Easy Peanut Butter Frosting

By Samantha ErbPublished May 21, 2024

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4.58 from 94 votes

Total Time 10

Servings 18 servings

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

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Frosting on top of a chocolate cupcake piped on

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.

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.

Ingredients needed to make peanut butter frosting in separate bowls

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.

Peanut Butter Frosting being mixed by a hand mixer in a bowl

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

Whipped peanut butter frosting on a whisk above a bowl of it

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.

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Frosting being piped onto a chocolate cupcake on top of a wire rack

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.

Cupcake with bite taken out topped with peanut butter frosting

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.

Chocolate cupcakes frosted and on a wire cooling rack

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

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4.58 from 94 votes

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Frosting

By: Samantha Erb

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

Prep Time: 10

Total Time: 10

Servings: servings

Equipment

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.

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

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.

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