What happens when you cross creamy, smooth peanut butter and everyone's favorite cream cheese icing? You get this mega fluffy, slightly tangy, and completely irresistible Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting recipe!
If you ever wondered how you could possibly make delicious peanut butter even better, well have you considered turning it into frosting? Mix creamy peanut butter buttercream with fluffy cream cheese, and you will be amazed how incredible it tastes on all sorts of treats.
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The flavor of this peanut butter cream cheese frosting is just as amazing at is sounds. You get that beloved nutty, creamy peanut butter flavor mixed with slightly tangy, sweet cream cheese.
Often cream cheese frosting can be a bit too sweet, but by adding peanut butter, the flavors are more well balanced.
Cream cheese frosting is pretty soft. Adding more powdered sugar to thicken it up only leads it to be too sweet. Instead, mix it with peanut butter buttercream to get a super smooth and fluffy frosting that is perfect on chocolate cake, cupcakes, brownies, and so much more. I bet it would be incredible on cinnamon rolls!
I first made this peanut butter cream cheese frosting recipe to combat the richness of super fudge brownies, but it would also be a fantastic alternative to my Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake or on this Brownie Cake or swirled on some Brown Butter Cupcakes
Ingredients
You are just a handful of ingredients away from the best frosting of your life!
- Unsalted butter - softened to room temperature
- Smooth peanut butter - not natural peanut butter, if you can
- Powdered sugar - sifted as needed
- Cream cheese - softened
- Vanilla extract
Tools and Equipment
Use an electric mixer to make super smooth and fluffy frosting. You will also need:
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Mesh sieve
Instructions
This cream cheese peanut butter buttercream is fluffy and creamy at the same time. It comes together in about 5 minutes, but you will need an electric mixer. A handheld or stand mixer both work.
First, mix the butter and cream cheese until ultra smooth - about 1 minute for softened butter.
Then add in the icing sugar and vanilla. Start slow then mix on medium until creamy.
Add the peanut butter and mix on medium speed until light and fluffy.
The finished buttercream will be smooth yet fluffy!
Substitutions
There are not too many opportunities for substitutions here. You can try a plant-based cream cheese and butter with similar results.
Variations
Peanut butter is really the essence of this recipe. Also try Nutella or other smooth spreads, like in Biscoff Buttercream.
Storage
Peanut butter cream cheese frosting is best used just after making while it is still soft. If making in advance, store in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature then rewhip or mix by hand until light and smooth.
Frosting may be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Allow it to come to room temperature before remixing.
You may also freeze the frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Steps for Making Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Learn how to make peanut butter cream cheese frosting with either a hand or stand mixer.
- Mix the butter
Use the beaters of a hand mixer or paddle attachment on a stand mixer to smooth out the softened butter first.
- Add cream cheese
Add the softened cream cheese mix until blended.
- Add the powdered sugar
Along with the vanilla, mix on low speed until everything combines.
- Let it whip!
Increase the speed to medium and mix until light and fluffy.
- Add the peanut butter
Continue to mix until creamy.
Bake Like a Pro
Softened butter should be able to easily hold a fingerprint when lightly pressed. It should not feel greasy or be melted or it won't be able to hold in as much air.
Recipe FAQs
Before you start adding too much powdered sugar, try putting soft buttercream in the refrigerator. The butter might have been too warm and chilling in the refrigerator may help it firm up.
Make sure to sift powdered sugar to remove any lumps before mixing. Allow enough time for the butter and sugar to whip together to help the sugar dissolve into the cream cheese frosting.
More Frosting Recipes to Try
Recipe
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese slightly softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted, as needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Using a hand and beaters or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter on medium-low speed until smooth and creamy, 1 minute.
- Add the cream cheese and mix to combine.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Begin mixing on low speed until the ingredients come together - scraping the bowl occasionally.
- Turn up the speed and mix at medium-high speed for 2 minutes, until the frosting is fluffy.
- Add the peanut butter and mix until light and creamy.
Grace Fee
Lick-off-the-spoon delish!