Quick & Easy Peanut Butter Frosting
Elevate your baking game with this Peanut Butter Frosting! Surprise your friends and family with their favorite cakes, cupcakes, or cookies with a peanut butter flavor twist! Your peanut butter lovers will thank you. I guarantee this will be your next favorite frosting, you might even eat it straight from the bowl!
Make Ahead Instructions
This frosting is great to make ahead because it will keep perfectly fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
When ready to use, let it come to room temperature so it’s easily spreadable. You can even re-whip it with a hand-held or stand mixer to make it fluffy again.
Variations
- Add vanilla extract for a more complex flavor
- Use spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for depth
- A little unsweetened cocoa powder will make a wonderful peanut-chocolate frosting
- Use other nut butter like almond or pistachio for a twist!
- Mix in chocolate chips, chopped caramel candies, or crushed peanuts for some texture.
Store Peanut Butter Frosting
To keep your frosting fresh, store it in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to a week.
Let it come to room temperature before using it.
Freeze Peanut Butter Frosting
Place the frosting in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to a month.
When ready to use, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, and bring it to room temperature on the counter before using it.
Quick & Easy Peanut Butter Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp whole milk, or as needed
Instructions
- Using a hand-held or stand mixer, beat the peanut butter and butter until well combined and creamy.
- On low speed at first, gradually add the powdered sugar until well combined. Increase the speed to medium and pour in the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Beat on high speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Remember to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl too.
Nutrition
FAQ About Peanut Butter Frosting
1. Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter? It’s best to stick to store-bought peanut butter if you want a creamy, fluffy, smooth frosting. Natural peanut butter is not stabilized and the fat can separate and produce an unstable frosting.
2. What if My Frosting is Too Thick or Too Thin? If your frosting is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to make it thicker!
3. How Much Frosting Does This Recipe Make? This recipe makes about 2 cups, which is enough to frost 12 cupcakes or one 8-inch cake.
4. How Do I Adjust Sweetness? If you feel the frosting is too sweet, add a little salt to balance the sweetness. It’s a good idea to taste the frosting as you’re making it and make the right adjustments to fit your taste.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Frosting:
- Start With Room Temperature Ingredients: this is a must! Your frosting will not be smooth and creamy if your ingredients are cold. They’ll just not blend together properly.
- Sift Your Sugar: if your sugar has been standing in the cupboard for a while, it may have clumped up. If this is the case, sift it to get a completely smooth frosting.
- Adjust with Cream for Extra Luxury: using heavy cream instead of milk will yield a more rich and luxurious frosting.
- Bring in the Vanilla: a splash of pure vanilla extract will add tons of flavor and depth to your frosting!
- Beat for Fluffiness: whipping your frosting on high for a few minutes will make it extra soft and fluffy by incorporating air.
- Chill Before Piping: if you love piped frosting, stick it in the fridge for about 15 minutes and your swirls will hold much better!
