Introduction
If you love rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth frosting with deep peanut butter flavor, this homemade peanut butter frosting is about to become your favorite. It’s smooth, fluffy, perfectly sweet, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re frosting chocolate cake, banana cake, cupcakes, brownies, or even sandwiching it between cookies, this frosting delivers bakery-style results with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional, for consistency)
Pinch of salt (optional, balances sweetness)
Instructions
- Soften the butter
Make sure the butter is at room temperature. It should be soft but not melted. This ensures a smooth, fluffy texture. - Cream the butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and creamy. - Add the peanut butter
Add the creamy peanut butter and beat again until fully combined and smooth. - Add powdered sugar gradually
Add 2 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed at first to avoid a sugar cloud. Increase speed and mix until fluffy.
Add more sugar if you prefer a thicker or sweeter frosting. - Add vanilla and adjust texture
Mix in the vanilla extract.
If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of cream or milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. - Final whip
Beat on medium-high speed for 1 to 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Methods and Tips
For extra fluffy frosting: Beat longer. The more air you incorporate, the lighter it becomes.
For piping: Use the full 3 cups powdered sugar for a thicker, pipeable consistency.
For spreading: Use closer to 2 cups powdered sugar and a little cream for a softer texture.
For salted peanut flavor: Add a small pinch of salt if your peanut butter is unsalted.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Best Pairings
Chocolate cake
Chocolate cupcakes
Banana cake
Brownies
Vanilla sheet cake
Sandwich cookies
History
Peanut butter became widely popular in American baking in the early 20th century. As home baking grew, cooks began blending peanut butter with butter and sugar to create rich frostings for layer cakes and cupcakes. Over time, this frosting became especially popular paired with chocolate desserts because of the classic sweet-and-salty flavor combination.
Benefits
Quick and easy to prepare
Uses simple pantry ingredients
No cooking required
Versatile for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies
Customizable sweetness and texture
Approximate Nutrition (per serving, about 2 tablespoons)
Calories: 180 to 220
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Values vary depending on sugar amount and added cream.
Conclusion
This homemade peanut butter frosting is creamy, rich, and packed with real peanut butter flavor. It spreads beautifully, pipes perfectly, and elevates any dessert into something special. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never want the store-bought version again.
If you’d like, I can also give you a chocolate peanut butter version or a lighter whipped version.