This peanut butter frosting will take any dessert to the next level. And the best part? It's ready in minutes!

If you love peanut butter, this creamy and dreamy peanut butter frosting is about to become your new favorite. It's smooth, fluffy, and has the perfect sweet and salty balance.

Use it on chocolate cake or chocolate cupcakes for the ultimate chocolate peanut butter combo. It's sturdy and makes a great cake filling for any layer cake too.

Big peanut butter fan? Then you'll also want to check out my other peanut butter desserts like peanut butter cheesecake brownies and peanut butter blossoms. 

Peanut butter frosting takes the same amount of time to make as a basic vanilla buttercream frosting. You are only going to add one more ingredient. Creamy peanut butter! The peanut butter to butter to sugar ratio resulted in the best texture and taste. 

Ingredients For Peanut Butter Buttercream

Peanut butter: Use a creamy variety. I used creamy Jif. I do not recommend natural peanut butter because the resulting texture will not be as smooth as processed peanut butter.
Unsalted butter:  Adds richness and helps create a fluffy frosting. Be sure to use softened butter so it mixes well with the peanut butter.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor.
Vanilla extract: Extra flavor booster. Only use pure vanilla extract.
Confectioner's sugar: For sweetness and structure.
Milk or heavy cream: Adjusts consistency for easy spreading or piping.

How to Make Peanut Butter Frosting

Start by beating the peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the salt and vanilla extract and mix again.

Gradually add the confectioner's sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed at first to avoid a sugar cloud. Once combined, increase the speed and beat until light and fluffy.

PRO TIP: After you add the powdered sugar to the mixing bowl, use your spatula to fold it into the butter a little before turning on the mixer. This way the sugar does not fly everywhere!

Add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. It should be soft enough to spread but thick enough to hold its shape if you're piping it.

How Much Frosting Does This Recipe Make?

This recipe makes 3 cups of frosting. This is enough frosting to frost 24 cupcakes. You can even frost and fill a 6 inch cake.

The exact amount really depends on how thick you like your frosting to be on your desserts. I tend to frost on the lighter side for my cakes.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Frosting

• Make sure your butter is softened for easy blending.
• Use a creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for the smoothest texture.
• You can use chunky peanut butter too but it is not recommended if you are planning on piping your frosting because it will clog the piping tip.
• If your frosting seems too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until you find the right consistency..
• For an extra punch of peanut flavor, sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top of your frosted cake or cupcakes.

Storage:

If stored overnight, the frosting can be left overnight at room temperature and stored in an airtight container. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Bring it back to room temperature and whip briefly before using. You can also freeze for up to 1 month. Store it in tightly wrapped saran or an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then whip until creamy again.

Ways to Use Peanut Butter Frosting

• Spread it on chocolate cake for a decadent dessert.
• Pipe it onto chocolate cupcakes for a bakery-style treat.
• Use it as a filling for sandwich cookies or to decorate brownies.
• Peanut butter frosting pairs well with salted caramel sauce. Consider drizzling it over your frosted cupcake!

More Frosting Options!

If you still can't decide if you want peanut butter frosting, I've got a whole collection of frosting to inspire you. Check out these other flavors: 

Vanilla buttercream
Strawberry buttercream
Chocolate fudge frosting
Salted caramel frosting
Cream cheese frosting recipe