If you’re a fan of all things peanut butter and looking to take your desserts to the next level, you’re going to fall head over heels for this luscious Peanut Butter Frosting. With its creamy, nutty base and dreamy cloud-like texture, this frosting transforms cupcakes, cakes, and cookies into something truly swoon-worthy. It’s quick, foolproof, and absolutely bursting with rich flavor, making it the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is just how simple and reliable the ingredients are. Each one is carefully chosen to create a frosting that’s perfectly smooth, spreadable, and delicious. Here’s how they help the Peanut Butter Frosting shine:
- Creamy peanut butter: Delivers that unmistakable nutty richness and smooth texture that’s the heart of this frosting.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Blends beautifully with peanut butter, adding richness and helping create an ultra-creamy base.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while giving it a light, fluffy structure and making sure it spreads like a dream.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth, enhancing the peanut butter’s natural flavor.
- Heavy cream or milk: Loosens up the frosting just to the right consistency, making it super smooth and airy—so you can swirl, pipe, or spread with ease.
How to Make Peanut Butter Frosting
Step 1: Cream the Peanut Butter and Butter
Start by adding the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter into a large mixing bowl. With an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is totally smooth and looks almost whipped—about two minutes. This step is what gives your Peanut Butter Frosting that irresistibly silky texture!
Step 2: Gradually Add the Powdered Sugar
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Let each addition blend in fully before adding the next. This careful process keeps the frosting light and prevents a sugar dust storm in your kitchen.
Step 3: Vanilla for Depth of Flavor
Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. A splash of vanilla gives this Peanut Butter Frosting that extra hint of sweetness and complexity you never knew you needed.
Step 4: Adjust the Consistency
Pour in the heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to mix. You want the frosting to be soft, spreadable, and fluffy—just right for all your decorating adventures. Stop adding liquid when you reach your perfect texture.
Step 5: Whip Until Fluffy
Turn the mixer up to medium-high and beat the frosting for another one to two minutes. Now your Peanut Butter Frosting is so light and airy, it practically begs to be licked straight off a spoon (no judgement here!).
How to Serve Peanut Butter Frosting
Garnishes
Give your desserts a gorgeous finish by topping your Peanut Butter Frosting with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa powder. These garnishes add pretty pops of color and a snappy little crunch to every bite.
Side Dishes
If you’re turning your frosted treats into a full dessert spread, try pairing them with a tall glass of cold milk or a steamy mug of coffee. Slices of fresh banana or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side bring out the best in this luscious, nutty frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond traditional cakes: use Peanut Butter Frosting to sandwich homemade cookies, pipe it into mini tart shells, or even swirl it over brownies and bars. For special occasions, pipe a tall swirl onto cupcakes and top with a playful candy or pretzel twist for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Peanut Butter Frosting (lucky you!), spoon it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to one week. Just let it return to room temperature and give it a quick re-whip before using.
Freezing
This frosting freezes beautifully! Place it in a freezer-safe container, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let it come to room temperature and re-whip for best results.
Reheating
For the fluffiest texture, let chilled frosting sit on the counter until it’s soft again, then whip it with your mixer for a minute or two. No need to actually “heat”—room temp and a quick mix will bring it right back to spreadable perfection.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter for this frosting?
While creamy peanut butter ensures the silkiest texture, you can swap in chunky peanut butter if you love little bursts of peanut crunch. Just know the frosting won’t be quite as smooth, but some people love those extra bits!
Is this Peanut Butter Frosting overly sweet?
It strikes a lovely balance: the richness of the peanut butter tempers the sweetness of the powdered sugar. For a less sweet option, you can reduce the sugar slightly, or add even more if you’re craving extra dessert decadence.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and non-dairy milk to keep this frosting vegan. Just check that your powdered sugar is also vegan-friendly to ensure the whole recipe fits your needs.
What’s the best way to frost cupcakes with this?
After whipping, scoop the Peanut Butter Frosting into a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip. Swirl it high on cupcakes or slather generously with a spatula. Either way, those classic bakery swirls are 100 percent achievable!
Will this recipe work as a filling for cakes or sandwich cookies?
Yes! It’s wonderfully sturdy but soft, making it perfect for cake layers, sandwiching between cookies, or even filling eclairs. If you’d like it a bit thicker for layering, just beat in a little more powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Peanut Butter Frosting enough—it’s one of those go-to recipes that never lets you down. Whether you’re topping a special birthday cake or just looking for something irresistibly delicious to spread on brownies, give this recipe a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Frosts 12 cupcakes or one 9-inch cake 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this homemade Peanut Butter Frosting. Perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or brownies, this sweet and nutty frosting is a delightful treat for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Beat Peanut Butter and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Stir in Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Adjust Consistency: Add heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Beat Until Fluffy: Beat for an additional 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Store or Use: Use immediately or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Notes
- This frosting is versatile and can be used on various desserts like cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or cookies.
- For best results, let the frosting come to room temperature and re-whip before using if it has been chilled.
- If you prefer a sweeter frosting, consider adding an extra ½ cup of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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