Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

This Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting is smooth, fluffy, and full of rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or even sandwiched between cookies. It’s quick to whip up and turns any baked treat into an irresistible peanut butter lover’s dream!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This frosting is light, luscious, and perfectly sweet with that classic salty-sweet peanut butter taste. It spreads and pipes beautifully, holds its shape, and takes just minutes to make with simple pantry staples. If you love peanut butter cups, you’ll fall head over heels for this frosting!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Creamy peanut butter (not natural-style)
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream or milk
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

Directions

this recipe

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low to prevent a sugar cloud.
3. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if desired.
4. Slowly add heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, beating on medium-high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
5. Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. If piping, chill slightly for best results.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes enough to frost about 12 cupcakes or a single-layer 9×13 cake. Total time is about 10 minutes.

Variations

• Use chunky peanut butter for a bit of texture.
• Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate-peanut butter twist.
• Add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
• Sprinkle chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips over the finished frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight, then beat until fluffy again.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

It’s not recommended—natural peanut butter tends to separate and can make the frosting oily or runny. Use a creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter like Jif or Skippy.

How do I make the frosting fluffier?

Beat it for an extra minute or two and add more heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes! Store in the fridge and bring to room temperature before using. Re-whip for best texture.

What can I frost with this?

Chocolate cake, banana cupcakes, brownies, sandwich cookies, or even spread on graham crackers!

How do I pipe this frosting?

Chill it for 15-20 minutes if it feels too soft, then pipe with your favorite piping tip.

Is this frosting super sweet?

It’s sweet, but the saltiness of the peanut butter balances it out perfectly.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free butter substitute and plant-based milk.

Why is my frosting too thick?

Add extra cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, and beat until smooth.

Why is my frosting too thin?

Add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it thickens to your liking.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! It adds great texture but may be trickier to pipe smoothly.

Conclusion

This Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting is a quick, delicious way to elevate any dessert with rich, nutty goodness. It’s smooth, perfectly sweet, and incredibly easy to make—one taste, and you’ll want to slather it on everything from cupcakes to brownies. Give it a try and satisfy all your peanut butter cravings!

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