This peanut butter frosting is incredibly easy to make and tastes delicious too. This simple frosting is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and so much more!

A marble cake stand holding several vanilla cupcakes topped with peanut butter frosting.

I’ve been getting quite a few requests for frosting recipes lately, so I’m making it my goal to start creating and sharing different frosting recipes with you. Today I wanted to kick it off with an easy one – this peanut butter frosting.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Made with just 5 ingredients
  • Super creamy 
  • Incredibly delicious
  • Pipes perfectly!

I’m also sharing some of my favorite ways to use this simple frosting and tips to ensure that it turns out perfect for you. If you love peanut butter, then make sure to save this simple recipe for later!

The ingredients needed to make peanut butter frosting laid out on a gray surface.

Recipe Ingredients

To make this easy peanut butter frosting you will need five simple ingredients – butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and pure vanilla extract. Here are a few notes on some of the ingredients:

  • Butter: Since peanut butter has some salt in it, stick with unsalted butter. Make sure to use actual butter too and not margarine.
  • Peanut Butter: Make sure to use a creamy, no-stir peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Avoid using a natural peanut butter, since the oil may separate and cause the frosting to be runny.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Also known as heavy cream, this helps to thin out the frosting a bit so that you can pipe it. If you don’t have any on hand, then milk would work too. Just keep in mind that milk is much thinner than heavy cream so you may need to use a bit less.
A glass mixing bowl holding butter and peanut butter mixed together.
A glass mixing bowl holding finished peanut butter frosting.

How To Make Peanut Butter Frosting

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s discuss how to make this creamy frosting. To start, add one stick of unsalted butter to a mixing bowl and beat it on medium-speed until it’s smooth. Next, add one cup of creamy peanut butter and mix it with the butter until it’s well combined. If you find that some of the butter is sticking to the bottom or sides of the bowl, stop and scrape your bowl, then mix it again.

Next, mix in two cups of powdered sugar one cup at a time. The mixture will be pretty thick at this point, but don’t worry, that’s where the cream comes in! Add your heavy whipping cream and pure vanilla extract and beat the mixture for about one more minute, scraping down your bowl as needed, until it’s thick and creamy like the picture above on the right.

At this point, you can go ahead and use your frosting however you like. If you want to store it and use it later, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for two to three days.

A marble cake stand holding vanilla cupcakes topped with peanut butter frosting and a piping bag of frosting off to the side.

Different Ways To Use It

While this frosting is delicious just by the spoonful, it’s also incredibly versatile and can be used quite a few different ways! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:

A small metal measuring cup filled with peanut butter frosting.

Baking Tips

  • Be sure to use creamy peanut butter! Avoid using a natural or crunchy peanut butter here.
  • Always use pure vanilla extract for best flavor – imitation doesn’t taste nearly as good.
  • Stop and scrape around the sides of your bowl as you are mixing. This will ensure that the frosting is thoroughly combined, smooth, and creamy.
  • Need to freeze the frosting? You can store it in a freezer bag or freezer-friendly storage container for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature before using it.
A marble cake stand holding several vanilla cupcakes topped with peanut butter frosting.

Peanut Butter Frosting

5 from 4 ratings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
This peanut butter frosting is incredibly easy to make and tastes delicious too. This simple frosting is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and so much more!
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Ingredients

Servings: 2 3/4 cups
  • 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup (250 grams) creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth, then mix in the peanut butter until fully combined. If needed, stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again.
  • Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing in each addition until fully combined. Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract and mix on low to medium speed for about 1 more minute until the mixture is thick and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  • Use it as a frosting for cakes or cupcakes or cover tightly and store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Storage Instructions: Frosting may be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Bring to room temperature and mix well before using it.
Freezing Instructions: Frosting can be stored in a freezer bag or freezer-friendly storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, bring to room temperature, and mix well before using it.
Peanut Butter: Make sure to use a creamy no-stir peanut butter like Jif or Skippy.
Heavy Whipping Cream: If you don't have any on hand, you can replace it with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk. 
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Danielle Rye
Did you make this recipe?Mention @livewellbakeoften on Instagram or tag #livewellbakeoften.