How to Make Peanut Butter Icing – Easy Step by Step

A good peanut butter frosting a staple if you enjoy making cakes and cupcakes. It is so versatile and can be used to make layered cakes, cupcakes, or even to frost chocolate brownies.

To have a good one in your recipe book and that is why I am sharing this specific recipe. Try it, love it, and add it to your dessert recipe book to use it in the future!

Keep reading to see all the tips and tricks I use to make this frosting and how you can too!

Ingredients for this Easy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Creamy works best for this recipe if you want a smooth and decadent frosting. It’s also best to use a more commercial type of peanut butter like Skippy or Jif. Natural peanut butter has too much separation from the oil.
• Butter: Use unsalted so it doesn’t alter the flavor of the frosting. You will want the butter to be softened, so pull it out of the fridge about an hour before so it has time to warm up.
• Powdered Sugar: is the best to use with something thick like peanut butter because of its ability to be absorbed. It gives it a very fluffy texture.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: You need a liquid to help thin out the peanut butter.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a couple of drops are all you need to help flavor the frosting even more.
• Salt: Because adding a little salt to sweet treats helps balance out the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Peanut Butter Icing

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions! 

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter and softened unsalted butter until smooth with an electric mixer.
2. Gradually add the salt and the powdered sugar in increments, mixing well after each addition, until fully incorporated.
3. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of whole milk or heavy whipping cream. Mix until smooth with the hand mixer.
4. If the peanut butter mixture is too thick, add more milk or cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Use the icing to frost chocolate cupcakes, layer cake, or banana bread. Enjoy!

​Recipe Tip

​To ensure your icing has the best texture, sift your powdered sugar with a sieve as you pour it into the mixing bowl. Sifting the powdered sugar will break up any clumps and prevent your frosting from having a grainy texture. If your sugar is smooth, no need to worry about this step.

Why You Need to Make this Recipe!

• Spruce up your peanut butter cookies or chocolate peanut butter cupcakes by adding even more wonderful peanut butter flavor.
• This homemade frosting is super easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients that you can easily find.
• This fluffy peanut butter frosting is the perfect way to decorate your favorite cake by adding peanut butter blossoms.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How Can I Store Leftover Icing?

​This fluffy frosting stores very well and can be kept for a couple of weeks. Just be sure to put it in an airtight container and put it in the fridge.

Whenever you are ready to use it, pull it out of the fridge and allow it to soften for an hour or so then whip it again to get it back to that fluffy consistency.

Can I Freeze It?

Yes, you can!

To freeze, first put it in the airtight container base. Then before placing the lid on, lay a sheet of plastic wrap flat directly onto the frosting. Gently press the middle first, then graze your fingers outward and up the inner sides of the container to seal it in. Then place the lid. This will help save your frosting from freezer burn.

When you’re ready to use it again, pull it out and let it thaw to room temperature. Then whip it again for a couple of minutes just to aerate it, and it’s ready to use.

Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?

You can, just be aware that it will have a different consistency and will change the overall texture. I wouldn’t use Crunchy if you plan on using a piping bag to spread the frosting because it wouldn’t come out of the tip smoothly.

You might also need to use a little more peanut butter if you are using the crunchy kind. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of crunchy peanut butter to the measurements if you decide to go that route.

What Can I Put this Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting On?

The possibilities are truly endless! If you need a couple of quick ideas, here are some I suggest:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake:​ The peanut butter combo with chocolate is a classic and there’s nothing that would pair better than a moist and rich chocolate cake.
• Banana Desserts:​ Peanut butter and banana are one of those old-time classic flavor combinations. Top a freshly baked banana cake or banana bread find out for yourself!
• Brownies: There is something about a rich chocolatey dessert that is served with peanut butter frosting that just hits the spot.
• Vanilla Sheet Cake:​ If you’re baking for a group and making a plain boxed vanilla cake, this delicious frosting is the easiest way to elevate its flavor. Make sure to check out my favorite secrets to make cake mix better here!

How to Make Peanut Butter Icing Dairy-Free/Vegan?

You can easily turn this into a vegan recipe and would only need to swap out two ingredients.

First, substitute the butter with an emulsified vegetable oil or vegan butter of your choosing. Second, use plant-based milk like almond milk or oat milk instead of cow’s milk or cream. Be sure to use the same amounts of the substituted ingredients in the recipe.

How to Make Peanut Butter Icing – Easy Step-by-Step

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