Easy & Delicious Homemade Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most luscious **Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting** you’ll ever taste! This frosting is a true culinary delight, boasting a perfect balance of nutty and creamy flavors, complemented by a delightful tanginess and a smooth, fluffy texture. Unlike overly sweet buttercreams, this recipe offers a wonderfully balanced sweetness that makes it an ideal companion for a wide array of desserts, from rich chocolate cake and moist banana cupcakes to countless other treats.

If you’ve been a loyal reader of my blog for a while, you might recognize this sensational Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting from its starring role on my beloved banana layer cake. It was an instant hit, and for good reason!

However, that original recipe was designed for a generously sized cake, and I often found myself needing a smaller, more manageable batch for my more intimate baking projects. That’s why I’ve meticulously scaled down this fantastic recipe, making it absolutely perfect for my small banana cake and a batch of irresistible banana cupcakes.

At its heart, this exceptional cream cheese peanut butter frosting is a luxurious twist on a classic. Imagine the beloved tang and creaminess of traditional cream cheese frosting, then infuse it with the comforting, rich flavor of peanut butter. The result is a truly unique frosting that stands out.

It’s incredibly rich and wonderfully creamy, with that signature tangy kick from the cream cheese, all beautifully enhanced by a subtle, yet distinct, nuttiness. And here’s the best part: despite containing powdered sugar, this frosting is never cloyingly sweet, a common complaint with many buttercream recipes. Its balanced flavor profile allows the peanut butter and cream cheese to shine through, creating a sophisticated taste experience.

This recipe is your go-to when you’re seeking a show-stopping frosting but aren’t in the mood for the usual chocolate cream cheese frosting. It offers a refreshing change of pace while still delivering that “wow” factor.

Perhaps you’re craving the ultimate flavor combination of chocolate and peanut butter? This frosting is your ticket to the best of both worlds! It pairs phenomenally with my small chocolate cake recipe or a batch of my small batch chocolate cupcakes, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.

Or maybe you find traditional peanut butter frosting a little too sweet for your liking? This cream cheese version provides a perfectly balanced alternative for your mini peanut butter cake, offering depth without overwhelming sweetness.

Whatever your reason for seeking a truly exceptional frosting, rest assured, you absolutely do not want to miss out on this incredible peanut butter cream cheese frosting recipe. It’s versatile, delicious, and guaranteed to elevate any dessert!

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Crafting your homemade peanut butter frosting with cream cheese begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that desirable smooth, creamy, and flavorful result. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why:

• Cream Cheese: This is the backbone of your frosting, providing the essential tang and creamy base. It’s critically important to use a full-fat block of cream cheese, specifically the kind that comes in a brick or block, rather than low-fat, fat-free, or whipped varieties. Why? Low-fat and fat-free versions typically have a higher water content to compensate for the removed fat, which can result in a watery, unstable frosting that doesn’t hold its shape. Whipped cream cheese, while delicious, is too airy and won’t provide the necessary structure. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth blending, preventing lumps.
• Peanut Butter: When I refer to peanut butter in this recipe, I’m specifically talking about the smooth, processed kind you find in most grocery stores (like Jif or Skippy). This type of peanut butter has a consistent texture and emulsified oils, which are crucial for a smooth frosting. I am NOT referring to natural peanut butter, which often separates into oil and solids and requires vigorous stirring before use. If you absolutely must use natural peanut butter, you’ll need to stir it really, REALLY well to fully reincorporate the oil. Otherwise, your frosting could end up oily, grainy, or separate. The processed variety ensures a silky-smooth finish every time.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred as it gives you control over the overall saltiness of your frosting. Just like the cream cheese, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This allows it to cream properly with the other ingredients, creating an airy and emulsified frosting. If you only have salted butter on hand, simply omit the pinch of salt mentioned in the recipe. Butter adds richness, flavor, and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This fine sugar is essential for both sweetening and thickening the frosting. Its superfine texture dissolves easily, ensuring a smooth frosting without any grittiness. It’s what allows you to easily spread or pipe your frosting with professional-looking results. Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it can help prevent lumps and ensure an even smoother texture, though it’s not strictly necessary if you beat it well.
• Vanilla Extract: This might seem like a small addition, but vanilla extract works wonders in enhancing the overall flavor profile of the frosting. It doesn’t just add its own sweet notes; it magically amplifies the nutty taste of the peanut butter, making it even more pronounced and delicious. Don’t believe me? Try a small taste of the frosting before adding the vanilla, then taste it again after. You’ll be amazed at the difference!

Not in the mood for peanut butter but still craving that creamy, tangy goodness? Explore my other delightful cream cheese frosting variations! Check out my Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting or my vibrant Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting for a wonderfully fruity twist.

Yield Guide: How Much Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Does This Recipe Make?

This recipe for peanut butter frosting with cream cheese is specifically designed to be a small batch, making it ideal for smaller baking projects and preventing excess leftovers. Since I originally developed this frosting for my 6-inch cake recipes and small batch cupcake recipes, here are some helpful guidelines on how much this quantity of frosting will cover:

• For Cupcakes (Piped): If you’re planning to pipe this delicious frosting onto cupcakes, such as my popular Banana Cupcakes, you can typically frost between 6 to 8 standard-sized cupcakes. The exact number will depend on the generosity of your swirls – whether you prefer a modest dollop or impressive, tall peaks.
• For Cupcakes (Spread with Spatula): When frosting cupcakes like my Small Batch Vanilla Cupcakes using an offset spatula, you can often stretch the frosting further, covering up to a full dozen cupcakes. This is because spreading typically uses less frosting per cupcake compared to the volume created by piping tall, decorative swirls.
• For Small Cakes (4-6 Inch): If you’re frosting a 4-inch cake, like a festive Peanut Butter Birthday Cake, or a 6-inch cake, such as a delightful Small Vanilla Cake, this recipe is perfect for covering both the top and the sides. You’ll likely even have about a spoonful or two left over, depending on how thick you prefer your frosting layer.
• For Single-Layer 8-Inch Cakes: Surprisingly, this small batch can even elegantly frost the top and sides of an 8-inch One-Layer Chocolate Cake. While it won’t be as thick as a double batch, it provides a lovely, even coating.
• For Two-Layer Cakes: If you’re working with a two-layer cake, this frosting quantity is sufficient to frost the middle filling layer and the top for a “naked cake” aesthetic, where the sides are lightly scraped, or to cover the top and generously frost the edges, leaving the sides artfully exposed.

Beyond cakes and cupcakes, this versatile frosting can also be used to elevate other baked goods. Try it to frost your puff pastry cinnamon rolls for an extra special treat, or even as a decadent dip for fruit or cookies!

Simple Steps: How To Make Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating this irresistible cream cheese peanut butter frosting is surprisingly simple and quick. With just a few steps, you’ll have a perfectly smooth, fluffy, and flavorful frosting ready to adorn your favorite desserts. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make your perfect small batch frosting recipe:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are thoroughly softened to room temperature. This is a critical step for preventing lumps and achieving a smooth, emulsified frosting. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and your chosen smooth peanut butter.
2. Beat Until Smooth and Creamy: Begin to beat these ingredients together on medium speed for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. The goal is to incorporate them fully until the mixture is light, airy, and uniformly smooth, with no visible chunks of butter or cream cheese. Stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula once or twice during this step to ensure everything is well combined.
3. Incorporate Powdered Sugar and Salt: Once the base mixture is smooth, add about half of the powdered sugar (starting with 1/2 cup) and the pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter). Begin mixing on low speed to avoid a cloud of sugar, then gradually increase to medium-high speed. Beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until the frosting is noticeably light, fluffy, and well aerated. Again, scrape down the bowl as needed.
4. Add Vanilla and Adjust Consistency: Finally, scrape down the bowl one last time. Add the vanilla extract and beat for another minute until it’s fully incorporated and the frosting is beautifully fluffy. At this point, assess the consistency. If your frosting feels too thin to pipe or hold its shape well, gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, beating after each addition, until you reach your desired thickness. You may not need all of the remaining 1/2 cup. Conversely, if the frosting is too thick or stiff for easy spreading or piping, add a few drops of milk (or cream) at a time, beating until it reaches the perfect spreadable or pipeable consistency.

Planning Ahead: Can Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Be Made in Advance?

Absolutely! One of the many conveniences of this peanut butter cream cheese frosting recipe is that it can be made in advance, making your baking schedule much more flexible. This is a fantastic time-saver when you’re preparing for an event or simply want to get a head start on your dessert prep.

To store your frosting, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, the frosting will likely be quite firm from chilling. You’ll need to bring it back to room temperature to soften it up enough to spread or pipe easily.

Once it has softened (which can take 30 minutes to an hour on the counter), give it a good refresh by beating it in your mixer for about 30 seconds. This will bring back its smooth, fluffy texture. If, after beating, it still feels a bit too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream (just a few drops at a time) and beat again until it reaches your desired consistency.

Important Storage: Does a Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes, absolutely. It is crucial to refrigerate any cake, cupcakes, or desserts frosted with cream cheese frosting. The reason is simple: cream cheese, being a dairy product, is perishable and requires refrigeration to remain safe to eat and prevent spoilage.

While your beautifully frosted cake can sit out at room temperature, it should not be for more than 2 hours. After this time, it needs to go into the refrigerator as soon as possible to maintain food safety and keep the frosting fresh and stable. Leaving it out for longer risks the growth of bacteria, which can lead to foodborne illness. Always prioritize food safety when working with perishable ingredients like cream cheese.

Proper Preservation: How Do You Store a Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Storing a cake frosted with this delicious peanut butter cream cheese frosting recipe requires a few simple steps to ensure it stays fresh, moist, and visually appealing in the refrigerator. Proper storage prevents the cake from drying out and keeps the frosting intact:

1. Initial Chill (Uncovered): After frosting your cake, place it in the refrigerator uncovered for about 15 minutes. This brief chill period is a game-changer because it allows the frosting to harden just enough. This firm outer layer prevents the frosting from smearing, sticking to covers, or getting accidentally damaged if touched.
2. Cover and Protect: Once the frosting has set, it’s time to protect your cake from drying out in the cold refrigerator environment. You have a couple of excellent options:
   • Plastic Wrap: Carefully wrap the entire cake with plastic wrap, ensuring it doesn’t directly touch the frosting as much as possible, or gently tent it over the cake.
   • Airtight Cake Container: For the best results and ultimate protection, use an airtight cake container (affiliate link). These containers are designed to keep air out and moisture in, significantly prolonging the freshness and texture of your cake.

   Proper covering is essential to prevent the cake from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge and to keep it from becoming stale or dry.

3. Bring to Room Temperature Before Serving: For the absolute best eating experience, always allow your refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for a minimum of 15-30 minutes before serving. This step is crucial because it allows the cake to lose its chill, which in turn softens the frosting and improves the texture of the cake itself. A cold cake can be dense and flavorless, while a cake served at room temperature will be moist, tender, and full of flavor. For larger cakes, you might need up to an hour for it to reach optimal serving temperature.

Following these storage tips will ensure that every slice of your peanut butter cream cheese frosted cake is as delicious as the first!

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Yield:
1 cup

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
10 minutes

This Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is a perfect blend of nutty, creamy, and tangy flavors with a delightful smooth and fluffy texture. Not overly sweet, it’s an ideal topping for chocolate cake, banana cupcakes, and many other desserts.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup smooth, processed peanut butter (ensure it’s not natural, stir-free type)
• 4 ounces (4 tablespoons) full-fat block cream cheese, softened (avoid low-fat, fat-free, or whipped varieties)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup – 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (adjust to desired thickness and sweetness)
• Pinch of table salt (omit if using salted butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl (using a paddle attachment if you have a stand mixer), beat together the peanut butter, softened cream cheese, and softened butter for about 30 seconds. Continue until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
2. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula. Add the initial 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and the pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting becomes visibly light, fluffy, and airy.
3. Scrape down the bowl once more. Add the vanilla extract and beat for an additional 1 minute, or until the vanilla is fully incorporated and the frosting reaches a consistently fluffy texture. At this stage, if the frosting appears too thin to pipe or hold its shape, gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar (you might not need all of it) until the desired consistency is achieved. If, however, it’s too thick, add a few drops of milk or cream, beating until it loosens slightly.
4. Use the frosting immediately for best results. If you need to prepare it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using chilled frosting, allow it to come to room temperature. If it’s too soft due to a warm kitchen, refrigerate in 15-minute increments until it reaches a perfect piping consistency.

Chef’s Notes & Variations

• Looking for more amazing frosting ideas? Be sure to explore my other popular recipes, including Small Batch Cream Cheese Frosting, rich Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, refreshing Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting, and vibrant Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting.
• Enjoyed this versatile recipe? You’ll love my full collection of Small Batch Frosting Recipes, featuring chocolate, vanilla, various fruit flavors, and more to suit any dessert.
• Need inspiration for what to frost? Dive into my comprehensive lists of delicious Small Cake Recipes and delightful Small Batch Cupcake Recipes for all your baking needs.

Recommended Products for Perfect Frosting

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• Stand Mixer
• Hand Mixer

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