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–+ servings
Close-up of peanut butter cream cheese frosting with a spatula in a food processor.
Course Dessert

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

By: Elysia Cartlidge
Servings 12 servings (makes about 2 1/4 cups)
Naturally sweetened with dates and made without any butter, this healthy peanut butter cream cheese frosting is still thick, fluffy, and sweet enough to satisfy all your sugar cravings. Plus, you get extra fiber and healthy fats to tide you over for longer! Use it as a topping for chocolate cupcakes, banana bread, and birthday cakes or eat it by the spoonful. It's the perfect healthy cream cheese frosting! {Gluten-Free,Vegetarian & No Sugar Added}
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 cup firmly packed pitted Medjool dates
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon room temperature water, plus hot water for soaking
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (light or full-fat)
  • 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter

Instructions

  • Take the cream cheese out of the fridge to let it soften—this will make blending smoother. Cut it into quarters and set aside.
  • Next, add the dates to a heatproof bowl and cover them with hot water. This softens them up so they blend more easily—don’t skip this step! Let them soak for 10 minutes, then drain well. Once they’ve cooled a bit, remove and discard the pits.
  • Add the pitted dates to a food processor with 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon of room temperature water, the vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Add the softened cream cheese and peanut butter to the food processor, then blend again until everything is fully combined, light, and fluffy. If you’d like a thicker consistency, pop the frosting into the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to help it firm up a bit.
  • You can use the frosting right away, or store it covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you're ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then quickly re-whip it for the best texture.

Notes

  • If your frosting starts to become too soft to pipe, pop it in the fridge for a bit to firm up the cream cheese. 
  • Be sure to blend the frosting long enough to allow chunks of dates to break down. If they're having trouble breaking down, add a bit of extra water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.

Recipe Variations

    • Change the nut butter: Instead of peanut butter, try almond butter, cashew butter, or another option.
    • Adjust the flavoring: You can easily tailor the frosting to suit your preferences by changing the extract or adding some warm spices. 
    • Make it dairy-free: Use plant-based cream cheese.
    • Sweeten to taste: For a runnier and sweeter frosting, add a small amount of maple syrup or honey while blending.

Nutrition

Calories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 69mgPotassium: 176mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 127IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.2mg
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