Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting 🥜🍰

There’s something about Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting that takes any dessert to the next level. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet, with just the right hint of salty peanut butter goodness. Whether you’re frosting cupcakes, cakes, cookies, or simply spreading it on a slice of bread (yes, it’s that good!), this frosting will become your go-to recipe whenever you want to impress.

And the best part? It’s super simple to whip up with just a few pantry staples. So grab a spoon—let’s make this luscious peanut butter frosting together. Don’t forget to bookmark or subscribe for more recipes like this!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting

Incredibly Easy: Just five ingredients and one bowl—it doesn’t get simpler than that.
Rich and Creamy: Smooth peanut butter and softened butter combine for the perfect texture.
Versatile: Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, or even straight off the spoon.
Customizable Consistency: Adjust the milk for a thicker or thinner frosting, depending on your dessert needs.
Flavor Explosion: The peanut butter shines with just enough sweetness to complement any dessert.

What Does Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting Taste Like?

This frosting is rich, velvety, and deeply peanut buttery, with a subtle sweetness from the powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla to round out the flavor. It’s creamy and decadent yet light enough to spread or pipe beautifully. It’s everything you love about peanut butter—turned into dessert form!

Benefits of Making Peanut Butter Frosting from Scratch

Fresh Ingredients: No preservatives or artificial flavors—just simple, wholesome goodness.
Control Sweetness: You can adjust the sugar level to suit your taste.
Quick Prep: Ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute baking projects.
Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup creamy peanut butter: Choose a traditional creamy peanut butter for the best texture (no-stir varieties like Jif or Skippy work best).
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a silky-smooth frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar: For sweetness and structure.
2–3 tablespoons milk: To adjust the frosting’s consistency.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment
Rubber spatula (for scraping the bowl)

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

Crunchy Peanut Butter: Swap creamy for crunchy if you love a little texture in your frosting.
Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.
Sweet-Savory Kick: Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the peanut butter flavor.
Chocolate Twist: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate-peanut butter frosting.
Extra Creamy: Beat in 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream for an ultra-smooth finish.

How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Peanut Butter and Butter

In a mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Mix until smooth and well combined, about 1–2 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Milk and Vanilla

Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk to the frosting. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Use or Store

Use the frosting immediately to decorate cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or brownies. If not using right away, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What to Use Peanut Butter Frosting On

This frosting pairs beautifully with a variety of baked goods and treats:

Chocolate Cake: The ultimate pairing for a rich, decadent dessert.
Vanilla Cupcakes: For a classic sweet-and-salty combo.
Brownies: Spread a thick layer of frosting on top for a peanut butter-chocolate masterpiece.
Peanut Butter Cookies: Double the peanut butter flavor by using this as a filling for cookie sandwiches.
Banana Bread: Spread it over a loaf for an indulgent upgrade.
Waffles or Pancakes: Because who says frosting is just for dessert?

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Frosting

Use Room Temperature Butter: This ensures it blends smoothly with the peanut butter.
No Lumps Allowed: Sift the powdered sugar before adding it for the smoothest frosting.
Start Slow: When mixing in the powdered sugar, start on low speed to avoid a powdered sugar explosion!
Adjust to Your Liking: For a thicker frosting (ideal for piping), add less milk. For a thinner, spreadable consistency, add a bit more milk.
Make It Ahead: You can make this frosting a day in advance. Just bring it back to room temperature and re-whip before using.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours if you’re planning to use it the same day.
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and re-whip to restore its creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: It’s best to use no-stir, traditional peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for a smooth and stable frosting. Natural peanut butter can be too oily and may separate.

Q: How much frosting does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes about 2 ½ cups of frosting, enough to frost a two-layer 8-inch cake or about 12–16 cupcakes.

Q: Can I color peanut butter frosting?
A: Yes! Add a few drops of gel food coloring if you want to customize the frosting for special occasions. Keep in mind that the frosting’s natural tan color may affect the final shade.

Conclusion

This Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting is a dreamy, decadent treat that adds a nutty twist to any dessert. With its rich peanut butter flavor, creamy texture, and just the right amount of sweetness, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re spreading it on cupcakes, brownies, or eating it straight from the spoon, this frosting never disappoints!

If you loved this recipe, try pairing it with my Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting or Peanut Butter Cookie Bars. Don’t forget to share your creations with me on Pinterest or Instagram—I’d love to see how you use this irresistible frosting!

Approximate Nutrition (per serving, 2 tablespoons):

Calories: 180 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 16g | Sugar: 14g