If you’re searching for the ultimate indulgence to crown your cakes, cupcakes, or even just a spoon, this Peanut Butter Frosting is the answer. Creamy, luscious, and boasting just the right balance of salty-sweet peanut flavor, it effortlessly turns simple bakes into irresistible treats. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to sneak a fingerful straight from the bowl (I won’t tell!), this frosting deserves a permanent spot in your dessert repertoire.

Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is at the heart of this frosting recipe, with each ingredient playing a starring role in creating the dreamy texture and robust peanut flavor. Don’t be tempted to swap or skip; every element adds something special!

Creamy peanut butter: Choose a stabilized, non-natural brand for the smoothest, fluffiest results—this ensures your frosting won’t separate and is silky-smooth.
Unsalted butter: Let it soften fully for easy beating and a creamy texture that melds perfectly with the peanut butter.
Powdered sugar: Gives structure and sweetness, creating that essential cloud-like finish—sift for lump-free mixing.
Heavy cream or milk: Adds richness and allows you to adjust the frosting to your ideal consistency—heavy cream brings an extra decadent touch.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash boosts the peanut flavor and deepens the overall aroma.
Pinch of salt: Brings all the flavors together and balances the sweetness for that perfect finish.

How to Make Peanut Butter Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Peanut Butter and Butter

Start by adding your creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, beat them together for about 2 minutes. The goal is to achieve a completely smooth, light, and uniform mixture—this sets the stage for a frosting that feels like velvet on your tongue.

Step 2: Gradually Mix in the Powdered Sugar

With the mixer on low, gradually add the powdered sugar in batches to prevent a cloud of sweetness from floating up and covering your kitchen. Once all the sugar has been incorporated, increase the mixer speed and continue beating until the mixture looks fluffy and pale. The transformation here is pure kitchen magic!

Step 3: Add Vanilla, Salt, and Cream

Pour in the vanilla extract, sprinkle in your pinch of salt, and add about half of the cream (2 tablespoons to start). Beat everything together on medium speed, and watch as the Peanut Butter Frosting comes together into an ultra-smooth, spreadable delight. If it looks thick, gradually add more cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your perfect consistency—whether you love a silky swirl or a slightly stiffer frosting for piping.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Frosting

Garnishes

For an eye-catching (and flavor-boosting) finish, sprinkle your frosted desserts with chopped roasted peanuts, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a dusting of cocoa powder. These little extras add contrasting textures and make each bite even more special.

Side Dishes

While the spotlight clearly belongs to the frosting-covered treat itself, consider pairing your creation with a glass of cold milk, fresh berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These simple sides temper the richness and round out your dessert table with ease.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit Peanut Butter Frosting to just cakes or cupcakes! Spread it generously over brownies or sandwich it between cookies for the ultimate whoopie pie. Swirl it onto pancakes, dip pretzel rods into it, or use as a filling for homemade macarons. The possibilities are only as limited as your cravings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you resist the urge to eat it all straight from the bowl, leftover Peanut Butter Frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick re-whip before spreading on your next batch of goodies.

Freezing

For longer storage, this frosting freezes beautifully! Place it in a well-sealed, freezer-safe container, pressing a piece of plastic wrap onto the surface to prevent ice crystals. It keeps nicely for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight and re-whip before using.

Reheating

Once your Peanut Butter Frosting is chilled or frozen, it may firm up a bit. Bring it to room temperature naturally before whipping with a mixer for a few seconds. Avoid the microwave, as it can melt the butter and ruin the lovely texture you worked so hard for.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this frosting?

It’s best to use regular, creamy peanut butter rather than natural types, as natural varieties tend to separate and produce an oily, less stable frosting. For best results, stick with classic, shelf-stable peanut butter.

What kind of desserts pair best with Peanut Butter Frosting?

This frosting is a dream atop chocolate cake, banana cupcakes, brownies, or even sandwiched between cookies. Basically, anything you’d love with a peanut butter cup can benefit from this marvelous topping!

How can I adjust the frosting’s consistency?

If you need a firmer frosting (for piping or stacking), simply reduce the cream. For a softer, more spreadable texture, add cream a tablespoon at a time until it’s just right for your needs.

Is this frosting safe at room temperature?

Peanut Butter Frosting can sit at room temperature for several hours (great for parties!), but if you have leftovers, keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness and food safety.

Can I make this frosting dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the butter for a vegan alternative and use a non-dairy milk or creamer in place of heavy cream. The results are still delicious and spreadable, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Peanut Butter Frosting from scratch, I truly hope this recipe inspires you to whip up your own batch. There’s just something magical about that rich, creamy swirl on top of a favorite dessert. Treat yourself soon—you (and anyone lucky enough to share) won’t be disappointed!

Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Enough to frost 12 cupcakes or a 9×13-inch cake
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Peanut Butter Frosting is a delectable topping that adds a rich, creamy, and nutty flavor to your favorite baked treats. Perfect for cupcakes, cakes, or brownies, this easy-to-make frosting will become a household favorite in no time!

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Frosting Ingredients:

1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Beat Peanut Butter and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Increase the speed and beat until fluffy.
Incorporate Flavorings: Add the vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of cream. Beat until smooth. Adjust the cream as needed for desired consistency.
Use or Store: Use immediately to frost baked goods or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Re-whip if chilled before using.