The first time I made peanut butter frosting, I was about twelve years old. My mom had baked a simple chocolate sheet cake, and instead of the usual canned frosting, she handed me a jar of peanut butter and a bag of powdered sugar. “Make it work,” she said with a smile. I whisked and stirred until a sweet, nutty cloud of frosting came together. When we spread it over that warm cake, it felt like magic. To this day, peanut butter frosting is my go-to whenever I need a little nostalgia—or just a treat that makes everyone smile.
This frosting is more than a topping; it’s a reminder of birthday parties, school bake sales, and cozy afternoons in the kitchen. Whether you’re swirling it high on cupcakes, smoothing it over brownies, or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the bowl (we’ve all done it), this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites too.
Peanut Butter Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter natural or regular
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk more as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until light and smooth.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar while mixing on low speed. As the mixture thickens, add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for about 3 minutes until fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, or store for later use.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Frosting
Classic Dessert Recipes with a Twist
Peanut butter frosting is a timeless companion for chocolate cakes, fudgy brownies, and sugar cookies. It’s the kind of frosting that feels homemade and comforting, a true nod to classic dessert recipes that never go out of style.
Easy Frosting Recipes for Every Baker
Made with pantry staples like butter, sugar, and peanut butter, this frosting couldn’t be simpler. Even beginner bakers can whip it up in minutes. You’ll wonder why you ever bought the canned stuff.
Cake Decorating Ideas that Pop
This frosting isn’t just tasty—it’s beautiful. Its creamy texture is perfect for piping swirls onto cupcakes or layering between cake rounds. If you’re looking for Pinterest-worthy desserts, this frosting makes every bake look and taste like it came from a bakery.
Kid-Friendly Desserts and Family Fun
The nutty sweetness is something kids adore. Spread it on cupcakes for birthday parties, sandwich it between cookies for after-school snacks, or let them help swirl it over homemade brownies. It’s one of those kid-friendly desserts that doubles as a family baking memory.
Comfort Food Baking
When life calls for cozy, indulgent comfort food, nothing beats a peanut butter–frosted chocolate cake. It’s the kind of treat that brings everyone to the table and leaves you with that warm, homemade feeling.
Ingredients Breakdown (And Easy Substitutions)
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): The star of the show. For a more natural option, use unsweetened peanut butter, but be prepared for a less sweet, slightly denser frosting. Crunchy peanut butter works too if you want a fun texture.
- Butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps whip the frosting into a fluffy texture. For dairy-free baking, try vegan butter.
- Confectioners’ Sugar (2 cups): This is what gives the frosting its structure and sweetness. You can reduce it slightly if you’re after a less sweet version.
- Milk (3 tablespoons or more as needed): Helps adjust the consistency. Use almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Always start with softened butter. It makes whipping so much smoother and helps the frosting stay silky.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until light and smooth.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar while mixing on low speed. As the mixture thickens, add the milk one tablespoon at a time until you get a thick but spreadable frosting.
- Whip Until Fluffy: Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for about 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Use Immediately: Spread on cakes, pipe onto cupcakes, or sandwich between cookies.
Fun Variations, Storage & Serving Ideas
- Healthier Sweet Swaps: Use natural peanut butter, less sugar, or dairy-free butter to make this frosting lighter without losing flavor.
- Holiday Baking Recipes: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for fall cupcakes, or sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for Christmas cookies.
- DIY Birthday Cakes: Tint the frosting with a touch of cocoa powder for a chocolate-peanut butter twist that kids (and adults) will love.
- Gluten-Free Baking: Since frosting is naturally gluten-free, pair it with your favorite gluten-free cakes or brownies for a safe and delicious option.
- Budget-Friendly Desserts: With just four simple ingredients, this frosting proves you don’t need a big budget to make something bakery-level delicious.
To store: keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
FAQs About Peanut Butter Frosting
1. Can I make peanut butter frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then let it soften at room temperature before spreading or piping.
2. Does peanut butter frosting need to be refrigerated?
If you’re serving it the same day, it’s fine at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate it to maintain freshness and prevent the butter from softening too much.
3. Can I freeze peanut butter frosting?
Absolutely. Place it in a freezer-safe container, press plastic wrap directly on the surface, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and whip again before using.
4. What cakes go best with peanut butter frosting?
Chocolate cake is the classic pairing, but it also shines on banana bread, brownies, and vanilla cupcakes. Try it with Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting as a two-flavor swirl for a unique treat
More Sweet Inspiration
Love frosting as much as I do? Try these recipes next:
For more festive fall ideas, don’t miss the collection of Fall & Halloween recipes like pumpkin mousse, spooky brownies, and monster cookies. Perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday spreads.
Connect & Share
Want more cozy comfort food ideas? Join me on Pinterest for daily inspiration and frosting ideas that will make your desserts pop. And don’t forget to follow along on Facebook where I share seasonal recipes and fun kitchen tips.