Peanut Butter Frosting

If you’re a peanut butter lover, then this Peanut Butter Frosting is about to become your new favorite thing. It’s creamy, dreamy, and packed with that rich, nutty flavor that makes peanut butter so irresistible. Imagine spreading this frosting over a warm cake, cupcakes, or even cookies—it’s like peanut butter heaven in every bite. Whether you’re frosting a cake or simply eating it by the spoonful (no judgment here!), this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to again and again. Trust me, it’s that good!

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Frosting

Creamy and Smooth

This frosting is velvety smooth, with the perfect texture that spreads easily on cakes or cupcakes. No lumps, just pure peanut butter bliss.

Versatile and Simple

You only need a few ingredients to make this frosting, and you can easily adjust the sweetness or peanut butter flavor to suit your taste. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with chocolate, vanilla, or even caramel cakes.

Quick and Easy

With just a few simple steps, you can whip this frosting up in no time! It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to prepare, so you don’t have to stress about complicated instructions. You’ll have a bowl of perfect peanut butter frosting ready in minutes.

Crowd-Pleasing

This frosting is always a hit with everyone. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just for yourself, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The peanut butter flavor is just bold enough to stand out, but still creamy and balanced.

Ingredients in Peanut Butter Frosting

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this luscious frosting:

  • Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Use a smooth peanut butter for a creamy texture, or chunky peanut butter if you like a little crunch.
  • Powdered Sugar: This helps to sweeten the frosting and gives it that perfect, smooth consistency.
  • Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps create that smooth, spreadable texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor and complements the peanut butter beautifully.
  • Milk: A little milk helps thin out the frosting and makes it easier to spread.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the peanut butter flavor and balances the sweetness.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of what you’re looking at per serving (based on 1/12th of the frosting recipe):

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 9g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
    • Sugars: 17g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Potassium: 90mg
  • Calcium: 1% DV
  • Iron: 2% DV

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue mixing on low speed to prevent sugar from flying out of the bowl. Once the sugar is fully incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, and beat again until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting seems too thick, you can add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Taste your frosting and adjust the sweetness or peanut butter flavor to your liking. If you want a stronger peanut butter taste, add a bit more peanut butter. If it’s too sweet, you can add a pinch of salt to balance it out.

Step 5: Frost and Enjoy

Once your frosting is perfect, spread it generously on your cake, cupcakes, or cookies. Enjoy the creamy, peanut buttery goodness!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Frosting

On Cakes and Cupcakes

This frosting is absolutely perfect for topping your favorite cakes or cupcakes. Try it on chocolate cake for a classic combination, or even on banana bread for a fun twist.

With Cookies

It’s also an amazing addition to cookies. Spread it over your favorite cookies, like chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies, for a peanut butter flavor that will take them to the next level.

On Brownies

If you love a rich, indulgent dessert, spread this peanut butter frosting on top of brownies for a decadent treat.

With Fruit

For a lighter snack, dip apple slices or strawberries into the frosting. It’s like a sweet peanut butter dip that’s as tasty as it is versatile.

Additional Tips

Use Smooth Peanut Butter

For the best texture, I recommend using smooth peanut butter. The chunkier varieties can sometimes affect the creaminess of the frosting.

Adjust Consistency

If your frosting is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the perfect consistency.

Add Chocolate

For a chocolate-peanut butter combo, add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the frosting. You can also drizzle chocolate syrup on top for a beautiful, delicious finish.

Make It Ahead

You can make this frosting ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature before using it, and give it a quick mix if needed.

Vegan Option

For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk. The frosting will still be creamy and delicious!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
A1: Yes! If you prefer a little crunch in your frosting, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter. It will add a nice texture.

Q2: Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the frosting in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature and re-whip it before using.

Q3: Can I use this frosting for piping?
A3: Yes, this frosting works great for piping onto cupcakes or cakes. If you need a stiffer consistency for intricate designs, add a little more powdered sugar.

Q4: Can I freeze this frosting?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the frosting in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it.

Q5: Can I use this frosting for a layer cake?
A5: Absolutely! This peanut butter frosting is perfect for spreading between cake layers or for covering the entire cake. It holds up well and tastes amazing!

Q6: Can I add chocolate to this frosting?
A6: Yes! You can add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the frosting for a chocolate peanut butter flavor. Just be sure to adjust the sugar as needed.

Q7: How do I make the frosting less sweet?
A7: If you find the frosting too sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Q8: Can I use this frosting on cookies?
A8: Absolutely! This frosting makes a great topping for cookies like chocolate chip or sugar cookies. It’s a sweet and creamy treat!

Q9: Can I make this frosting without butter?
A9: You could substitute the butter with additional peanut butter or even use a dairy-free butter substitute for a dairy-free version.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick mix before using again.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Frosting is the perfect treat for any peanut butter lover! It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re using it for cakes, cookies, or just enjoying it by the spoonful, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can make it your own by adjusting the sweetness or adding a chocolate twist. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

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Peanut Butter Frosting


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: About 2 cups of frosting (enough for a 9-inch cake or 12 cupcakes) 1x

Description

This creamy and rich Peanut Butter Frosting is the perfect topping for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or just about any dessert! Made with smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla, it’s a peanut butter lover’s dream come true.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 23 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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Optional Salt: If desired, add a pinch of salt to help balance the sweetness of the frosting.
  5. Use or Store: Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, or store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before using.

Notes

  • This frosting works great on chocolate cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, and can also be used as a filling for whoopie pies.
  • For a richer peanut butter flavor, use chunky peanut butter for texture.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and a non-dairy milk like almond milk.
  • If you’re making a large batch, you can double the ingredients accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tbsp
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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