If you love peanut butter as much as I do, you’re in for a treat! This Peanut Butter Frosting is smooth, creamy, and packed with the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. It’s a great topping for cakes, cupcakes, and even cookies. Plus, it’s super easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.

Peanut Butter Frosting in a Glass Dish: Close-up of a glass dessert dish filled with creamy, smooth peanut butter frosting. The frosting is beautifully swirled on top, showcasing its rich and fluffy texture. In the background, there are blurred peanuts and a white ceramic container, adding warmth and a homely feel to the scene.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Frosting

This peanut butter frosting has quickly become one of my favorite go-to recipes, and here’s why:

Easy to Make: This frosting comes together in just minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Perfect Texture: It’s creamy yet fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the rich peanut butter flavor.
Versatile: Use it to frost cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or even spread it on cookies. It’s the perfect all-around frosting for peanut butter lovers!

Mixing Peanut Butter Frosting in a Bowl: A large white mixing bowl filled with freshly made peanut butter frosting, with a hand mixer still resting on top. The beaters are coated in the creamy frosting, and the bowl sits on a table near a bright window. The background features a vase with dried flowers, a lit candle, and some pieces of chocolate on a wooden tray, creating a cozy kitchen atmosphere.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You need very simple ingredients to make this recipe. Find the amounts needed below on the bottom of the page, and here you can enjoy some detailed instructions with pictures.

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These are the simple ingredients you will need to make this fluffy peanut butter frosting.

Unsalted Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature. It helps create a smooth and creamy frosting. You can use vegan butter for a dairy free option.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Go for a high-quality creamy peanut butter to get that perfect velvety texture. I love Jif, or Skippy brands for making frosting, because they are smooth, and sweet.
Powdered Sugar: Sifted powdered sugar is key to achieving a smooth consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor to the frosting.
Heavy Cream: Just a bit of cream helps to give the frosting that perfectly light and airy finish.
Salt: a pinch of salt is optional and helps enhance that delicious sweet and salty flavor profile.

Easy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

This recipe is super easy to make. It comes together in seconds.

Start by sifting the sugar, to prevent lumps in your frosting.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes. Then, add the creamy peanut butter and beat on medium speed until well combined.

Step-by-Step Process of Making Peanut Butter Frosting: A collage of four images showing the process of making peanut butter frosting. The first image shows powdered sugar being sifted into a large glass bowl with a whisk. The second image captures a hand mixer whipping butter in a white mixing bowl until creamy. The third image shows the creamy butter mixture with a dollop of peanut butter added to the bowl. The fourth image showcases the final mixture, with the hand mixer still in the bowl, revealing a smooth and fluffy peanut butter frosting. The setup is in a cozy kitchen with a window in the background, featuring a vase with dried flowers, a lit candle, and pieces of chocolate on a wooden tray.

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, while continuing to beat on low speed.

Mix until the sugar is fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth.

Mixing Peanut Butter Frosting Ingredients: A collage of three images showing different stages of mixing peanut butter frosting. The first image on the left shows a hand holding a spatula, mixing the peanut butter and butter mixture in a large white bowl. The second image in the middle captures powdered sugar being added to the mixture, with the hand mixer resting on the side of the bowl. The third image on the right shows the hand mixer blending the peanut butter frosting until it becomes smooth and fluffy. The scene is set by a window, with a vase of dried flowers, a lit candle, and a plate of chocolate pieces in the background, creating a warm and inviting kitchen atmosphere.

Pour in the vanilla extract and a bit of heavy cream. Beat the frosting on medium speed until everything is combined and the frosting has a creamy and fluffy texture. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

And if the frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar to make it thicker.

Adding Milk and Vanilla to Peanut Butter Frosting: A collage of two images showing the final steps of making peanut butter frosting. The first image on the left shows a hand pouring milk into a large white mixing bowl filled with partially mixed peanut butter frosting. The second image on the right captures a hand holding a measuring spoon, adding vanilla extract to the frosting mixture. The scene is set in a bright kitchen with a window, featuring a vase with dried flowers, a lit candle, and a few pieces of chocolate on a wooden tray in the background.

How to use this Peanut Butter Frosting

Now your peanut butter frosting is ready to use! You can frost cakes, cupcakes, or even brownies with this deliciously creamy peanut butter goodness.

This rich and creamy Peanut Butter Frosting is incredibly versatile and can elevate any dessert with its smooth, nutty flavor. Here are some delicious ways to use it:

Cupcakes: Whether you’re baking classic chocolate or vanilla cupcakes, this frosting makes the perfect topping. Pipe it high with a star tip for a beautiful presentation and an irresistible finish. You can use it to top these delicious Chocolate Cupcakes for example.
Layer Cakes: Frost your favorite layer cake with this peanut butter frosting for a decadent treat. It pairs beautifully with chocolate, banana, or even a Classic Yellow Cake.
Sheet Cake: This is the recipe used in this delicious Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting (picture below).
Cookies: Spread a generous layer of this frosting over soft sugar cookies or sandwiched between two Chocolate Sugar Cookies for a delicious twist on a cookie sandwich.
Brownies: Slather it over a batch of fudgy brownies for a peanut butter-chocolate combination that’s hard to resist.
Whoopie Pies: Use this frosting as a filling for soft whoopie pies for a decadent, sweet treat.
Macarons: Use it to fill macarons, like in this delicious recipe for Peanut Butter Macarons.

Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting: A slice of rich, moist chocolate cake topped with a thick layer of peanut butter frosting. The frosting is garnished with chopped peanuts and a drizzle of chocolate. The cake slice is presented on a scalloped white plate, with the background showing a blurred rustic kitchen setting, including a bowl of peanuts.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Frosting

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that both your butter and peanut butter are at room temperature before you begin. This makes it easier to cream them together and results in a smoother frosting.
Sifting the Powdered Sugar: Don’t skip this step! Sifting helps to remove any lumps and ensures your frosting turns out perfectly smooth.
Adjusting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little more cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a bit more sifted powdered sugar until you reach the perfect consistency.
Scrape the sides of the bowl: while making the frosting, be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are getting incorporated nicely.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can make this frosting up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick mix before frosting your baked goods.

How to Store Peanut Butter Frosting

This frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, place the frosting in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and beat it again to restore its creamy texture.

Peanut Butter Frosting Swirled in a Dish (Alternate Angle): Another close-up of the same glass dish filled with peanut butter frosting, taken from a slightly different angle. The frosting appears even more luscious, with its delicate swirls and rich, creamy consistency clearly visible. The soft focus on the background emphasizes the texture of the frosting.

Natural Peanut Butter vs. Conventional Peanut Butter

When it comes to making the perfect Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting, the type of peanut butter you choose can make a big difference in both flavor and texture. Here’s a quick breakdown of using natural peanut butter versus conventional peanut butter in your frosting recipe:

Natural Peanut Butter

Natural peanut butter typically contains just peanuts and maybe a bit of salt, with no added sugars or stabilizers. This results in a smoother, oilier consistency that can separate easily. While this type of peanut butter is delicious and healthier due to its minimal ingredients, it can be trickier to work with in frosting recipes. The excess oil can lead to a thinner, less stable frosting, making it harder to achieve the light, fluffy texture most people love. If you prefer to use natural peanut butter, try stirring it very well before measuring to fully incorporate the oil, and be prepared to add a little extra powdered sugar or adjust the consistency with more cream if necessary.

Conventional Peanut Butter

Conventional peanut butter, like Jif or Skippy, contains added sugars, oils, and stabilizers to maintain its creamy texture and sweetness. This type of peanut butter is ideal for frosting because it provides consistent results. The stabilizers help the frosting hold its shape, and the sweetness balances the richness of the butter and powdered sugar. You’ll end up with a smooth, creamy, and fluffy frosting every time, making conventional peanut butter the go-to choice for most bakers.

Which One to Choose?

If you’re aiming for a perfectly smooth and stable frosting that’s easy to pipe and holds its shape, conventional peanut butter is your best bet. On the other hand, if you prefer a more natural option and don’t mind working with a softer, slightly oilier texture, natural peanut butter can still work with some adjustments.

Ultimately, it depends on your preferences and dietary choices. Both types will add that irresistible peanut butter flavor to your frosting, so you can’t go wrong!

Recipes you might like…

Here are some recipes you might like if you enjoy this Peanut Butter Frosting:

This frosting is a peanut butter lover’s dream and adds a delightful finishing touch to any dessert. Whether you’re frosting cupcakes, cakes, or just sneaking a spoonful straight from the bowl (no judgment here), this peanut butter frosting is sure to be a hit!

Let me know in the comments how you plan to use this frosting or what you paired it with!

Happy Baking!

Peanut Butter Frosting

Camila Hurst

This Peanut Butter Frosting is smooth, creamy, and packed with the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. It’s a great topping for cakes, cupcakes, and even cookies. This recipe makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes, and one 9×9" cake.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 18

Total Time 18

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings cups

Calories 70 kcal

Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature (169 grams)
1 cup creamy peanut butter 250 grams
2 – 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted (250 grams to 312 grams)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together on medium speed using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Continue beating for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Gradually add 2 cups of the sifted powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat for another 1-2 minutes to ensure the frosting is smooth.
Scrape the bowl and mix for another 30 seconds to combine.
Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of the heavy cream. Mix on low speed until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of heavy cream and continue mixing.
Taste the frosting and decide if you want it sweeter. If necessary, add up to an additional 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until the frosting reaches your desired consistency—smooth, fluffy, and easy to spread or pipe.
Turn the mixer to medium-high speed and beat the frosting for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
Use the peanut butter frosting immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. If not using right away, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to a few hours, or refrigerate for longer storage. Before using, re-whip if necessary to restore the creamy texture.

Notes

Storage: This frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, place the frosting in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and beat it again to restore its creamy texture.

Peanut butter: Prefer conventional peanut butter over natural peanut butter for best consistency and smooth results.

Yield: This recipe makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes, and one 9×9″ cake.