Peanut Butter Frosting
Okay, so you have to try this peanut butter frosting. It’s rich, creamy, and kinda magical. I swear, it tastes like a peanut butter cup got all dressed up.
I’ve used this on cupcakes, cookies, even pancakes once… don’t judge! It’s sweet, nutty, and super fluffy. Every bite makes you wanna dance a little.
You know what’s even better? It’s so easy to make. Just mix a few things in a bowl—boom, done. You’ll want to lick the spoon. Maybe two spoons.
Stick around and I’ll show you exactly how I make it. It’s quick, fun, and crazy good. Ready? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Rich: The combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth heavy cream makes this frosting perfectly velvety and rich.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, you can whip this up in no time.
- Versatile: This frosting is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even as a filling for pies and pastries.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the perfect frosting for when you need a sweet topping in a pinch.
- Peanut Butter Lovers’ Dream: If you love peanut butter, this frosting is a must-try. It’s full of rich, nutty flavor with a smooth, silky texture.

What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings:
- This recipe makes about 2 cups of frosting—enough to generously frost one 9-inch cake or 12 cupcakes.
Difficulty:
- Super easy! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this frosting is simple to make.
Required Kitchen Tools:
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spatula for scraping the sides of the bowl
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Frosting:
To create this creamy, sweet frosting, you will need the following ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a smooth base for the frosting, ensuring it spreads easily.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (not natural): This gives the frosting its rich peanut flavor and smooth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that perfect consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a bit of warmth and depth to balance out the flavors.
- Heavy Cream (or milk): Helps thin the frosting and adds a nice creamy texture.
- Salt (optional): Just a pinch to bring out the flavors and cut the sweetness.

How to Make Peanut Butter Frosting Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
Start by placing the unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter in a large mixing bowl. Use your hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Add it in small batches to prevent the sugar from flying everywhere. Once all the powdered sugar is added, mix on low speed until it starts to come together. Then, increase the speed to medium-high and continue mixing until fully combined.
3. Add Vanilla and Heavy Cream
Once your sugar and peanut butter mixture is smooth, add the vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk) to the bowl. Mix everything together on medium speed until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Optional: Add a Pinch of Salt
If you’d like to balance out the sweetness of the frosting, add a pinch of salt. This step is optional, but it can really enhance the flavor of the peanut butter.
5. Scrape and Mix
Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed. Give it one final mix to ensure your frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Peanut Butter Frosting
This rich and creamy peanut butter frosting is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to use it:
- On Cakes: Spread a generous layer of frosting on top of your favorite cake, like chocolate cake, vanilla cake, or even banana bread.
- On Cupcakes: Pipe the frosting onto cupcakes for a delightful and easy dessert.
- In Cookies: Use as a filling for sandwich cookies, such as peanut butter sandwich cookies or chocolate cookies.
- With Brownies: Smear a thick layer of frosting on top of brownies for a peanut butter twist.
- As a Dip: Serve it as a dip for fruits like apple slices or strawberries for a fun, quick treat.
Storing Peanut Butter Frosting
- Leftovers: If you have any frosting left, store it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before using it again, as it will firm up when chilled.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the frosting for up to 1 month. Just store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before applying.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream (or milk) one tablespoon at a time to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
- Flavor Variation: If you’d like to experiment, you can add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate peanut butter frosting, or mix in a handful of chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
- Smooth Finish: For a smooth, professional look, use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly on cakes or cupcakes.
Nutrition Information (Optional)
Here is an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving of Peanut Butter Frosting (based on a 1/12th serving of the recipe):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 40mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 17g |
| Protein | 2g |
Peanut Butter Frosting
Course: UncategorizedAbout 2
cups10
minutes10
minutes150
kcal20
minutesIngredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
Pinch of salt (optional)
Directions
- Cream the butter and peanut butter together in a large bowl until fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until creamy.
- Optionally, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix one final time.
Peanut Butter Frosting FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
It’s best to use creamy peanut butter (not natural) for a smoother texture and better consistency in the frosting. Natural peanut butter can be too oily and affect the frosting’s texture.
Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this frosting up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before using.
How do I make the frosting less sweet?
If the frosting is too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Frosting is the perfect combination of creamy, rich, and nutty flavors, making it a favorite topping for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just looking for a delicious, simple frosting recipe, this one is sure to be a hit!
