Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peanut Butter Frosting is a deliciously smooth and decadent topping that enhances any dessert. It’s perfect for adding a rich peanut butter flavor to your favorite cakes or cupcakes. Whether you’re using it on a chocolate cake, spreading it over cookies, or even using it as a filling for whoopie pies, this frosting will elevate your treats to a whole new level. It’s also customizable to your desired level of sweetness and consistency, making it as perfect as you like. Plus, it’s made with ingredients you probably already have on hand, making it an easy go-to frosting for any occasion!

Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Ingredients

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

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2–3 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
2 tbsp milk (or more, for desired consistency)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

Directions

Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, and continue to beat until smooth. You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar based on your desired frosting sweetness and thickness.
Add Milk and Vanilla:
Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Beat the frosting until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Optional Salt:
If desired, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the frosting.
Use or Store:
Use the frosting immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before using.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 2 cups of frosting (enough for a 9-inch cake or 12 cupcakes)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no baking required)

Variations

Chunky Peanut Butter: For a richer peanut butter flavor and added texture, try using chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and a non-dairy milk like almond milk if you need a dairy-free version of this frosting.
Richer Flavor: If you want an even richer flavor, you can add a small amount of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating: If the frosting becomes too firm in the fridge, simply bring it to room temperature and beat it again for a smooth, spreadable consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for a bit of texture in your frosting. This will add a fun element to the frosting.

2. How do I make this frosting thicker or thinner?

To thicken the frosting, add more powdered sugar. To thin it out, simply add more milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

3. Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before using it.

4. Can I freeze this frosting?

Yes, you can freeze the frosting in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it come to room temperature before using.

5. Can I use this frosting on a cake that is not chocolate-flavored?

Yes, this peanut butter frosting works wonderfully on vanilla cakes, carrot cakes, and even spice cakes! Its rich flavor pairs well with a variety of desserts.

6. How can I make this frosting less sweet?

To cut down on the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a pinch of salt to balance it out.

7. How much frosting do I need for a cake?

This recipe yields about 2 cups of frosting, which is enough to frost a 9-inch cake or 12 cupcakes. You can easily double the recipe if you need more.

8. Can I add chocolate to this frosting?

Yes, you can fold in a little cocoa powder or even melted chocolate to give the frosting a chocolate-peanut butter flavor!

9. How do I make this frosting smooth?

Ensure that your butter and peanut butter are softened before mixing to create a smooth, creamy texture. Beat the frosting well to remove any lumps.

10. Can I use this frosting as a filling for whoopie pies?

Absolutely! This peanut butter frosting is the perfect filling for whoopie pies, or even for sandwich cookies.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Frosting is a simple yet indulgent way to top off your favorite desserts. Its smooth texture and rich flavor make it the ideal choice for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or any treat that could use a peanut butter twist. Whether you stick with the classic version or customize it to your taste, this frosting is sure to be a hit every time!

Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

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This creamy and rich Peanut Butter Frosting is a dream come true for peanut butter lovers! It’s perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and any dessert that could use an extra indulgence.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups of frosting (enough for a 9-inch cake or 12 cupcakes)
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup creamy peanut butter

2–3 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)

2 tbsp milk (or more, for desired consistency)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

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Instructions

Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, and continue to beat until smooth. You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar based on your desired frosting sweetness and thickness.
Add Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Beat the frosting until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Optional Salt: If desired, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the frosting.
Use or Store: Use the frosting immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before using.