If you’re a peanut butter lover, get ready to meet your new dessert obsession. This homemade peanut butter frosting is smooth, creamy, and irresistibly nutty. It’s the kind of topping that can take a simple chocolate cupcake or brownie from “pretty good” to “where has this been all my life?”—and it only takes about five minutes to whip up. With its rich, buttery base and just the right touch of sweetness, this frosting pairs beautifully with just about any dessert you can dream up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick to Make: Just five minutes and you’re done—no stove, no fuss, no drama.
Incredible Flavor: The creamy peanut butter adds richness that’s perfectly balanced with sweet powdered sugar and warm vanilla.
Versatile: Spread it over cakes, pipe it onto cupcakes, swirl it onto brownies, or use it as a dip for cookies.
Customizable: Easy to tweak for sweetness, consistency, or even to add fun flavor twists.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base and helps the frosting hold its shape. Room temperature is key for smooth mixing.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Gives that irresistible nutty flavor and velvety texture. Stick with creamy for the smoothest result.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and adds body so it’s pipeable or spreadable.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth that enhances the peanut butter’s flavor.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Just a splash to adjust the consistency if needed.
Variations
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Frosting: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a fudgy twist.
Honey Peanut Butter Frosting: Swap part of the powdered sugar for honey for a natural sweetness and subtle floral note.
Crunchy Style: Use crunchy peanut butter for a frosting with texture.
Salted Peanut Butter Frosting: Sprinkle in a pinch of flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty dessert topper.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting
Step 1: Whip the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute, until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the Sweetness and Flavor
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed to make sure nothing gets left behind.
Step 3: Adjust the Consistency
If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream and beat again until it reaches your desired creaminess.
Step 4: Frost and Enjoy
Spread generously over cakes, pipe onto cupcakes, or slather over brownies.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Start Slow with the Sugar: Add powdered sugar gradually to avoid clouds of sugar dust and to better control sweetness.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold butter won’t whip properly, so let it soften before starting.
Don’t Overbeat: Once everything is combined and creamy, stop mixing to keep the frosting smooth.
Pipe for Presentation: For bakery-style swirls, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
How to Serve
This frosting works on just about anything sweet, but here are some pairings that really shine:
Classic Pairing: Chocolate cake or cupcakes—because peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven.
Brownie Upgrade: Spread over cooled brownies for an indulgent treat.
Cookie Sandwiches: Use it between two soft cookies for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature and re-whip lightly before using.
Freezing
Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before whipping again.
Reheating
Frosting doesn’t require traditional reheating—just let it soften at room temperature for easy spreading.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but be aware that natural peanut butter can be oilier and may result in a softer frosting. Stir it very well before using, and you might need a little extra powdered sugar for structure.
Can I make this frosting dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk for a fully dairy-free version.
Is this frosting stable for warm weather?
Because it’s butter-based, it can soften in heat. If serving outdoors, keep desserts chilled until just before serving.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the powdered sugar slightly, but keep in mind it also adds structure. If you cut too much, the frosting may become looser.
Final Thoughts
This homemade peanut butter frosting is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for every dessert emergency—or just for when you want to make something extra special. It’s quick, versatile, and packed with rich, nutty flavor that never disappoints. Once you try it, you might just find yourself making desserts just so you have an excuse to whip up another batch.
Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
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Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:5 minutes
Yield:Frosts about 12 cupcakes or one 9-inch cake
Category:Dessert
Description
A quick, creamy, and irresistibly nutty peanut butter frosting that comes together in just five minutes, perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or cookies.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3–4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk or heavy cream (as needed)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute, until light and fluffy.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream at a time and beat again until desired consistency is reached.
Spread or pipe onto cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or cookies. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
For a chocolate-peanut butter twist, add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
Swap part of the powdered sugar for honey for a natural sweetness.
Use crunchy peanut butter for texture.
Add a pinch of flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
