• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Barbara Bakes™
  • Home
  • About
  • Info
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • Breads
  • Breakfast
  • Desserts
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Ice Cream
    • Pastry
    • All Desserts »
  • Main Dishes
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Pork
    • Pasta
    • Meatless
    • All Main Dishes »
  • Side Dishes & Vegetables
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Baking Tips
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Baking Tips
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Recipes » Desserts

    Peanut Butter Frosting

    Published by Melissa on February 20, 2024 | Updated February 9, 2025 | Leave a Comment

    FacebookPinterest
    Jump to Recipe
    Pinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden Image

    Welcome to your next favorite recipe: homemade Peanut Butter Frosting! Perfect for topping cakes, cookies and cupcakes. This creamy, rich frosting is a versatile addition to any baker’s repertoire. Not only is it delightfully smooth and packed with peanut butter flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to make..

    chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading

    Peanut butter frosting offers a comforting, nostalgic taste that reminds many of us of childhood snacks and desserts. Its rich, nutty flavor pairs exceptionally well with chocolate and vanilla bases, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of baked goods.

    Additionally, its creamy texture adds a luxurious element to any treat. People adore this frosting for its simplicity and the way it transforms simple desserts into decadent delights.

    Peanut butter frosting tastes delicious on easy birthday cupcakes. I have also tried this frosting on my homemade marble cake with swirls. If you want to get really crazy, add this yummy frosting to these super easy peanut butter bars for extra wow factor!

    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • How To Make Peanut Butter Frosting
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Expert Tips
    • More Dessert Recipes To Consider
    • Peanut Butter Frosting
    white bowl of peanut butter frosting

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Easy and Versatile: Quick to make and perfect for a variety of desserts.
    • Fully Customizable: Easily adapted to suit dietary needs and taste preferences.
    • Rich and Creamy: Delivers a luxurious, peanut buttery flavor that enhances any treat.

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Butter 
    • Peanut butter 
    • Powdered sugar 
    • Heavy cream
    • Vanilla

    See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    How To Make Peanut Butter Frosting

    Step #1: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter.

    Step #2: In an electric mixer, blend butter and peanut butter until creamy (2-3 minutes, medium speed).

    Step #3: Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed to avoid mess, then switch to medium until smooth.

    Step #4: Mix in salt, vanilla extract, and slowly add heavy cream for desired consistency.

    Step #5: Use the smooth frosting on cakes, cupcakes, or desserts with a spatula or piping bag.

    top view of cupcakes and peanut butter frosting

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make peanut butter frosting ahead of time?

    Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and stir well before using.

    How can I thicken my frosting if it’s too runny?

    Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

    Can this frosting be frozen?

    Yes, peanut butter frosting freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

    chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting

    Expert Tips

    • Use high-quality peanut butter for the best flavor. Natural peanut butter can be used but may affect the texture.
    • Sift the Powdered Sugar. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy frosting.
    • Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of milk, powdered sugar, or peanut butter to suit your taste and desired consistency.
    • This frosting holds up well for piping. Chill it for a few minutes before decorating to firm it up slightly if needed.
    top view of chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting

    More Dessert Recipes To Consider

    • slice of layered German chocolate cake
      Easy Classic German Chocolate Cake
    • Two crumb-topped apple bars, reminiscent of apple streusel cake, sit on a light green plate with a whole green apple and more bars in the background. The scene is bright and fresh.
      Easy Apple Streusel Cake
    • A close-up of a rich, chocolate chip mug cake in a white mug, with another mug cake and two gold forks in the background on a white marble surface.
      Quick Chocolate Chip Mug Cake-Ready in 10 Minutes
    • A round gluten-free flourless chocolate cake with one slice removed sits on a blue table next to a white cloth. The slice is served on a plate with a fork and a dollop of whipped cream. A mixer whisk with whipped cream and chocolate chips are nearby.
      Gluten-Free Flourless Chocolate Cake

    Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram.

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email below and we will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you will get great new recipes from us every week!

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Peanut Butter Frosting

    Peanut butter frosting offers a richly creamy and enchantingly nutty flavor, providing a delightful enhancement to numerous desserts.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 568kcal
    Author: Melissa Griffiths
    Prevent your screen from going to sleep

    Ingredients 

    • 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
    • 1 cup peanut butter creamy
    • 2 pounds powdered sugar approximately 8 cups
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Before starting, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter. This facilitates smoother mixing.
    • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the unsalted butter and peanut butter. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, usually about 2-3 minutes.
    • With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter mixture. Ensure you add the sugar slowly to prevent it from clouding up and making a mess. Once all the sugar has been added, increase the mixer speed to medium and continue beating until the frosting is smooth.
    • Add the salt and vanilla extract to the mixture, and mix briefly to incorporate. Finally, while the mixer is running, add the heavy cream, starting with 2 tablespoons. Continue to mix until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If the frosting is too thick, you can add more heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
    • Once the frosting is smooth and spreadable, it’s ready to be used on cakes, cupcakes, or any other desserts. Use a spatula or piping bag for application.

    Notes

    • Creamy peanut butter is recommended for this recipe as it provides a smoother consistency for the frosting. However, if you prefer a chunky texture, you can use chunky peanut butter.
    • The amount of heavy cream needed might vary based on the consistency you desire. Start with the minimum amount and add more as needed.
    • This frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using it again, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a good stir to restore its spreadable consistency.
    • For an extra touch, consider garnishing your frosted dessert with chopped roasted peanuts or chocolate shavings for added flavor and texture.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 568kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 145mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 76g | Vitamin A: 509IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    FacebookPinterest
    « Red Velvet Cupcakes
    Banana Oatmeal Cookies »
    about us

    About Melissa & Barbara

    As of June 2022 Melissa Griffiths now is the one adding recipes. So think of it as Barbara Bakes, and Melissa too! Melissa and Barbara have been blogging friends for over 10 years and when Barbara was ready to retire and spend more time with her family, Melissa took over the site. Read more...

      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Melissa and Barbara smiling

    Baking made easy! Sharing fabulous recipes for cookies, cakes, pies, breads and more. Barbara Bakes (and Melissa too!) Recipes from both of our kitchens to yours.

    Learn More »

    Popular Posts

    A close-up of several pieces of homemade Indian flatbread naan with golden-brown spots, stacked on a wooden board.

    How to Make Indian Flat Bread (Quick Homemade Naan)

    Brownie Cake Pops with Rainbow Candy Coated Chips sitting on a baking sheet.

    Fudgy Brownie Cake Pops: A Decadent Treat on a Stick

    Air fryer french fries sitting next to a cup of dipping sauce

    Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer French Fries

    Triple Berry Compote with Lemon Ricotta Crepes.

    Easy 5-Minute Berry Compote Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    SEEN ON

    as seen on promo graphic

    SEEN ON

    as seen on promo graphic

    About

    • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Press

    Browse

    • Recipe Index
    • Popular
    • Baking Tips
    • Travel

    Subscribe

    • Newsletter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    As an Amazon affiliate, and affiliate with other businesses, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2024 barbarabakes.com. All rights reserved. DISCLOSURE - PRIVACY POLICY.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.