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Peanut Butter Frosting

This Peanut Butter Frosting is rich, smooth, and absolutely perfect for any cake or cupcake! It’s incredibly easy to make and has that perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors that everyone loves.

Looking for more Desserts: Check out our: Triple Chocolate Cake, Carrot Cake, or Pumpkin Pie.

Peanut Frosting on top of a chocolate cupcake.

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There’s nothing quite like homemade peanut butter frosting when you want to take a cake from good to absolutely amazing. This great recipe creates the most perfectly smooth and creamy frosting that spreads beautifully and tastes incredible. Whether you’re frosting chocolate cake, vanilla cupcakes, or anything in between, this frosting will be a huge hit with your whole family.

What you’ll love about this peanut butter frosting recipe:

  • SUPER SMOOTH – Beats to the perfect creamy consistency every time.
  • EASY TO MAKE – Just a few simple ingredients and one bowl needed.
  • PERFECT SWEETNESS – Not too sweet, with rich peanut butter flavor that shines through.
Chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting and chocolate pieces, shown in paper liners, close-up.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing frosting recipe:

  • Butter, softened
  • Peanut butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk or cream

Ingredient Notes:

  • Butter: Make sure your butter is properly softened to room temperature for the smoothest frosting.
  • Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for best results – crunchy will work but won’t be as smooth.
  • Powdered Sugar: Also called confectioners’ sugar – make sure it’s sifted if it looks lumpy.

How to make Peanut Butter Frosting step-by-step:

STEP 1: In a large bowl, beat butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy.

STEP 2: Slowly beat in 1/2 of the powdered sugar.

STEP 3: Mix in 1/4 cup of the cream.

STEP 4: Beat in the remaining powdered sugar.

STEP 5: Mix until desired consistency, about 5 minutes. If necessary, add a little more cream or milk until the frosting reaches a good spreading consistency.

Pro Tip: Start with less liquid and add more as needed – you can always add more milk or cream, but you can’t take it away! The frosting should hold its shape but still be easy to spread.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store frosted cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or store unused frosting in an airtight container for up to 1 week. 

Room Temperature: Bring refrigerated frosted cake to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture. 

Freezing: This frosting freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw completely and re-whip before using.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

  • Chocolate: Add 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder for chocolate peanut butter frosting.
  • Vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor depth.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the peanut butter flavor.
  • Texture: Add mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness and crunch.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

  • Peanut Butter: Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options.
  • Liquid: Heavy cream makes it richer, while milk keeps it lighter.
  • Sugar: You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly if you prefer less sweet frosting.

FAQs about this Easy Peanut Butter Frosting:

Why is my frosting too thick? 

Add more milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I make this ahead of time? 

Yes! Make it up to 3 days ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.

How much does this recipe make? 

This makes enough frosting for one 2-layer 9-inch cake or one 9×13-inch cake.

What to Use this Peanut Butter Frosting On:

This frosting is perfect on chocolate cake, vanilla cupcakes, banana cake, or even brownies. It pairs especially well with chocolate flavors but is delicious on just about any dessert.

I’m excited for you to try this Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!

Peanut Frosting on top of a chocolate cupcake.

Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

Vicky Hadley~Little Chef Within
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 3 cups frosting
Calories 784.7 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup milk or cream

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, beat butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy.
  • Slowly beat in 1/2 of the confectioner’s sugar.
  • Mix in 1/4 cup of the cream.
  • Beat in the remaining confectioners’ sugar.
  • Mix till desired consistency, about 5 minutes.
  • If necessary, add a little more cream or milk until the frosting reaches a good spreading consistency. Makes enough to frost one 2 layer 9 inch cake or one 9×13 inch cake.

Notes

Pro Tip: Start with less liquid and add more as needed, you can always add more milk or cream, but you can’t take it away! The frosting should hold its shape but still be easy to spread.

Nutrition

Calories: 784.7kcalCarbohydrates: 185.9gProtein: 19.7gFat: 74.6gSaturated Fat: 28.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 29.8gTrans Fat: 1.2gCholesterol: 81.3mgSodium: 612.2mgPotassium: 494.1mgFiber: 4.1gSugar: 9.1gVitamin A: 945.5IUCalcium: 51.2mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword dessert, frosting, peanut butter
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

4 Comments

  1. Your Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting looks amazing, sure wish I could just test it! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a very special weekend!
    Come Back Soon,
    Miz Helen

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