Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, very soft
- 1 cup (packed) Creamy Peanut Butter (Stabilized type recommended)
- 4 cups (packed) Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar), sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 - 4 Tablespoons Whole Milk or Double Cream (or heavy cream)
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Ensure butter is truly room temperature (soft enough to easily dent with a finger). Sift the entire measure of icing sugar into a separate bowl.
- Cream the Base: Place the softened butter and the creamy peanut butter into the bowl of the stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
- Whip: Beat on medium speed for 3–4 minutes until the mixture is visibly lighter in colour and texture, and very fluffy. Stop and scrape down the bowl frequently.
- Introduce Sugar Gradually: Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the sifted icing sugar, one cup at a time, allowing each addition to fully incorporate before adding the next. Cover the mixer during this process to prevent sugar dust from escaping.
- Add Flavour and Liquid: Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla extract, fine sea salt, and 3 tablespoons (45ml) of the milk or cream.
- Whip for Air: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the frosting vigorously for an additional 2–3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy and light texture.
- Check Texture: Stop the mixer and check the consistency. If it appears too stiff or dense, add the remaining tablespoon of milk and beat for 30 seconds until incorporated and easily spreadable.
- Final Scrape: Give the bowl one final, thorough scrape-down to ensure no unmixed pockets of sugar remain at the bottom.
- Use Immediately: The ultimate peanut butter cloud frosting is now ready to use for decorating your cakes or cupcakes.