Peanut Butter Frosting

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

I’ve always had a soft spot for frostings, but peanut butter frosting? That’s a whole different level of obsession. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly salty-sweet — like the dreamy combo of your favorite childhood sandwich turned into a luscious topping. I first made this peanut butter frosting for a batch of fudgy brownies, and the way it complemented the chocolate was unforgettable. From that moment, I knew it had earned a permanent spot in my recipe box.

What I love most is how versatile this frosting is. It’s the kind of treat that doesn’t need to be overcomplicated. Whether I’m slathering it over chocolate cupcakes, sandwiching it between cookies, or just sneaking a spoonful straight from the bowl, it always hits the spot. If you’re a peanut butter lover like me, this frosting is about to be your new favorite fix.

---

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Frosting

This peanut butter frosting is everything you want in a dessert topping — creamy, smooth, and rich with that signature nutty flavor. It’s easy to whip up with just a handful of pantry staples, and it holds its shape beautifully for piping or spreading. The balance of salty and sweet makes it a showstopper on cakes, cupcakes, and even brownies. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable — want it fluffier? Add more cream. Want it sweeter? A little extra powdered sugar does the trick. It’s customizable, foolproof, and dangerously addictive.

---

What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

When it comes to making peanut butter frosting, the type of peanut butter really matters. I always go for creamy, processed peanut butter — think Jif or Skippy — because it gives the frosting a super smooth, velvety texture that’s easy to work with. Natural peanut butter (the kind you have to stir) tends to be oilier and can separate, which might make your frosting look grainy or too loose.

That said, if you’re set on using natural peanut butter for a more wholesome twist, just make sure it’s very well mixed and slightly chilled before you add it in. But if you want that classic bakery-style consistency, the shelf-stable creamy peanut butter is your best bet.

---

Options for Substitutions

Even though peanut butter is the star here, you’ve got a few ways to switch things up:

• Almond Butter: Swap out peanut butter for almond butter if you’re avoiding peanuts. It has a similar richness and works well with chocolate and vanilla bases.
• Cashew Butter: For a milder, slightly sweeter flavor, cashew butter makes a great alternative.
• Vegan Butter: If you’re dairy-free, you can use vegan butter instead of regular butter — just be sure it’s firm and not too soft at room temp.
• Powdered Sugar Alternatives: Looking for a lower sugar version? Powdered monk fruit or erythritol blends can replace traditional powdered sugar, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will change a bit.
• Milk Choices: Heavy cream makes the frosting extra rich, but you can use whole milk, half and half, or even almond milk for a lighter version.

This recipe is flexible — you can make it work for your pantry and your dietary needs without losing that dreamy, indulgent texture.

---

Ingredients for This Peanut Butter Frosting

• Unsalted Butter
  The creamy base that makes the frosting rich and smooth. Using unsalted butter gives me more control over the flavor balance.
• Creamy Peanut Butter
  This is the star of the show. It brings that deep nutty flavor and velvety texture that makes the frosting irresistible.
• Powdered Sugar
  For sweetness and structure. It thickens the frosting and gives it that fluffy, pipeable consistency we all love.
• Vanilla Extract
  Just a splash adds warmth and rounds out the peanut butter flavor beautifully.
• Heavy Cream or Milk
  This loosens up the frosting just enough so it’s silky and spreadable without being runny. Heavy cream makes it ultra luscious, but milk works too.
• Pinch of Salt (optional)
  If your peanut butter isn’t salted, this tiny touch really wakes up the flavor and keeps things from being overly sweet.

---

Step 1: Soften the Butter

Let your unsalted butter sit at room temperature until it’s soft but not melted. This helps it blend smoothly and evenly with the peanut butter — no lumps allowed!

---

Step 2: Beat the Butter and Peanut Butter Together

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is fluffy and completely combined. This should take about 2–3 minutes on medium speed.

---

Step 3: Add the Powdered Sugar Gradually

Turn the mixer to low speed and slowly add in the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is evenly mixed. This step gives the frosting structure and sweetness.

---

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Cream

Once the powdered sugar is incorporated, mix in the vanilla extract. Then add heavy cream (or milk) one tablespoon at a time, beating on medium-high speed until the frosting is light and creamy. Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.

---

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give it a taste! If it’s too sweet, add a tiny pinch of salt to balance things out. If it’s too thick, a splash more cream will do the trick. Beat for another 30 seconds to finish.

---

How Long to Cook the Peanut Butter Frosting

The best part? No cooking required! This is a quick, no-bake frosting recipe. From start to finish, it takes about 10 minutes to make — just enough time to whip up while your cupcakes or cake layers are cooling. Simply beat, adjust the consistency, and you’re good to go.

---

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Frosting

• Use room temperature ingredients: Both the butter and peanut butter should be soft but not melted. This makes blending smooth and easy.
• Sift your powdered sugar: If your sugar is clumpy, sift it before mixing to keep your frosting ultra-smooth and creamy.
• Don’t skip the scraping: While mixing, stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl regularly to ensure everything is evenly combined.
• Beat it well: Once all the ingredients are added, give the frosting a good whip on high speed. This incorporates air and makes it light and fluffy.
• Adjust as needed: If it’s too thick for spreading or piping, add cream a tablespoon at a time. Too thin? More powdered sugar will firm it up.
• Taste before piping: Everyone’s sweetness preference is different — don’t be afraid to tweak it!
• Chill slightly if piping: If your frosting feels too soft to pipe detailed designs, chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this peanut butter frosting is simple to make, a few missteps can throw it off. Here’s what I always watch for:

• Using Natural Peanut Butter Without Adjustments
  It might seem like a healthy swap, but the oils in natural peanut butter can separate and make your frosting greasy or unstable.
• Not Softening the Butter Enough
  Cold butter doesn’t blend well and can leave you with a lumpy texture. Make sure it’s soft to the touch before mixing.
• Adding Too Much Liquid Too Quickly
  It’s tempting to pour in all the cream at once, but go slow. Too much can make your frosting runny and hard to fix.
• Skipping the Sifting Step
  Powdered sugar can clump up. Sifting makes sure your frosting stays velvety and lump-free.
• Overmixing After Adding Sugar
  You want to beat it until fluffy, but not so long that it turns greasy. Once the texture is light and smooth, you’re done.
• Not Tasting as You Go
  Balance is everything — a tiny pinch of salt can elevate the whole flavor.
• Frosting a Warm Cake or Cupcake
  Always wait until your baked goods are completely cool. Warm surfaces will melt the frosting and create a mess.
• Forgetting to Scrape the Bowl
  Ingredients love to stick to the sides. Scrape down often to ensure everything mixes evenly.

---

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Frosting?

1. Chocolate Cupcakes

Rich, moist chocolate cupcakes are peanut butter frosting’s soulmate. The sweet-salty combo is pure perfection.

2. Banana Bread

Spread a generous layer on top of banana bread slices for a nutty, dessert-worthy upgrade.

3. Chocolate Cake

Whether it’s a single layer or a full birthday cake, this frosting makes it unforgettable.

4. Brownies

Frost cooled brownies with a thick layer and top with chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips.

5. Vanilla Wafers or Graham Crackers

Use it as a fun dip for cookies or crackers — great for parties or after-school snacks.

6. Peanut Butter Cookies

Double down on the peanut butter love with a swirl of frosting between two cookies for sandwich treats.

7. Apple Slices

Looking for a sweet snack? Spread it on crisp apple slices for a healthier indulgence.

8. Pancakes or Waffles

Skip the syrup and slather this frosting between warm layers — brunch just got better.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this frosting thicker?

If your frosting turns out too soft, just add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you reach the texture you want. A tablespoon or two usually does the trick.

---

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

You can, but it will give the frosting a chunkier texture — better for spreading than for piping. If you’re okay with the crunch, go for it!

---

Is this frosting good for piping designs?

Yes! As long as you use creamy peanut butter and beat it to a fluffy consistency, it pipes beautifully for swirls, rosettes, and borders.

---

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk or cream. Just choose a firmer vegan butter for best results.

---

How long can this frosting sit out at room temperature?

It can sit out for up to 4–6 hours if your room is cool. But for anything longer (especially in warmer temps), keep it refrigerated.

---

Can I color this frosting?

You can, but the natural peanut butter color might affect how vibrant the dyes appear. Gel food coloring works best for bolder tones.

---

Will this frosting go well with fruit?

Yes! It pairs beautifully with bananas, apples, or even strawberries — especially when served on toast, cupcakes, or in dessert parfaits.

---

Can I double the recipe?

Totally. Just double all ingredients and make sure your mixing bowl is big enough. Whip it in batches if needed to avoid overworking the frosting.

---

Conclusion

This peanut butter frosting is a creamy dream come true — rich, smooth, and packed with nutty flavor that makes any dessert instantly crave-worthy. It’s one of those easy, go-to recipes that I always come back to whether I’m baking for a party or just treating myself. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps — just a love for peanut butter and a sweet tooth. Once you try it, you’ll want to slather it on everything from cupcakes to pancakes. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

---

Print