Peanut Butter Frosting: A Wedding Cake Wonder?

Peanut butter frosting is a delicious and creamy option for a wedding cake. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic, and this frosting can be paired with a chocolate cake for a rich and indulgent dessert. The sweetness of the peanut butter can be balanced by using unsweetened or less sweet varieties, and the addition of cream cheese can also cut through the sweetness while adding a tangy flavour. This type of frosting is also versatile and can be used to decorate cupcakes, brownies, or even spread on cookies. It is important to note that natural, oily, or homemade peanut butter may not be suitable for this type of frosting as it can cause separation and curdling. However, with the right ingredients and preparation, peanut butter frosting can be a unique and tasty choice for a wedding cake.

How to make peanut butter frosting

Peanut butter frosting is a tasty addition to any cake or cupcake. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Butter (salted or unsalted, depending on the recipe)
• Peanut Butter (creamy, and ideally not natural or organic)
• Powdered Sugar (also known as confectioner's or icing sugar)
• Milk
• Vanilla Extract

Method:

• Combine the butter and peanut butter in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it is creamy and well-combined.
• With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar (about 1/3 cup at a time). Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well-combined.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.
• With the mixer still on low speed, add the milk and stir until well-combined.
• Gradually increase the mixer speed to high and beat the frosting for 30 seconds to a few minutes, until light and fluffy.
• Spread or pipe the frosting onto completely cooled cupcakes or cake.

Tips:

• If you want a stiffer frosting, you can add an additional 1/2 to 1 cup of powdered sugar.
• If you want to add more flavour and an extra fluffy texture, you can add in some heavy cream and/or vanilla extract.
• To avoid air bubbles in your frosting, use a slower speed on your mixer.
• To avoid a grainy texture, make sure the butter is fully softened (but not melted), and sift the powdered sugar to prevent lumps.
• If you are piping the frosting, avoid using chunky peanut butter, as the peanut pieces will clog your piping tips.

How to make a peanut butter cake

Ingredients:

Firstly, you'll need to gather your ingredients. For the cake, you'll need flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, salt, butter, vegetable oil, white granulated sugar, soft brown sugar, peanut butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. For the peanut butter frosting, you'll need butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, cream, and of course, more peanut butter!

Baking the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350°F) and grease two 8-inch cake pans. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside. In a separate large bowl, add butter, vegetable oil, white granulated sugar, soft brown sugar, and peanut butter. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together on medium speed until light and creamy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Then, add vanilla and buttermilk, and mix on medium speed until well combined. You should now have a smooth, creamy batter. Gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Distribute the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Tap the pans lightly on the counter to remove any large air bubbles, and then pop them in the oven! Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Making the Frosting:

While your cakes are baking and cooling, you can make the peanut butter frosting. Simply add butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, cream, peanut butter, and a pinch of salt to a large bowl. Mix on low speed until combined, and then turn up the speed to medium-high and mix for a full 10 minutes. If your frosting turns out a bit firm and has air bubbles, don't worry—this just means your butter or cream was too cold. Gently heat the frosting in the microwave in short bursts, mixing between each burst, until it reaches a smoother consistency.

Assembling the Cake:

Once your cakes are completely cooled, it's time to assemble! If you want perfectly flat cake layers, you can level off the tops of your cakes with a cake leveller or a long serrated knife. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake. You can decorate your cake however you like! Some popular choices include adding a crumb coat, creating a "sharp edge" on the top, or piping swirls on top.

Storage:

This peanut butter cake can be left out at room temperature overnight. However, due to the cream in the frosting, it's best to store it in the refrigerator after a day. Place the cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Enjoy your delicious homemade peanut butter cake!

How to decorate a wedding cake with peanut butter frosting

Peanut butter frosting is a great way to add a unique and delicious twist to a wedding cake. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to decorate a wedding cake with peanut butter frosting:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Before you start decorating, it is important to have your cake layers baked and cooled. You can use your favourite cake recipe or a simple chocolate or vanilla cake. If you want to make the cake extra special, you can even bake a peanut butter cake. Once the cakes are baked, let them cool completely before levelling off the tops to ensure that the layers are nice and flat. This will prevent the cake layers from sliding around when stacked.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

To make the peanut butter frosting, you will need the following ingredients: peanut butter (creamy and unsweetened), butter, powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour. Combine the butter and peanut butter in a large bowl and beat until creamy and well-combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and salt if using. Beat the mixture until it is light, creamy, and smooth. For a thicker frosting, you can add more powdered sugar.

Step 3: Fill and Crumb Coat the Cake

Place one layer of the cake on a cake stand or turntable. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top and smooth it out. Repeat this process for the remaining layers, stacking them on top of each other. Once all the layers are filled, use a small offset spatula to apply a thin layer of frosting around the entire cake. This is called a crumb coat and will help create a smooth finish. Chill the cake in the fridge for a few minutes to let the crumb coat set.

Step 4: Final Frosting and Decorations

After the crumb coat has set, it's time to add the final layer of frosting. Spread the frosting evenly on the cake, making sure to fill in any gaps or air bubbles. Use a cake scraper to smooth out the sides and create a neat finish. If you want to add some extra flair, you can pipe swirls or other designs on top of the cake using a piping tip.

For decorations, you can use fresh flowers, edible gold leaf, or even chocolate garnishes. If you want to stick with the peanut butter theme, you can decorate the cake with peanut butter cups, Reese's pieces, or chopped roasted peanuts.

Storage and Serving:

This peanut butter frosting cake can be stored at room temperature for a day or two and then should be refrigerated due to the perishable ingredients. It is best served at room temperature, so remember to take it out of the fridge a few hours before serving.

There you have it! A beautifully decorated wedding cake with delicious peanut butter frosting. Your guests will surely be impressed by this unique and tasty treat.

Pros and cons of using peanut butter frosting on a wedding cake

Peanut butter frosting on a wedding cake is a unique choice and can be a great option for couples who want something different or who particularly love peanut butter. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to use peanut butter frosting on a wedding cake:

Pros:

• Taste: Peanut butter frosting has a strong peanut butter flavour that is well-loved by many. It can be a unique and tasty option for a wedding cake, especially for couples who are fans of peanut butter.
• Pairing: Peanut butter pairs well with chocolate, so a peanut butter frosting could go well with a chocolate cake. This combination is a classic that is likely to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Decorating: Peanut butter frosting is usually pipeable and can be used to create decorative accents on a cake. It can also be used as a crumb coat to catch any crumby edges before the final coat of icing.
• Versatility: Peanut butter frosting is versatile and can be used on cupcakes, brownies, or even eaten by itself. It can be a good option for couples who want a versatile frosting that can be used in different ways.
• Simple to make: Peanut butter frosting is typically simple to make and only requires a few common ingredients, such as peanut butter, butter, confectioner's sugar, and milk.

Cons:

• Allergies: Peanut allergies are common, and having a peanut butter frosting on the wedding cake may exclude guests with allergies from enjoying the cake.
• Personal preference: Not everyone likes the taste of peanut butter, and some may find it too strong or overpowering.
• Separation and curdling: Natural, oily, or homemade peanut butter may cause the frosting to separate and curdle. It is recommended to use commercial brands of peanut butter for a more stable frosting.
• Sweetness: Peanut butter frosting may be too sweet for some, especially if a sweetened peanut butter is used. Using an unsweetened or less sweet peanut butter can help mitigate this.
• Texture: The ratio of ingredients in peanut butter frosting is important to achieve the desired texture. Some recipes may turn out too stiff or greasy if the ratios are off.

Overall, peanut butter frosting can be a tasty and unique option for a wedding cake, but it is important to consider the potential cons, such as allergies and personal preferences, before making a decision.

Peanut butter frosting vs. other types of frosting

Peanut butter frosting is a tasty alternative to traditional buttercream or cream cheese frostings. It is a good option for those who want a less sweet cake, as the peanut butter flavour is the predominant taste.

Peanut Butter Frosting vs. Buttercream Frosting

Peanut butter frosting is a good alternative to buttercream as it is less sweet. Traditional buttercream is made with a lot of butter and confectioner's sugar, which can make it very sweet. Peanut butter frosting, on the other hand, is made with less sugar and has a more balanced flavour profile. It is also a good option for those who want a dairy-free frosting, as it can be made without butter or cream.

Peanut Butter Frosting vs. Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting is another popular choice for cakes and cupcakes. It has a tangier, sharper flavour than peanut butter frosting, and a very different texture. Cream cheese frosting is often thinner and more spreadable than peanut butter frosting, which can be quite thick and fluffy. Cream cheese frosting is also more likely to need refrigeration, as it is made with dairy products, whereas peanut butter frosting can often be left out at room temperature.

Other Types of Frosting

There are many other types of frosting that can be used on cakes and cupcakes, including:

• Chocolate frosting: A sweet and indulgent option, chocolate frosting is a good choice for those who want a very sweet cake. It can be made with cocoa powder or melted chocolate, and is often paired with vanilla cake.
• Caramel frosting: A sweet and sticky option, caramel frosting can be made in a variety of ways, including using caramel sauce or dulce de leche. It is a good choice for those who want a unique and indulgent cake.
• Fruit-based frostings: Fruit-based frostings, such as strawberry or raspberry frosting, are a good choice for those who want a lighter, more summery cake. They can be made with fresh fruit or fruit preserves, and are often paired with vanilla or lemon cake.

Frequently asked questions