The Best Silky Smooth Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe for Cakes & Cupcakes

Get ready to elevate your desserts with the most irresistible Peanut Butter Frosting you’ll ever taste! This recipe delivers a sweet, salty, and delightfully nutty buttercream that is exceptionally silky smooth and wonderfully creamy. It’s the perfect topping for any cake or cupcake, especially when you’re making small batch desserts and want just enough without any waste.

After a little break from sharing new frosting recipes, I’m thrilled to bring you this incredible Peanut Butter Frosting. This beloved peanut butter buttercream first made its appearance gracing my peanut butter birthday cake. The demand for this frosting grew when readers asked for a suitable pairing for my small chocolate cake, inspiring me to finally publish this essential peanut butter cake icing recipe on its own.

What makes this peanut butter frosting so special? It’s the harmonious blend of sweet and salty notes, combined with an unparalleled creamy and silky smooth texture that will melt in your mouth. This decadent frosting is a match made in heaven for small batch chocolate cupcakes, banana cupcakes, or even as a rich filling for peanut butter sandwich cookies. Imagine spreading this delightful peanut butter buttercream on brownies or using it as a dip for apple slices – the possibilities are endless!

This particular recipe is a touch sweeter than my peanut butter cream cheese frosting, as it’s built upon my classic small batch buttercream frosting with the irresistible addition of creamy peanut butter. And for all the dedicated small batch dessert bakers out there, you’ll love that this recipe yields just the right amount of peanut butter frosting, ensuring no delicious extras go to waste. You make only what you need, making your baking experience efficient and enjoyable.

Essential Ingredients For The Best Peanut Butter Frosting

Creating this easy peanut butter frosting requires just a few basic ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect, dreamy texture and flavor profile:

• Peanut Butter: For this recipe, it’s vital to use standard processed creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Avoid natural peanut butter that separates, as its oil content and consistency can make the frosting runny or greasy. The emulsifiers in processed peanut butter are key to that smooth, stable buttercream.
• Butter: The foundation of any good buttercream! Softened unsalted butter provides the necessary creaminess, richness, and structure. Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure it creams smoothly with the peanut butter and powdered sugar, preventing lumps and creating a fluffy texture. If you only have salted butter, omit the added pinch of salt.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this ingredient is essential for both sweetening the frosting and thickening it to a spreadable or pipeable consistency. Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it is highly recommended to prevent any lumps, ensuring your peanut butter frosting is perfectly smooth.
• Salt: A small pinch of salt is a secret weapon here. It beautifully balances the sweetness and remarkably enhances the natural, nutty flavor of the peanut butter, bringing out its best qualities. If using salted butter, you might want to skip this or add just a tiny dash to taste.
• Milk: A little liquid is needed to achieve that ideal silky smooth texture. Whole milk is generally preferred for its richness, but you can also use 2% milk or even a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk. Add it gradually to reach your desired consistency, especially if you plan on spreading the frosting with a knife or piping it. Heavy cream can also be used for an even richer result.
• Vanilla Extract: This classic baking extract doesn’t just add its own wonderful aroma and flavor; it also subtly amplifies the peanut butter taste, making the overall frosting experience more complex and satisfying. A good quality vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference.

How To Master This Easy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Making this creamy peanut butter cake frosting is surprisingly simple and quick. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

1. Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment), combine the softened peanut butter, butter, sifted powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Begin beating on medium-low speed until the dry ingredients are just incorporated, then increase the speed to medium-high. Beat for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is beautifully smooth and creamy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically with a spatula to ensure everything is fully combined.
2. Add Liquid and Flavoring: With the mixer still running on medium-low, add 1 teaspoon of milk and the vanilla extract. Continue to beat for another minute or until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth.
3. Adjust Consistency: This is where you can customize your frosting. If the frosting seems too thick for spreading or piping, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of milk, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If, however, you find the frosting to be too thin or runny, gradually add more sifted powdered sugar (one tablespoon at a time) until it thickens to your liking. The goal is a frosting that holds its shape for piping but is also easily spreadable.

Your delicious peanut butter buttercream frosting is now ready to use! Enjoy it immediately to decorate your favorite cakes and cupcakes, or prepare it ahead of time. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If refrigerating, let it come to room temperature and re-whip briefly before using to restore its smooth consistency.

Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Frosting

• Frosting is Too Thick: Gradually add more milk (or heavy cream) 1/2 teaspoon at a time, beating after each addition, until the desired consistency is reached.
• Frosting is Too Thin/Runny: Add more sifted powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until incorporated and thickened.
• Grainy Texture: This usually happens if the powdered sugar wasn’t sifted or wasn’t beaten long enough. Continue beating on medium-high for another minute or two, ensuring all sugar dissolves. Make sure your butter was properly softened.
• Separated Frosting: If your frosting looks curdled or greasy, it might be due to butter that was too warm or too cold. Try adding a tablespoon of powdered sugar and beating again, or a tiny splash of cold milk and beating vigorously. Sometimes, just continuing to beat for another minute can bring it back together.

Delicious Pairings: What To Decorate With Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting

While we all secretly love eating frosting straight from the bowl, this peanut butter buttercream is designed to perfectly complement a wide array of baked goods. If you’re searching for the ideal base for this rich and creamy frosting, I highly recommend exploring my comprehensive guides: 6 Inch Cake Recipes and Small Batch Cupcake Recipes.

Here are some of my top recommendations for pairing with this delightful peanut butter buttercream frosting:

• Small Banana Cake: The classic combination of banana and peanut butter is simply divine. My small banana cake provides a moist and flavorful base that perfectly harmonizes with the nutty sweetness of the frosting.
• Chocolate Cakes and Cupcakes: It’s no secret that peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven! This frosting is heavenly on my small chocolate cake or my one layer chocolate cake (a slightly larger 8-inch option). For smaller portions, try it with my small batch chocolate cupcakes. The rich cocoa notes beautifully contrast with the creamy peanut butter.
• Vanilla Cakes and Cupcakes: If you’re not a fan of chocolate or simply want a different flavor profile, this peanut butter frosting is still a fantastic choice. It adds a delicious nutty depth to the subtle sweetness of vanilla. Pair it with my small vanilla cake and small batch vanilla cupcakes for a delightful treat.
• Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies: Use this frosting as the ultimate filling for peanut butter sandwich cookies. It adds an extra layer of peanut butter goodness and a wonderfully creamy texture.
• Brownies & Blondies: Spread a generous layer of this peanut butter buttercream over fudgy brownies or chewy blondies for an extra special dessert. The combination of textures and flavors is incredible.
• Sugar Cookies: For a twist on classic sugar cookies, frost them with this peanut butter icing. It’s a fun and unexpected flavor pairing!

Why Choose a Small Batch Peanut Butter Frosting?

This recipe is specifically designed to be a small batch, yielding approximately 1 cup of frosting. This is perfect for single-layer cakes, a dozen cupcakes, or simply when you don’t want a massive amount of leftover frosting. The benefits include:

• No Waste: You’ll use just enough for your dessert, minimizing food waste.
• Freshness: Enjoy freshly made frosting every time.
• Quick & Easy: Smaller quantities mean less mixing time and fewer dishes to wash.
• Perfect for Two: Ideal for intimate celebrations or baking for a smaller household.

More Irresistible Frosting Recipes

Loved this creamy peanut butter frosting? If you’re looking to expand your frosting repertoire, I have a fantastic collection of small batch frosting recipesthat are just as easy and delicious:

• Small Batch Chocolate Frosting – the ultimate rich chocolate buttercream recipe, perfectly scaled so you never have leftovers.
• Cinnamon Buttercream – a warm and comforting fall-inspired twist on classic buttercream, perfect for spice cakes.
• Strawberry Buttercream – a fruity berry twist on classic buttercream, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.
• Small Batch Cream Cheese Frosting – a tangy and sweet frosting that pairs exceptionally well with a variety of cakes, from red velvet to carrot.
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting – a vibrant, berry-sweet, and tangy frosting made with fresh strawberries, combining the best of both worlds.
• Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting – another delightful sweet and tangy frosting featuring fresh raspberries, perfect for a burst of fruit flavor.
• German Chocolate Frosting – a rich coconut pecan frosting, traditionally made without evaporated milk for a classic taste.

Peanut Butter Frosting

Yield:
1 cup

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
10 minutes

Here’s the best peanut butter buttercream for cake and cupcakes! This Peanut Butter Frosting is a sweet and salty nutty buttercream that is silky smooth and creamy. Use it to decorate your small batch desserts with ease!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup creamy processed peanut butter (not natural)
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons or 2 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• Pinch of table salt
• 1-2 teaspoons whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl on medium-high speed (with paddle attachment if using stand mixer), beat the peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Scrape down the bowl then add 1 teaspoon milk and vanilla. Beat for another 1 minute until light and fluffy.

   If the frosting is too thick to spread, add the remaining 1 teaspoon milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

   Use immediately or store at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Enjoyed this recipe? Check out my full list of Frosting Recipes, including chocolate, strawberry, and more.
• Need cake ideas? Check out my full list of Small Cake Recipes and Small Batch Cupcake Recipes including chocolate, banana, and more.

Recommended Products

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• Hand Mixer
• Stand Mixer
• Offset Spatula

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First published May 7, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Frosting

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

It is strongly recommended to use processed creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for this recipe, not natural peanut butter. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and has a different consistency, which can make the frosting greasy, runny, or difficult to emulsify properly. The processed varieties contain stabilizers that help create that desirable silky smooth texture.

How long does homemade peanut butter frosting last?

This peanut butter frosting can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you need to keep it longer, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use after refrigeration, let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, then re-whip it briefly with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and fluffy again.

Can I make this frosting dairy-free?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative (ensure it’s softened). For the milk, use a plant-based milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. The taste and texture will be very similar!

Can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?

Absolutely! The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, which provides a balanced sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can start with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and add more to taste. For a sweeter frosting, gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired level of sweetness and consistency.

Is this peanut butter frosting good for piping decorations?

Yes, this peanut butter buttercream is excellent for piping! Its smooth, creamy, and stable consistency holds its shape well, making it perfect for intricate designs or simple swirls on cupcakes and cakes. Just make sure to adjust the milk content as needed to get a consistency that’s firm enough for piping but still soft enough to flow smoothly through a piping bag.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Peanut Butter Buttercream

This silky smooth peanut butter frosting is more than just a topping; it’s an experience. Its perfect balance of sweet and salty, combined with its creamy, rich texture, makes it an unforgettable addition to any dessert. Whether you’re decorating a small batch of cupcakes, a celebration cake, or simply craving a spoonful of pure bliss, this easy 10-minute recipe is your ticket to peanut butter perfection. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and taste the magic for yourself!