Easy Peanut Butter Frosting

Here is my favorite way to make peanut butter frosting that is now requested by my kids for every single party we have!

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Easy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

We were celebrating my daughter’s birthday a few years ago and she requested peanut butter frosting. I looked at her sweet face while asking and just couldn’t say no.

So, I went searching in our pantry and pulled out a jar of Jif peanut butter and created this very recipe. It’s only 3 ingredients, but comes out creamy, light, and fluffy every single time.

Since then, any party we go to (even the stuffed animals’ birthday parties) has to have this icing. Everyone raves about the frosting though, so of course, I have to make it. Thank goodness it’s easy for me put together and tastes incredible.

I do like to add some heavy cream when I have it on hand to up the creamy factor even more, but it’s not needed to make this peanut butter frosting.

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And, if you love a good frosting recipe, try my Cool Whip cream cheese frosting, strawberry frosting, peanut butter cream cheese frosting, and raspberry frosting.

Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting Ingredients

• Peanut Butter – Use traditional store-bought peanut butter like Skippy or Jif
• Powdered Sugar
• Butter – unsalted and softened

How to make Peanut Butter Frosting

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: In a medium mixing bowl, beat butter and peanut butter for 60-90 seconds, until fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl.

STEP TWO: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, mixing for 1-2 minutes and adding more to suit your desired sweetness level.

STEP THREE: Spread evenly or use piping to decorate your baked goods. I used a Wilton 1M cake tip to frost the cupcakes.

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Frosting tips

• Use a store bought brand like Jif or Skippy. Using an organic peanut butter can cause oil separation in the frosting.
• Add in some heavy cream and vanilla for more flavor and an extra fluffy texture.
• Soften the butter on the counter or in the microwave for the smoothest icing.
• Sift the powdered sugar to avoid any clumps or lumps.
• Use a Wilton 1M tip for the cupcakes shown!
• Use a gallon-sized Ziploc bag if you don’t have a piping bag. Just cut a small piece off the bottom corner, place the tip inside, then fill it with frosting.

How to use Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting

I use this frosting recipe to top 18-24 cupcakes, a 13 by 9-inch sheet cake, or a full 2 layer 8-inch round cake or one of these fun ideas.

• Frosted onto chocolate brownies
• Piped onto my fluffy and moist vanilla cupcake recipe
• As an icing on air fryer cake
• On top of cookies, like these peanut butter cookies or soft cut out cookies

How to store Peanut Butter Icing

You can store this frosting in an airtight container on the countertop for two days, or in the fridge for about a week.

If using it straight from a bowl, let it warm to room temperature, whip it up with by hand or with a stand mixer for a quick minute, then spread or pipe as needed.

Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe FAQs

Why Do I Have Air Bubbles in My Frosting?

Air bubbles can form if you’re mixing the frosting too fast. Use a slower speed on your stand or hand mixer to avoid any bubbles. Also, use room temperature butter for the smoothest icing.

Why Is My Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting Oily?

This can happen if you use organic or natural peanut butter as it’s more oily by nature and will separate when it sits. Use a smooth peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for a creamy texture.

Why Is My Peanut Butter Icing Grainy?

The butter needs to be fully softened, but not melted to get that creamy texture, otherwise it will turn grainy. Sifting the powdered sugar will also help prevent any graininess or lumps in the frosting.

More Peanut Butter Recipes

• Peanut Butter Balls
• Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
• Graham Cracker Peanut Butter Balls
• Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
• Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
• Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
• Peanut Butter Royal Icing

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Frosting

Samantha Erb

An easy to put together homemade peanut butter frosting with just 3 ingredients!

4.56 from 87 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate ★ SaveSaved!

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 18 servings

Calories 247 kcal

Equipment

• Wilton 1M Tip
• KitchenAid Stand Mixer

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter*
• 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar

Optional

• 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• In a medium mixing bowl, beat butter and peanut butter for 60-90 seconds, until fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl.
• Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, mixing for 1-2 minutes, and adding more to suit your desired sweetness level.
• If using, add vanilla and mix well. For a fluffier frosting, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
• Pipe or use as intended on cupcakes, cake, and more.

Video

Notes

* use store bought peanut butter — not organic — to avoid any oil and peanut separation and graininess in the frosting

Tops 18-24 cupcakes, a 13 by 9-inch sheet cake, or a full 2 layer 8-inch round cake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 247kcalCarbohydrates: 37gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 9mgSugar: 36g

This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!