If you’re searching for the perfect, creamy topping to crown your cakes and cupcakes, look no further than Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting. This dreamy concoction brings together simple pantry staples and transforms them into a luscious, nutty swirl that’s blissfully spreadable. Whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic or just after something easy yet impressive, this is the frosting recipe that never fails to wow a crowd or make an everyday treat feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting is refreshingly simple, yet each one adds something important to the magic. From silky peanut butter to a dash of vanilla, every component has a tasty part to play in achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Creamy peanut butter: For dreamy smoothness, use a no-stir variety like Jif or Skippy for structure and classic flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the frosting its luxurious, fluffy body and lets you control the salt level.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, blending seamlessly for a silky finish.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps whip the frosting to an irresistibly soft, spreadable consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash lifts the nutty flavor and brings a subtle depth to every bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances out the sweetness for that classic, crave-worthy peanut butter taste.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting
Step 1: Beat the Peanut Butter and Butter
Start by combining the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, beat them together until the mixture is ultra-smooth, airy, and completely combined. This step is the secret to a frosting that glides onto cakes and cupcakes without a single lump!
Step 2: Gradually Mix in Powdered Sugar
With the mixer on the lowest setting, slowly add the powdered sugar in batches. This keeps sugar clouds at bay and helps the frosting absorb the sweetness evenly. After each addition, mix well until fully incorporated. The mixture will thicken and start to look like pillowy clouds of peanut butter goodness.
Step 3: Add Heavy Cream, Vanilla, and Salt
Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Start mixing on low, then increase the speed to medium-high. Beat until the frosting transforms into a fluffy, luxuriously spreadable delight. If it looks a bit stiff, add more cream a tablespoon at a time until you hit your ideal soft, whippable consistency.
Step 4: Check and Adjust Consistency
This is your moment to customize! If you want your Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting a bit lighter for piping or a little thicker for a generous cake swirl, just tweak the cream amount. The frosting should be truly easy to work with—fluffy, yet just thick enough to hold its shape.
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting
Garnishes
Dress up your creations by sprinkling chopped salted peanuts, swirls of chocolate sauce, or even tiny chocolate chips over your finished frosting. These little touches not only add extra crunch and style, but also highlight the irresistible peanut butter flavor in every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your frosted treats with a tall glass of cold milk, rich hot chocolate, or even a warm cup of coffee. These classic beverages cut the sweetness just right and make every bite of frosting-covered cake or cupcake even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t stop at cakes and cupcakes! Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting is fantastic sandwiched between chewy cookies, dolloped onto brownies, or piped onto banana slices for an adorable and delicious snack. You can even use it as a dip for pretzels or spread between two graham crackers for a nostalgic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting, simply scoop it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Before using again, let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes so it returns to that soft, spreadable state.
Freezing
This frosting holds up well in the freezer! Just pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container, pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—perfect for planning ahead.
Reheating
When you’re ready to use your chilled or frozen Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To regain that irresistible fluffiness, give it a quick whip with a hand mixer. If it seems too thick, a splash of cream will bring it right back to silky perfection.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this frosting?
While natural peanut butter may work, its oilier texture can make the frosting too loose or grainy. For best results, stick with a creamy, no-stir brand like Jif or Skippy so your frosting turns out perfectly smooth and fluffy.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?
Absolutely! You can swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream or even unsweetened almond milk. Coconut cream gives the richest results and pairs surprisingly well with peanut butter.
Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
Yes, Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting can be made up to five days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and just let it soften at room temperature and re-whip for a few seconds before spreading.
Will this frosting work for piping decorations?
Definitely! The texture is soft yet sturdy enough for piping borders, swirls, or even rosettes. If you’re going for very intricate designs, chill the frosting for a few minutes beforehand for extra shape-holding power.
What kind of cakes and desserts pair best with this frosting?
Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting shines on chocolate and banana cakes, but it’s also delicious on vanilla cupcakes, brownies, or as a unique filling in sandwich cookies. It’s versatile enough to elevate almost any dessert.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting from scratch, you’re truly in for a treat. It’s shockingly easy, wildly delicious, and guaranteed to bring rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to snag a bite. Give it a go—you’ll want to put it on everything!
Print
Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (enough to frost 12 cupcakes or a 9-inch cake)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy richness of this homemade peanut butter frosting that’s perfect for topping cupcakes or cakes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this delicious frosting in no time.
Ingredients
Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Beat Peanut Butter and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Pour in Cream and Flavorings: Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add more cream 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for best texture.
- This frosting pairs well with chocolate or banana cakes.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and bring to room temperature before using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
