Peanut butter frosting as a pastry and baked good accompaniment is a unique addition. Frosting made with peanut butter provides a twist on traditional buttercream frosting that is an ideal companion to chocolate baked goods as well as a variety of other flavor combinations. Due to its natural creamy texture, peanut butter not only provides flavor, but is well-suited as an ingredient for frosting.
Peanut butter frosting can be made by adding peanut butter to most any buttercream frosting recipe. In most recipes it will be necessary to reduce the amount of fats and oils from other ingredients such as butter or shortening to allow for the addition of peanut butter. For beginning confectioners, a recipe specific to peanut butter frosting may be preferred over trying to sort out the proper amounts of each ingredient.
A typical recipe for peanut butter frosting includes a combination of butter, creamy peanut butter, confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. The consistency of the frosting will be affected by how much confectioner’s sugar and liquid is added. Decorator’s frosting, which is of a stiffer consistency than base frosting, is used for techniques such as cake borders, flowers, and petals, and requires more sugar. Stiff frosting can be thinned with the addition of small amounts of milk until a thinner, more spreadable consistency is achieved. It should be noted that because of the natural color of peanut butter, food coloring will not be as true to color as a pure white frosting base.
Using peanut butter frosting for chocolate cake, cupcakes and even cookies is a baked good simulation of the famous peanut butter cup. Peanut butter frosting can also be used on cheesecakes, sponge cakes and dessert bars. Chocolate and peanut butter in most any combination is the leading flavor duo, but other flavors that compliment peanut butter and make for a nice sweet flavor include banana and cream cheese.
While there are a handful of prepared peanut butter frostings, the best bet is to make it from scratch. This allows for a consistency more suitable for a variety of frosting techniques and also allows for more flavor control. Search for peanut butter frosting recipes and note that while any brand can be used, creamy peanut butter, not crunchy, is the best choice. Avoid peanut butter frosting in situations where peanut allergies are a concern. If this is the case, opt for almond butter or leave out the nut flavoring all together to be safe.