Cooked Peanut Butter Icing
Creamy, rich peanut butter icing with a sweet sugar base, perfect for spreading on layered cakes. Ideal for peanut lovers and classic dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a heavy skillet.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the right consistency to spread on cake.
- Ice a 3-layer cake, either yellow or devil's food.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother icing, ensure the butter is at room temperature before mixing. If you're out of evaporated milk, whole milk or cream can be used as a substitute, but keep in mind it may alter the consistency slightly. Stir continuously to prevent burning, and consider using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature for perfect spreading consistency. This icing pairs beautifully with Easy Orange Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This peanut butter icing is perfect for a decadent 3-layer cake, but it also complements brownies or cupcakes beautifully. Consider serving slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a fun twist, try drizzling it over Granola Cookie Bars for a delicious treat or snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature, then reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, until it softens again for easy spreading.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cooked Peanut Butter Icing contains roughly 842 calories, with 9g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if my icing is too thick?
If your peanut butter icing is too thick, you can add a little extra evaporated milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Be sure to stir well after each addition. If you want a creamier texture, you could also mix in a bit of softened cream cheese.
Can I make this icing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this peanut butter icing ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you're ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature or gently reheat it to achieve the right spreading consistency. This makes it convenient for busy baking days!
How do I know when the icing has reached the right consistency?
The right consistency for spreading is when the icing is thick enough to hold its shape but still smooth enough to spread easily. It should resemble a thick frosting. One way to test this is to dip a spatula into the mixture; if it coats the spatula and slowly falls off, it’s ready to use.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).