If you’re a peanut butter lover, you’re about to fall head over heels for this rich and creamy peanut butter frosting. It’s the kind of frosting that takes a cupcake, cake, or even a cookie to a whole new level. Smooth, slightly sweet, and with just the right amount of peanut butter flavor, it’s a showstopper for any dessert. Whether you’re spreading it on your favorite cake or just eating it by the spoonful (no judgment here!), this homemade peanut butter frosting is pure bliss.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting
Here’s why you’re going to adore this frosting:
- Peanut Butter Perfection: It’s peanut butter in its most indulgent form—smooth, creamy, and so packed with flavor. It’s a peanut butter lover’s dream come true.
- Versatile: Perfect for cupcakes, cakes, cookies, or even as a dip for fruit. This frosting can elevate just about any dessert, making it a go-to for any sweet treat you want to take up a notch.
- Creamy and Fluffy: The texture is everything. It’s rich, but light enough to spread effortlessly, and it has a dreamy consistency that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this frosting comes together quickly. No complicated steps—just mix, spread, and enjoy!
- Quick and Foolproof: This frosting is incredibly easy to make, so even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll be able to whip it up with confidence.

Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy peanut butter frosting:
Peanut Butter: The star of the show. Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture, but chunky works great too if you want a bit of texture.
Butter: The butter helps create a smooth and creamy consistency, balancing the peanut butter’s richness.
Powdered Sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and gives the frosting its fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor and adds a little extra warmth to the frosting.
Milk or Cream: A little bit of milk or cream thins the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Making this peanut butter frosting is as simple as 1, 2, 3:
Beat the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together using an electric mixer. Mix until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, while continuing to mix. Beat until smooth and well combined.
Add Vanilla and Milk: Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk (or cream), and beat until the frosting reaches a light and fluffy consistency. Add more milk if needed to achieve the perfect spreadable texture.
Taste and Adjust: Give the frosting a taste, and if you want it sweeter, add a little more powdered sugar. If you want it creamier, add a bit more milk. Keep mixing until it’s just right!
Frost Away: Once your frosting is smooth and fluffy, it’s ready to spread! Frost your cupcakes, cakes, or cookies, and get ready for the peanut butter magic to happen.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 190
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting
This frosting is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with all sorts of baked goods. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:
- On Cupcakes: Spread it generously on your favorite cupcakes. Chocolate, vanilla, or banana cupcakes make the perfect base for this rich frosting.
- On Cakes: Whether it’s a layer cake or a simple sheet cake, peanut butter frosting adds an irresistible touch to any cake.
- On Cookies: Peanut butter frosting on a peanut butter cookie or a chocolate chip cookie? Yes, please! It’s the ultimate cookie upgrade.
- As a Dip: Serve it as a dip for apple slices or graham crackers. It’s a sweet treat that’s perfect for snack time.
- In Parfaits: Layer it with crumbled cake, whipped cream, and chopped nuts for a fun and decadent dessert.
Additional Tips
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth and creamy frosting with no lumps.
- Adjust Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you get the right consistency.
- Peanut Butter Variety: While creamy peanut butter works best for smooth frosting, feel free to use chunky peanut butter for a bit of texture. You could even mix the two if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Make It Ahead: This frosting can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature before using.
- Freezing Tips: You can freeze leftover frosting for up to a month. Just place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and thaw in the fridge before using.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter for this frosting?
A1: Yes, you can, but keep in mind that natural peanut butter has oil separation, which can make the frosting a bit runny. You might need to add more powdered sugar to get the right consistency.
Q2: Can I use this frosting on a cake?
A2: Absolutely! This frosting works perfectly on cakes—layer cakes, sheet cakes, or even a simple pound cake.
Q3: How do I store leftover frosting?
A3: Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature before using it again.
Q4: Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick mix before spreading.
Q5: Can I freeze this frosting?
A5: Yes, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it come to room temperature before using.
Q6: Can I make this frosting dairy-free?
A6: Yes, you can substitute dairy-free butter and plant-based milk to make this frosting dairy-free. It’ll taste just as delicious!
Q7: How do I make this frosting sweeter?
A7: If you prefer a sweeter frosting, simply add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s as sweet as you like.
Q8: Can I use this frosting on cookies?
A8: Yes! Peanut butter frosting is perfect for cookies. It’s especially great on peanut butter or chocolate chip cookies.
Q9: Can I add chocolate to this frosting?
A9: Yes! For a chocolate peanut butter frosting, mix in some cocoa powder or melted chocolate for an extra rich flavor.
Q10: How long will this frosting last?
A10: This frosting will last up to a week in the fridge or about a month in the freezer.
Conclusion
This homemade peanut butter frosting is the perfect way to elevate any dessert and is a must-try for peanut butter lovers. It’s creamy, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious, and it comes together in no time. Whether you’re spreading it on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or enjoying it as a dip, this frosting is sure to steal the show. So, get ready to indulge in peanut butter goodness—your taste buds will thank you! Happy frosting!
PrintHomemade Peanut Butter Frosting
Indulge in the creamy, sweet, and nutty goodness of this homemade peanut butter frosting! With just a few simple ingredients, this frosting will elevate your cakes, cupcakes, or any dessert. It’s smooth, rich, and packed with peanut butter flavor. Perfect for peanut butter lovers!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Spread the frosting on your favorite cake or cupcakes and enjoy!
Notes
- For a thicker frosting, reduce the amount of milk.
- You can substitute the creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
- This frosting pairs perfectly with chocolate cake or vanilla cupcakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg