The recipe comes together quickly in one bowl for easy prep and cleanup. Make a batch to decorate your favorite desserts, spread it between cookies for indulgent cookie sandwiches – or eat it by the spoonful! For more homemade frosting recipes, try my vanilla buttercream frosting, chocolate buttercream frosting, or strawberry frosting.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Butter – adds a creamy base to this luscious peanut butter buttercream frosting. Use unsalted butter, and be sure it’s very soft at room temperature before using. Peanut Butter – use no-stir creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates – the excess oil disrupts the consistency. Powdered Sugar – adds the perfect amount of sweetness and also makes an extra fluffy peanut butter frosting. Use store-bought or make your own powdered sugar. Vanilla – use pure vanilla extract for the richest flavor. Milk – any type of milk works, so choose your preference. Or use heavy cream for an extra velvety and light finish.
How to Make Peanut Butter Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 1 cup butter and peanut butter together on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy, for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Beat in the vanilla and salt until just combined.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar. Once incorporated, increase the speed to high, beating until fluffy, about 1 minute.
- If needed, beat in 1 tablespoon of milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable, adding another tablespoon if the frosting feels too stiff or grainy. Pipe or spread the frosting over cooled cakes or cupcakes.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
Stick to smooth peanut butter. If you plan to pipe this recipe instead of spreading it, I recommend using a smooth peanut butter for the best texture. Chunky peanut butter can work for textured and spreadable frosting, but smooth with give you the best light and fluffy texture. Make sure your butter is actually soft. A softer butter will incorporate into soft peanut butter much more easily and smoothly than a butter that is still somewhat firm. If the butter is easily spreadable, then it is soft enough. If the butter is still firm at room temperature, pop it in the microwave for 3 to 5 seconds. Be sure to not melt it though! Slowly mix in the sugar. Make sure the electric mixer is on low speed before gradually adding the powdered sugar – you want to give it time to slowly incorporate. Once it is all combined, increase the speed and mix on high for only about 1 minute, or just until peaks form. This will create the fluffiest texture. Optional variations. Jazz up the recipe by using flavored creamy peanut butter like honey-roasted or chocolate. Additionally, if you prefer a stiffer frosting, increase the powdered sugar in the recipe to 3½ – 4 cups.
If you’ve tried this Peanut Butter Frosting recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
