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Peanut Butter Buttercream

Are you ready for a peanut-buttery adventure? Let me tell you, I have discovered the ultimate recipe for peanut butter lovers – peanut butter buttercream!

The Perfect Peanut Butter Buttercream | JavaCupcake

Yes, you read that right. The velvety, creamy, and nutty buttercream is perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and even eating straight out of the bowl.

As a self-proclaimed peanut butter fanatic, I have tried countless recipes, but none have come close to this one.

So, get your spatulas ready because I am about to share with you the most delicious and versatile peanut butter buttercream recipe you will ever taste.

History of Peanut Butter

Once upon a time, in a faraway land called South America, there was a tribe of people who discovered the almighty peanut.

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They roasted them, boiled them, and even crushed them into a paste, which they used as a source of protein.

Fast forward several centuries, and enter our hero, George Washington Carver, a renowned scientist and inventor. He was a brilliant mind who saw potential in the lowly peanut and worked tirelessly to promote its benefits.

He came up with countless uses for the peanut, from peanut milk to peanut ink. Still, his most significant invention was peanut butter.

Now, peanut butter wasn’t an instant hit. At first, people thought it was a weird, unappetizing, and downright disgusting spread. But then, something incredible happened.

Perfect Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting swirled onto cupcakes setting on a cooling rack

A man named Joseph Rosefield came up with a way to make the peanut butter creamier and easier to spread. He called it “churned peanut butter,” and people finally started noticing.

Soon, peanut butter was everywhere, from school lunches to military rations. It was a staple in every American household, and people couldn’t get enough of its creamy, nutty goodness.

But the story doesn’t end there. In the years that followed, peanut butter became a source of controversy. Some claimed it caused acne, while others blamed it for weight gain.

Despite these accusations, peanut butter stood the test of time and remained a beloved food item.

And that, my friends, is the story of peanut butter – a tale of triumph, perseverance, and deliciousness.

Ingredients & Tools

Ingredients for peanut butter frosting - powdered sugar, peanut butter, butter and heavy cream

Let’s get down to business and discuss the recipe and tools you’ll need to make the best peanut butter buttercream you’ve ever tasted.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 heaping cup of creamy peanut butter (JIF is our favorite!)
  • 3 cups of powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup of heavy cream (for an extra airy texture)
  • A pinch of salt

And here’s what you’ll need in terms of tools:

  • A stand mixer and bowl 
  • A silicone spatula 

Making Peanut Butter Buttercream

Making the perfect peanut butter buttercream is easier than you might think! 

The key to making perfect peanut butter buttercream is using high-quality ingredients and ensuring that the butter and peanut butter are well-combined before adding other ingredients.

It’s essential to scrape the bowl occasionally to ensure everything gets mixed evenly.

You’ll start by creaming together room-temperature butter and creamy peanut butter in a stand mixer.

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Once light and fluffy, you’ll add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture on high for several minutes until it’s airy, smooth, and creamy.

When making peanut butter buttercream, use unsalted butter, as it will give you more control over the final flavor. If you prefer a sweeter buttercream, you can always adjust the amount of powdered sugar you add. 

And don’t be afraid to get creative with the recipe – try adding in other flavors like chocolate or coffee to give your buttercream a unique twist!

Check out the recipe card below for the specific instructions on making this delicious peanut butter buttercream.

Since then, peanut butter has become a beloved staple in American cuisine, and its creamy, nutty flavor has spread to the far corners of the globe.

Today, peanut butter is enjoyed in countless forms, from classic PB&J sandwiches to fancy desserts and even savory dishes.

Peanut Butter Cream frosting in a piping bag

So next time you spread a dollop of peanut butter on your toast, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this tasty treat.

Tips for Success

  • If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer or a whisk can be used to make the buttercream. However, a stand mixer is recommended as it makes the process much easier and faster.
  • Make sure your mixer bowl and attachments are clean and dry before starting. Any residual moisture or grease can affect the outcome of the buttercream.
  • A silicone spatula is recommended for scraping down the sides of the bowl, as it is gentle and won’t scratch the bowl’s surface. However, any type of spatula can be used.
  • If you want to use a piping bag and tip to decorate your desserts with buttercream, make sure to have them on hand. Piping bags can be reusable or disposable. There are various sizes and shapes of tips to choose from depending on the design you want to create.
  • It’s a good idea to have a kitchen scale on hand to measure the ingredients accurately. Measuring cups and spoons can also be used, but weighing the ingredients is more precise and will result in a consistent outcome.
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FAQs

How many cupcakes does this recipe frost?

  • This recipe will frost about 12 cupcakes.

Can I use this buttercream to frost a cake?

  • Yes, but for larger cakes, we recommend doubling the recipe.

Does this buttercream hold up in warm weather?

  • Since this buttercream is made with butter, it may melt in extreme heat.

Can I use a piping tip and pastry bag with this buttercream?

  • Absolutely! This buttercream has a creamy and smooth consistency that works well with a pastry bag and tip.

Can I color the buttercream?

  • We recommend doing a test batch first, as we’re unsure how the color will turn out.

If I pour ganache over the top, will the buttercream hold up?

  • If you first chill the frosted cupcakes for 20 minutes, they should hold up. However, we can’t promise anything.

Can I make this with more or less peanut butter?

  • Yes, you can adjust the amount of peanut butter to suit your preferences.

What about other substitutions?

  • While we encourage experimentation, we can’t guarantee the same results if you use substitutions. We recommend sticking to the recipe as written for the best results.
Perfect Peanut Butter Buttercream | The JavaCupcake Blog https://javacupcake.com

Does it need to be used right away?

  • No, you can refrigerate this buttercream for 2-3 days. However, we recommend making it right before you plan to use it, so you don’t have to bring it to room temperature every time.

How long is it edible if it’s stored in the fridge?

  • We recommend consuming it within 10 days if stored in the fridge.

What’s the yield for this recipe?

  • This recipe yields enough buttercream to frost about 12 cupcakes.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

  • Yes, you can, but the buttercream will be less fluffy.

Can I freeze this buttercream?

  • Yes, you can freeze this buttercream in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Peanut Butter Frosting on cupcakes served on white plates with a fork and a glass of milk

Peanut Butter Buttercream Inspiration

Peanut butter buttercream is an incredibly versatile frosting that can be used in countless ways to add a creamy, nutty flavor to various baked goods and desserts. 

From classic cakes and cupcakes to more unconventional treats, this rich and delicious frosting is perfect for all occasions.

PB&J Chocolate Cupcakes!

Peanut Butter Buttercream Tagalong Cookie Sandwiches!

Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes!

Perfect Peanut Butter Buttercream | The JavaCupcake Blog https://javacupcake.com

Peanut Butter Buttercream

Yield: 3-4 cups
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Light, fluffy, creamy, and just the right about of peanut butter flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 heaping cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the peanut butter and butter for 2-3 minutes. You want the color to lighten by a few shades.
  2. Add the powdered sugar. Scrape the sides of the bowl and mix until combined.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and beat until smooth. Scrape the bowl again.
  4. Mix in the salt.
  5. Beat on high for 3-4 minutes or until the buttercream has become light and fluffy.
  6. Use immediately.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Kim

Monday 1st of November 2021

Hello! I know it’s been a while since you’ve posted this recipe, but I’m looking for a PB frosting that after chilled I could paint on leopard spots for a child’s safari themed birthday. Will this frosting “crust” enough to allow for painting?

Betsy Eves

Sunday 30th of April 2023

If frozen, maybe. But I honestly, I don't know.

Bbarbq

Tuesday 14th of September 2021

Does buttercream iced cake need to be refrigerated?

Betsy Eves

Wednesday 22nd of September 2021

Depends on the heat and humidity of where you live. The frosting is relatively soft, so if it's hot/humid I'd recommend chilling the cake until about an hour before you serve.

Marlene

Sunday 17th of November 2019

I've made this peanut butter buttercream many times. Everyone who tries it loves it! Yesterday I doubled the recipe, using one heaping cup of Jif and one cup of peanut butter powder. Everything else remained the same. It's not as sweet, but still VERY delicious. The doubled recipe was enough to generously swirl on top of 36 chocolate cupcakes (with some left over) using Ateco tip #868. Thank you!

Sheryl

Saturday 21st of September 2019

My friend group LOVES the flavor and texture of this frosting, especially paired with a chocolate cake! Today, for my husband's birthday, I decided to mix it up and do mint with the chocolate cake instead. Substituted Crisco for the peanut butter (1:1), added some mint and vanilla extracts, and a little food coloring. The frosting turned out just as wonderfully light and fluffy as it does with peanut butter, so I think this might be my go-to frosting base from now on!

Amanda

Friday 13th of September 2019

This frosting is like a peanut butter cloud from the planet yummy. SO GOOD!! I added a little of Mexican Vanilla to my frosting.

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