Peanut Butter Buttercream

Name: Peanut Butter Buttercream
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Dessert
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

February 7, 2013November 7, 2023 171 comments

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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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.