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Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Peanut butter cream cheese frosting is a fluffy and tangy treat that can take cakes and cupcakes to the next level! You don’t want to miss the creamy combo of smooth peanut butter and cream cheese.

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Close up shot of vanilla cake frosted with creamy peanut butter cream cheese icing.

Cream cheese peanut butter frosting is an absolute game-changer when it comes to sweet treats. It’s the kind of frosting that takes your desserts from ordinary to extraordinary without any fuss.

And, I took my 3 ingredient peanut butter recipe and turned it

What’s so great about it? Well, it’s a delightful mix of creamy cream cheese and the nutty goodness of peanut butter. This dynamic duo brings a comforting and satisfying flavor to your treats that’s hard to resist.

You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip up this homemade frosting. And don’t forget the whipped texture! It’s not just easy to make; it’s also easy to work with.

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Whether you’re spreading it generously or piping it into intricate designs, this frosting is a baker’s best friend.

This cream cheese peanut butter frosting is versatile enough for birthdays, casual get-togethers, or even special holiday celebrations. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a fluffy and delicious filling for your cakes and cupcakes.

ingredients needed to make peanut butter frosting.

How to Make Peanut Butter Frosting with Cream Cheese

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: In your stand mixer’s bowl, blend the cream cheese and peanut butter until they’re silky and smooth.

adding creamy peanut butter and cream cheese to a bowl.
adding powdered sugar to peanut butter mixture.

STEP TWO: Gradually introduce the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, making sure to mix thoroughly between each addition.

STEP THREE: Stir in the vanilla extract until it’s completely blended. 

mixing ingredients to make creamy peanut frosting.

Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Frosting

  • Bring cream cheese to room temperature — and peanut butter if you keep yours in the fridge — before you start. This makes them blend together into creamy perfection.
  • Add a splash of milk after the final step if the frosting seems too thick or if you prefer it a little bit thinner. Mix until it has reached your desired consistency, but add milk sparingly and gradually. It’s easier to thin the frosting than to thicken it.
  • Use no-stir creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy or natural peanut butter, as it has a naturally smoother consistency. Natural and crunchy peanut butter may not create that fluffy filling we’re aiming for. 
  • Be careful not to overmix. Overworking the peanut butter cream cheese frosting can make it dense and less airy.
  • Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture.

Variations for Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Icing

  • You can sprinkle in a touch of cinnamon when mixing in the vanilla extract if you want a subtle warm undertone. 
  • You can experiment with different flavors of cream cheese for this recipe if you prefer! If you’re feeling adventurous, I would try honey cream cheese or even strawberry cream cheese for a PBJ-inspired twist!
  • Peanut butter and cream cheese are a killer combo, but if you want to try a delicious trio of flavors, consider adding Nutella for a fun twist! Nutella’s consistency blends beautifully into peanut butter frosting with cream cheese and can add another flavor dimension!
  • You could try using honey-roasted peanut butter instead of traditional peanut butter for a touch of extra sweetness.
cream cheese peanut butter frosting in a bowl.

More Frosting Recipes

Can I Use Granulated Sugar If I Don’t Have Powdered Sugar?

For the smooth, creamy texture in this cream cheese peanut butter icing, I would not recommend using granulated sugar. Since it’s not as fine, it can result in a slightly grainy texture in the frosting, and the peanut butter cream cheese frosting won’t fluff up in the same way powdered sugar will.

Not to worry, though, there’s a super easy fix! Simply toss your granulated sugar into a blender with some cornstarch, and it will magically transform into finely powdered sugar. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of sugar.

peanut butter frosting with cream cheese and powder sugar.

Can I Make A Vegan Version of Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Icing?

Yes, and it just takes one simple ingredient swap! To make this filling vegan and dairy-free, look for a plant-based cream cheese alternative. 

I recommend Daiya cream cheese or Philadelphia plant-based cream cheese for this recipe!  

What Desserts Are Best For Showcasing this Peanut Butter Frosting with Cream Cheese?

I love this peanut butter cream cheese frosting because the possibilities are truly endless! 

You can try pairing this frosting with chocolate cake or cupcakes, as well as toast, bagels, pita, crackers, as a dip or filling for cookies, blondie bars, cinnamon rolls, waffles, or pancakes — and the list goes on. Go get creative! 

Piping peanut butter cream cheese frosting to a vanilla cupcake.

Other Fluffy Cream Cheese Recipes You’ll Love:

peanut butter frosting with cream cheese and powder sugar.

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Samantha Erb
Peanut butter cream cheese frosting is a rich, luscious topping for cakes and cupcakes, combining the creamy tanginess of cream cheese with the comforting, nutty sweetness of peanut butter.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 3 cups
Calories 231 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 8 oz. cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Milk as needed 2-3 tablespoons

Instructions
 

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the powdered sugar in one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined. Add the milk if needed until the desired consistency is reached.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 231kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 115mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26g

This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!


samantha

About Samantha

I’ve always had a love of cooking and creating new recipes, so it only made sense to create a food blog so I could share those recipes with you. This site is designed to provide easy and flavorful recipes with as little ingredients as possible. That means you still get great flavor combinations without all that extra time and effort. Read more...

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