Hey, peanut butter lovers! If you’ve ever dreamed of a frosting that’s rich, creamy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, you’re in the right place. This Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting is an absolute game-changer. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re spreading it on cupcakes, cakes, cookies, or just dipping a spoon straight into the bowl (no judgment here!), this frosting is sure to be your new go-to. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s peanut butter heaven in frosting form!
Why You’ll Love Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting
This frosting isn’t just a sweet treat—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite:
Versatile: This frosting is perfect for so many different desserts! Whether you’re frosting a layer cake, spreading it on brownies, or simply adding it to cupcakes, it brings that perfect peanut butter punch.
Budget-Friendly: You probably already have the ingredients in your pantry, and this frosting doesn’t require anything fancy. It’s simple, straightforward, and totally affordable.
Quick and Easy: In just a few simple steps, you can have this creamy frosting ready to go. No need for fancy equipment or complicated instructions—just mix, spread, and enjoy!
Customizable: Want to make it a little sweeter? Add more powdered sugar. Looking for a bit more depth? Try mixing in a touch of vanilla extract. This frosting is your canvas to get creative.
Crowd-Pleasing: Peanut butter is a flavor that everyone loves, so you can count on this frosting being a hit at any gathering. It’s rich enough to satisfy but not so overwhelming that it takes over the dessert.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this dreamy, peanut-buttery frosting:
Peanut Butter: The star ingredient! Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture, but if you’re a fan of chunky peanut butter, go ahead and use that for some extra texture.
Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting. Be sure to use softened butter to make mixing easier.
Powdered Sugar: This is what gives the frosting its sweetness and light texture. Plus, it helps create that perfect, spreadable consistency.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor and balances out the sweetness of the sugar.
Milk: To help loosen up the frosting and make it spreadable. Add it gradually until you get the perfect consistency.
(Note: The full list of ingredients with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make this frosting? Let’s dive into the steps to make this peanut butter frosting a reality:
Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
Start by beating the softened butter and peanut butter together in a large bowl. You want them to be nice and smooth and fully combined—this will be the base of your frosting.
Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add in the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time. Beat it in slowly to avoid a powdered sugar explosion, then continue mixing until everything is combined and the frosting is fluffy.
Add the Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract, and enjoy the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen. It’ll add that perfect warm touch to the peanut butter flavor.
Add the Milk
Slowly add in the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread easily. Don’t rush this part—take your time to get the texture just right.
Mix Until Smooth
Continue mixing for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the frosting is light and fluffy. You can taste it at this point to see if it needs a little extra sweetness or peanut butter flavor. Adjust as necessary!
Frost and Enjoy
Now comes the fun part—spread this luscious frosting on your favorite dessert! Whether it’s a cake, cookies, or cupcakes, this frosting will take it to the next level.
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting
This frosting is perfect for so many sweet treats! Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:
On Cupcakes: Spread this frosting generously on top of chocolate or vanilla cupcakes. The peanut butter flavor pairs perfectly with either!
On Cakes: Frost a layer cake with this peanut butter frosting. A rich chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting is a match made in heaven.
On Cookies: Add a dollop of this frosting on top of peanut butter cookies or sugar cookies for a delicious treat.
As a Dip: Feel like going all in? Use it as a dip for pretzels, apple slices, or even just graham crackers. You won’t regret it!
On Brownies: Spread it on top of warm brownies for a decadent treat that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to get the most out of this recipe:
Add a Pinch of Salt: If you like a little balance between sweet and salty, try adding a pinch of salt to your frosting. It’ll enhance the peanut butter flavor and make it even more delicious.
Make It a Little Lighter: For a lighter frosting, you can use half the amount of butter and replace the rest with Greek yogurt or whipped cream.
Store Leftovers: Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just bring it back to room temperature before using again.
Double It Up: If you’re planning to frost multiple cakes or cupcakes, feel free to double the recipe. This frosting goes a long way!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A1: Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add texture to the frosting, which can be a fun twist.
Q2: Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir before using.
Q3: How do I store leftover frosting?
A3: Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about a week.
Q4: Can I freeze this frosting?
A4: Yes, you can! Just store it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to 3 months. Let it thaw and stir before using.
Q5: How can I make this frosting smoother?
A5: If you find the frosting too thick, you can add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Q6: What can I substitute for powdered sugar?
A6: You could use a powdered sugar substitute, but the texture might be slightly different. Regular sugar won’t work the same way.
Q7: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A7: Natural peanut butter will work, but it tends to be a bit runnier, so you may need to adjust the amount of milk or powdered sugar to get the right consistency.
Q8: What desserts go well with this frosting?
A8: Chocolate cake, vanilla cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and even pancakes or waffles! The possibilities are endless.
Q9: How can I make this frosting healthier?
A9: Try using natural peanut butter, reducing the sugar, or using a sugar substitute to make it a little lighter.
Q10: Can I make this frosting dairy-free?
A10: Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or coconut oil, and use plant-based milk for the liquid.
Conclusion
This Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting is rich, creamy, and absolutely mouthwatering. It’s the perfect sweet treat to take your desserts to the next level—whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because you deserve something delicious. I hope you enjoy making and devouring this frosting as much as I do! Happy baking!
PrintHomemade Peanut Butter Frosting
This creamy homemade peanut butter frosting is the perfect topping for cakes, cupcakes, and more! Smooth, fluffy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, it’s an easy-to-make frosting that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Category: Dessert, Frosting
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): Provides the rich, nutty flavor that makes this frosting irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the frosting and gives it the perfect consistency.
- Milk (2-3 tablespoons): Adjusts the consistency to your preference, making the frosting spreadable.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
Instructions
- Mix peanut butter and butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture and beat until well combined.
- Adjust consistency: Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency for spreading.
- Add vanilla extract: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Spread and enjoy: Spread the frosting on your favorite cake or cupcakes and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar.
- For a lighter frosting, increase the amount of milk.
- This frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: ~180
- Sugar: ~18g
- Sodium: ~80mg
- Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~4g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~3g
- Cholesterol: ~15mg