Peanut Buttercream Frosting

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, rich peanut butter frosting with smooth chocolatey flavor, perfect for cakes and cupcakes, ideal for peanut butter lovers and special occasions.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 (12 oz.) pkg. (1 cup) Nestle Toll House peanut butter morsels
  • 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 3 cups sifted confectioners sugar
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. milk

Instructions

  1. Melt the peanut butter morsels over hot (not boiling) water; stir until smooth.
  2. Remove from heat.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the melted morsels, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt; beat well.
  4. Gradually beat in the confectioners sugar alternately with milk until the mixture reaches a spreading consistency.
  5. Use to fill and frost Peanut Butter Cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother frosting, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If you prefer a lighter texture, consider folding in a small amount of whipped cream. You can substitute the peanut butter morsels with any nut butter chips or chocolate chips for a different flavor. This frosting can also be flavored with a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolate-peanut butter twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Peanut Buttercream Frosting is perfect for filling and frosting a Peanut Butter Cake but also complements other desserts wonderfully. Serve atop brownies or cupcakes for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with Chocolate Chip Crumb Bars for a delightful dessert platter, or use it as a dip for fresh fruit.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using, or gently stir it to restore its creamy consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to achieve the desired texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Peanut Buttercream Frosting contains roughly 1204 calories, with 25g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (66% of the Daily Value), calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2603mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).

1204 kcal 60% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 25.4g 51% DV
Total Fat 48.5g 62% DV
Carbs 147.5g 54% DV
Fiber 5.3g 19% DV
Sugar 93.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2603.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 944.3mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 11.9mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 342.2mcg 38% DV
Vitamin C 27.7mg 31% DV
Vitamin D 3.1mcg 15% DV
Calcium 770.2mg 59% DV
Iron 11.9mg 66% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Peanut

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

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this frosting up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it soften at room temperature before using it to frost your cakes or cupcakes.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative. Alternatively, you can use mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor, though it will change the overall taste slightly.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of confectioners sugar and add more cream cheese or peanut butter. This will balance the flavors while still giving you a creamy texture.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →