I’m about to reveal something about myself I rarely admit in public: I don’t love chocolate. I mean, mostly I don’t love it. I do love it in some things, sometimes, like gluten free brownie batter. THAT, I love. And a really light and airy gluten free chocolate cake – yep, sign me up. But brownies have never been something I’ve craved (with the exception of gluten free brownie batter, see above). But I do crave peanut butter AND chocolate, so I put the two together by whipping up some easy peanut butter frosting and slathered it on some gluten free brownies.
Let me just say the results were di-vine! I’m quite certain this peanut butter frosting would be fantastic on chocolate cupcakes, as well. I can’t wait to try it myself!
The thing about peanut butter is that whether you use “natural” or ordinary national brands, creamy or crunchy, or even sunflower nut butter instead, each has a different viscosity and oiliness factor. SO … this recipe provides roughly the proportions you’ll need to make yourself some super yummy easy peanut butter frosting. (Note: while I love crunchy peanut butter, myself, but it doesn’t provide the smooth texture most people expect in frosting, so just be forewarned if you choose crunchy.)
Know what you have in mind for it and tailor the proportions accordingly. Slathering on brownies? Make it thick and creamy. Topping a pretty cupcake? You’ll want to add more confectioner’s sugar to make it lighter. The nice thing about frosting like this is you can taste-test your way to perfection. You know, for quality assurance purposes, of course!
Onto what yummy gluten free recipe would you spread this peanut butter decadence?
Easy Peanut Butter Frosting
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbs.) butter or non-dairy alternative (Earth Balance® Buttery Sticks)
- 1 cup peanut butter (or sunflower nut butter for nut-free)
- 2 cups confectioner's sugar (at least)
- milk of choice, if needed, add by the tablespoon
- mini chocolate chips (optional) (Enjoy Life Foods® Mini Chips - dairy-free)
Instructions
Allow the butter to soften, slightly, at room temperature. Do not allow butter to get very soft, though.
Cream butter and peanut butter with a mixer. Slowly stir in the confectioner's sugar, adding more if needed to achieve the proper consistency. If the frosting is too thick, stir in one or more tablespoons milk of choice. For fluffier frosting, beat in extra confectioner's sugar and add 2-3 minutes whipping time with the mixer.
