Name: Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting
Ingredients: Butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture. Softened butter blends easily without lumps.; Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): The star of the frosting, providing bold peanut butter flavor and a velvety consistency.; Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the frosting and thickens it for spreading or piping.; Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet note that complements the peanut butter.; Milk (1–2 tablespoons, optional): Thins the frosting to the desired consistency, making it easier to spread or pipe.; Butter: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version or margarine in a pinch, though the flavor may differ slightly.; Peanut Butter: Crunchy peanut butter adds texture, or use almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for a peanut-free alternative.; Powdered Sugar: Reduce to 1½ cups for a less sweet frosting, but note it may be softer. Sift if clumpy for a smoother result.; Milk: Use heavy cream for a richer frosting, or non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or soy) for a dairy-free version. Water can work in a pinch but is less creamy.; Flavor Twists: Add 1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder for a chocolate-peanut butter frosting, or a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.

Description

Ever wondered how to whip up a frosting that’s so creamy and peanut buttery it could steal the show from any cake or brownie? What if you could make it in just 10 minutes with a handful of pantry staples? Say hello to Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting! This rich, velvety frosting is perfect for spreading on cakes, piping on cupcakes, or slathering on brownies.

Ingredients

Butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture. Softened butter blends easily without lumps.
Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): The star of the frosting, providing bold peanut butter flavor and a velvety consistency.
Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the frosting and thickens it for spreading or piping.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet note that complements the peanut butter.
Milk (1–2 tablespoons, optional): Thins the frosting to the desired consistency, making it easier to spread or pipe.

Substitutions and Variations

Butter: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version or margarine in a pinch, though the flavor may differ slightly.
Peanut Butter: Crunchy peanut butter adds texture, or use almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for a peanut-free alternative.
Powdered Sugar: Reduce to 1½ cups for a less sweet frosting, but note it may be softer. Sift if clumpy for a smoother result.
Milk: Use heavy cream for a richer frosting, or non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or soy) for a dairy-free version. Water can work in a pinch but is less creamy.
Flavor Twists: Add 1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder for a chocolate-peanut butter frosting, or a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.

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Instructions

Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter:
- In a large bowl, combine ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup creamy peanut butter.
- Beat with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer (fitted with the paddle attachment) on medium speed for 1–2 minutes until smooth and well blended.
- Tip: Ensure the butter is softened (not melted) to avoid a greasy texture. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Add the Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.
- Once incorporated, increase to medium speed and mix until fully combined and smooth, about 1 minute.
- Tip: Sift the powdered sugar if it’s lumpy for a silkier frosting.
Incorporate the Vanilla:
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix on medium speed for 30 seconds to blend evenly.
- Tip: Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully mixed.
Adjust the Consistency:
- If the frosting is too thick for spreading or piping, add 1 tablespoon milk and mix on low speed. Add an additional tablespoon if needed, mixing until the desired consistency is reached.
- For spreading, aim for a soft, spreadable texture. For piping, keep it slightly thicker.
- Tip: Add milk slowly to avoid making the frosting too thin. If it gets too runny, add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Use the Frosting:
- Use immediately to frost a cooled cake, cupcakes, or brownies. Spread with a spatula or pipe with a piping bag for decorative designs.
- Tip: If not using right away, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the frosting) to prevent drying out.