Easy Peanut Butter Frosting is insanely delicious and way better than any store bought frosting you could buy! (Creamy, Fluffy & Perfect Every Time) If you love rich, old-school peanut butter flavor, this frosting is about to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced — not too sweet, not too heavy — with that unmistakable peanut butter goodness shining through. This is the kind of frosting that pipes beautifully onto cupcakes, spreads effortlessly over layer cakes, and honestly tastes just as good straight off the spoon.

What I love most about this peanut butter frosting is how simple it is. No complicated steps, no specialty ingredients, and no fussy techniques. Everything comes together in one bowl, and with just a few minutes of mixing, you’re left with a thick, fluffy frosting that holds its shape and delivers big flavor. Whether you’re frosting chocolate cupcakes, vanilla cake, brownies, or sandwich cookies, this recipe is dependable, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Save

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This peanut butter frosting is rich, creamy, and full of real peanut butter flavor without being overly sweet. It comes together quickly using simple pantry ingredients and whips up smooth, fluffy, and easy to spread or pipe. It works beautifully on cupcakes, cakes, brownies, and sandwich cookies, and it is just as good straight from the bowl.

This is one of those reliable frosting recipes that never fails and can be adjusted easily depending on how thick or fluffy you want it. If you love classic peanut butter desserts, this frosting will instantly become a favorite.

• Save

Storage & Make Ahead Tips

This peanut butter frosting is perfect for making ahead and stores very well.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
For longer storage, freeze it in a sealed container for up to three months.

Before using, allow the frosting to come to room temperature, then beat it again until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a small splash of heavy cream to bring back the fluffy texture.

• Save

Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe FAQs

What type of peanut butter works best for this frosting?

Creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter works best for this recipe. Brands like Jif or Skippy give the smoothest texture and most consistent results. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can make the frosting oily or grainy.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. If you do, consider slightly reducing the peanut butter or skipping any added salt elsewhere to keep the flavor balanced.

Why is my peanut butter frosting too thick?

If your frosting feels too thick or stiff, it likely needs a bit more liquid. Add heavy whipping cream one tablespoon at a time and beat until the frosting loosens up and becomes smooth and spreadable.

Why is my frosting too soft or runny?

This usually happens if the butter was too warm or too much cream was added. Pop the frosting in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes, then re-beat it to help it firm back up.

Can I pipe this frosting onto cupcakes?

Yes — this frosting pipes beautifully. Once it’s beaten until fluffy, it holds its shape well for swirls, rosettes, and decorative piping without sliding or collapsing.

Does peanut butter frosting need to be refrigerated?

If you’re not using it right away, yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and beat again to restore its creamy texture.

Can I freeze peanut butter frosting?

Absolutely. This frosting freezes very well. Store it in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature and beat until fluffy again.

What cakes and desserts pair best with peanut butter frosting?

Peanut butter frosting pairs especially well with chocolate cake, chocolate cupcakes, brownies, banana cake, vanilla cupcakes, and even sandwich cookies. It also works great as a filling between cake layers.

Can I make this frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly and add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter or cream. Just keep in mind that powdered sugar also helps with structure.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just make sure your mixer bowl is large enough, and scrape down the sides during mixing to ensure everything blends evenly.

Budget Breakdown

This frosting is not only easy to make, it is also budget friendly.

Unsalted butter, approximately $1.50
Powdered sugar, approximately $0.75
Heavy whipping cream, approximately $0.75
Peanut butter, approximately $1.25
Vanilla extract, approximately $0.50

Estimated total cost, approximately $4.75 for a full batch

This makes enough frosting to generously frost cupcakes or a standard layer cake at a fraction of the cost of store bought frosting.

• Save

How to Get the Perfect Frosting Consistency

The key to perfect peanut butter frosting is balance. Start by mixing all ingredients on medium speed until smooth and creamy. If the frosting feels too thick, add heavy whipping cream one tablespoon at a time until it loosens and becomes spreadable. If the frosting is too soft, place it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes, then beat again to help it firm up. Always make sure the butter is softened but not melted before mixing, as overly warm butter can cause the frosting to lose structure. For piping, aim for a thick but fluffy texture that holds peaks without collapsing. For spreading, slightly softer frosting will glide easily over cakes and cupcakes.

I literally hate store bought frostings, I think they taste horrible and processed- after you try my frosting recipes (I have a bunch here on the blog) you will never dare buy any jar from the store again!

• Save

Why This Is My Go To Frosting Recipe

This peanut butter frosting is my go to because it never lets me down. It comes together quickly, uses ingredients I almost always have on hand, and the texture is consistently smooth and fluffy every single time. There is no guessing, no complicated steps, and no fixing things halfway through.

It spreads easily, pipes beautifully, and holds its shape without being stiff. Whether I am frosting cupcakes for the kids, layering a cake, or making a quick dessert for guests, this frosting works with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It is dependable, simple, and always gets compliments.

• Save

Final Thoughts

This peanut butter frosting is simple, dependable, and packed with bold peanut butter flavor. It is the kind of recipe you will reach for again and again because it works for so many desserts and occasions. Whether you are frosting cupcakes for a party or spreading it on a homemade cake, this frosting adds a rich, homemade finish that everyone loves. This recipe deserves nothing less than 5 stars- it always gets rave reviews!

• Save

Please remember to SHARE on Facebook and PIN IT!

FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST BY CLICKING HERE <——