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency and taste.
- Runny Frosting? No Problem!: If your vegan frosting appears a bit too soft or runny, don’t fret! Simply add an additional tablespoon or two of powdered sugar, mix until combined, and/or place the frosting in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. Chilling it will help it firm up considerably.
- Avoid Extra Liquids for Vegan Versions: Unlike some traditional frostings, this recipe does not call for any liquid additions like vanilla extract or milk. For the plant-based version, it’s even more critical to avoid adding extra liquids. Dairy-free butter and cream cheese are often softer by nature, and additional liquids can very quickly lead to a thin, unstable, and overly runny frosting. Stick to the four core ingredients for the best vegan peanut butter cream cheese frosting.
Accuracy in Measuring Ingredients: Cups vs. Weight
For maximum convenience and ease of use, traditional US cup measurements are readily available in the recipe card for this recipe. However, for those seeking superior accuracy and consistent results in baking (which is highly recommended for frostings), both weight (grams) and volume (milliliters) measurements are also provided. When you see grams (g), it’s best to use a kitchen scale to precisely weigh your ingredients. For milliliters (ml), a liquid measuring cup is your tool of choice. Smaller quantities of ingredients, such as extracts or leavening agents, are typically specified in teaspoons and tablespoons for simplicity.
Storing and Freezing Your Delicious Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Once prepared, this peanut butter cream cheese frosting can be enjoyed immediately, or it can be stored for later use, making it an excellent make-ahead option. Here’s how to properly store and freeze it:
Refrigeration: Place the frosting in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to use it, allow it to sit at room temperature for a short period (usually 20-30 minutes) until it softens to a spreadable consistency. You might need to give it a quick whisk or beat with an electric mixer on low speed to restore its smooth texture after chilling, especially if it feels too stiff.
Freezing: This frosting freezes beautifully! Transfer it to a freezer-safe, airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use frozen frosting, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to defrost overnight. Once thawed, let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, then re-whip it briefly on low speed until it’s smooth and spreadable again. This ensures it regains its perfect texture.
Unlock the Secret to Perfect Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Non-Negotiable (Mostly!): For dairy-based butter and cream cheese, ensuring they are at proper room temperature is paramount. This allows them to cream together smoothly without lumps, resulting in that wonderfully silky texture. This process can take up to an hour, depending on your kitchen’s warmth. To speed things up, cut your butter and cream cheese into smaller cubes. For vegan alternatives, remember they often don’t need as much time or may even be fine straight from the fridge if already soft.
- Stick with Shelf-Stable Peanut Butter: Reiterate the importance of using conventional, shelf-stable smooth peanut butter. Natural, oily, or “drippy” peanut butter with separated oil is the enemy of stable frosting. While it’s fantastic for toast, its consistency will lead to a runny, potentially separated and gritty frosting that simply won’t hold its shape or smoothness. Always check the label!
- Sift Your Powdered Sugar for Ultimate Smoothness: To truly achieve that “silky smooth” descriptor, sifting your powdered sugar is a small but mighty step. Powdered sugar often clumps together due to moisture, and these lumps will translate directly into a grainy frosting. A quick sift ensures a consistently smooth and refined finish.
- Customizing Sweetness: This recipe is designed to let the distinct flavors of peanut butter and cream cheese shine, so it uses a balanced amount of powdered sugar that isn’t overly sweet. If your preference leans towards a sweeter frosting, feel free to add more powdered sugar incrementally. Add a tablespoon at a time, mix, taste, and repeat until it hits your perfect sweet spot.
- Achieving Desired Thickness: The base recipe yields a wonderfully spreadable frosting that’s ideal for layering or spreading over cakes. If you desire a thicker consistency – perhaps for piping intricate designs onto cupcakes – you can easily achieve this by adding more powdered sugar. Again, do this gradually, adding a little at a time until the frosting reaches your desired piping-friendly stiffness. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t easily take it out!
- Troubleshooting Runny Frosting: If, for any reason, your frosting seems a little too soft or runny, there’s an easy fix. Add an extra tablespoon or two of sifted powdered sugar and mix again. Alternatively, pop the bowl into the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. The chill will help the fats firm up, allowing the frosting to thicken considerably.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
This recipe is designed as a small-batch frosting, yielding approximately 1 ¼ cups. This amount is perfectly suited to generously frost an 8-inch square cake or an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake. If you’re planning to frost a larger 9×13 inch sheet cake, you’ll want to double the recipe to ensure ample coverage. For a decadent layer cake that requires frosting between layers and on top, we recommend tripling the recipe to have more than enough for a stunning presentation.
For the silkiest, most stable, and delicious peanut butter cream cheese frosting, it is absolutely crucial to use a “shelf-stable” smooth peanut butter. These are the classic peanut butters that don’t separate and remain firm at room temperature (e.g., Jif, Skippy). Avoid natural peanut butter (the kind that requires stirring due to oil separation on top). Natural peanut butters are typically too runny and oily for frosting, and their texture can lead to a frosting that separates, becomes greasy, or even looks curdled. Furthermore, ensure you’re using *smooth* peanut butter, not crunchy, to achieve that signature velvety texture.
While this peanut butter cream cheese frosting is intentionally designed to be wonderfully smooth and spreadable, it’s not meant to be overly thick or stiff. If you find your frosting is too thin or runny, there are a couple of common culprits: either your butter and cream cheese were too warm when you started, or you might have over-whipped the mixture, incorporating too much air and warming the fats. The good news is, it’s usually an easy fix! To thicken a runny frosting, gradually add an additional tablespoon or two of sifted powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, place the entire bowl of frosting into the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. The cold will help the fats firm up, significantly thickening the frosting. Give it a quick re-whip after chilling if needed.
As written, this recipe yields a frosting with a wonderfully spreadable consistency, which is perfect for covering cakes and cupcakes smoothly. However, it is generally a little too soft for intricate piping designs. If your goal is to pipe this frosting, you’ll need to adjust its thickness. The easiest way to do this is by gradually adding more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes firm enough to hold its shape when piped. Additionally, I highly recommend refrigerating the frosting for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) after thickening and before piping. This chill time will help it stiffen further and maintain its piped shape much better.
Discover More Delicious Frosting Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed mastering this peanut butter cream cheese frosting, why not explore other delectable options to elevate your baking? Here are some other fantastic frosting recipes from our collection:
- Rich & Healthy Chocolate Avocado Frosting
- Luxurious Vanilla Bean Sour Cream Frosting
- Decadent Sour Cream Chocolate Frosting
We love hearing from you! If you whip up this incredible recipe, please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!
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Print
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- Author: Leanne
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/4 cup
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American, Canadian
Description
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is ultra rich and silky smooth. You only need 4 ingredients and it can also be made dairy-free and vegan!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (125g) full fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons shelf stable smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
Instructions
- Add the cream cheese, butter and peanut butter to a mixing bowl.
- Using an electric mixer (hand beaters or the paddle on a stand mixer), beat together on medium-high speed until smooth. You may need to stop a few times to scrape down the sides.
- Add the powdered sugar and beat together on low until the sugar is mixed in. (If you set the mixer to high, powdered sugar will go everywhere).
- Increase the speed to medium-high and beat together until the frosting is silky smooth.
Notes
- Bring the butter and cream cheese to room temperature. This will take up to an hour (depending on how warm your environment is), but you can quicken this by cutting the butter and cream cheese into smaller pieces.
- Use shelf stable peanut butter and not the natural, drippy kind of peanut butter with oil on top.
- For the smoothest frosting, sift your powdered sugar to remove any lumps.
- If you prefer the frosting sweeter, just add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired sweetness.
- This frosting is not overly thick. You can thicken it up by adding more powdered sugar, but do so a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- If the frosting seems a little soft or runny, you can refrigerate it for 30-60 minutes to firm it up.
- If making this frosting dairy-free/vegan, keep in mind that plant-based butters and cream cheeses do not need as long to come to room temperature and may result in thinner frostings.
- Be sure to check out the other sections above the recipe card for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.