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My peanut butter buttercream frosting recipe is one of those you’ll save and use for years to come! Say goodbye to grainy texture and frosting that is too stiff or runny. When you follow my 3 easy steps, you’ll have perfect frosting every time.

peanut butter frosting in white bowl with spoon
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This Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting will become a new dessert staple

We’re sharing another dessert staple today! If you’ve ever been frustrated by a frosting that just doesn’t work out, this recipe will save you! No one wants a frosting that is too grainy, stiff, or runny. I’ve been there, done that, and found a fix for all of it.

Keep reading for all my best tips and tricks, including how to remove air bubbles from frosting and more!

Peanut butter frosting with real peanut butter is an essential recipe for a baker! It pairs well with so many cakes and cupcakes – further down in the post I’ll be sharing my recommendations.

Fluffy peanut butter buttercream is incredibly easy to make and most likely you have all the ingredients on hand already!

Plus peanut butter frosting’s BFF is chocolate frosting! Use them together on any cake or cupcake! You will also love our chocolate whipped cream!

how to make peanut butter frosting collage

What is buttercream?

Buttercream is a type of frosting that calls for creaming butter and powdered sugar together to make a fluffy frosting.

Buttercream is the typical frosting that you see paired with cakes and cupcakes.

Peanut Butter Buttercream ingredients

  • butter, room temperature
  • creamy peanut butter
  • powdered sugar
  • vanilla extract
  • dash of milk or heavy cream if frosting becomes too thick

How to make peanut butter frosting

  1. Place room temperature unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium and beat the butter for 1 minute, until whipped and fluffy.
  2. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beat again on low for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until everything is incorporated.
  3. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or heavy cream, and beat until creamy.
peanut butter frosting on chocolate cupcake

Tips for making creamy peanut butter frosting

  • Use room temperature butter because it whips more easily and produces a fluffier frosting
  • Whip it! Want fluffy frosting? Whipping is the key!
  • Use creamy peanut butter. I don’t recommend using natural peanut butter.

What to pair with peanut butter buttercream

peanut butter frosting on rose gold whisk with white background

How to store Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting

You can store frosting in a sealed container on the counter for up to 2 days.

However, you can store frosting in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Before using, place the frosting on the counter and allow it to come to room temperature. Give it a quick whip with an electric mixer before using.

Is peanut butter frosting gluten free?

Yes!!

Why do I have air bubbles in my frosting and how can I get rid of them?

Air bubbles form when whipping the frosting, which is a necessary step in making buttercream! But you can reduce the amount of air bubbles by beating the frosting on low speed for a minute or by hand mixing the frosting. You are essentially pushing out the air bubbles.

Why is my peanut butter frosting separating?

The type of peanut butter you use can affect the stability of the frosting. Natural peanut butter, which tends to have more oil, may lead to separation

Why is my peanut butter frosting so runny?

If the ingredients are too warm, particularly the butter, the frosting may be too soft. Make sure your butter is at room temperature, but not overly softened. If the kitchen is warm, you might need to chill the frosting for a short time to firm it up before using it.

What is the difference between whipped cream and buttercream?

Whipped cream is a light and fluffy topping made from whipped heavy cream, often sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla. It has a delicate texture and is best served immediately due to its lower stability. In contrast, buttercream is a thicker, more stable frosting primarily composed of butter, powdered sugar, and flavorings, making it a versatile choice for decorating cakes and cupcakes.

4.25 from 95 ratings

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Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting

By: Beth
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 -3 cups
My peanut butter buttercream frosting recipe is one of those you’ll save and use for years to come! Say goodbye to grainy texture and frosting that is too stiff or runny. When you follow my 3 easy steps, you’ll have perfect frosting every time.

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature, 1 cup
  • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2-3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • dash of milk or heavy cream if frosting becomes too thick

Instructions 

  • Place room temperature unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium and beat the butter for 1 minute, until whipped and fluffy. 
  • Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beat again on low for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until everything is incorporated. 
  • If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or heavy cream, and beat until creamy. Spread or pipe onto cake, cupcakes, or brownies. 

Notes

How long does chocolate frosting keep?

You can store frosting in a sealed container on the counter for up to 2 days.
However, you can store frosting in a sealer container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Before using, place the frosting on the counter and allow it to come to room temperature. Give it a quick whip with an electric mixer before using.

Why do I have air bubbles in my frosting and how can I get rid of them?

Air bubbles form when whipping the frosting, which is a necessary step in making buttercream! But you can reduce the amount of air bubbles by beating the frosting on low speed for a minute after mixing everything well or by hand mixing the frosting. You are essentially pushing out the air bubbles. 

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 57mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 353IU | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Disclosure

All nutritional values are approximate and provided to the reader as a courtesy. Changing ingredients and/or quantities will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Beth

I believe that everyone should have a go-to dessert to bring to parties! With hundreds of recipes, I'll help you find yours!

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4.25 from 95 votes (93 ratings without comment)

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14 Comments

  1. This was such an easy recipe!  My first time making buttercream.  I added a bit more peanut butter just because we really love peanut butter. 

    1. It’s 2 to 3 cups of powdered sugar, depending on how sweet you want the frosting.

  2. 5 stars
    OMG. 
    It took A LOT not to just eat the whole bowl of this frosting after licking the whisk! 
    Seriously delicious. Light, fluffy, sweet and peanut buttery without that cloying dry mouth feel. 
    Just topped a batch of chocolate cupcakes with this, they are not going to last long!

  3. I am not a kitchen person (I only have one because it came with the house).  But one of my favorite pastimes is reading recipes, I love all of yours. Thanks

  4. My mother made a chocolate cake and frosted it qith peanut butter frosting and it was amazing. She only used 1 stick of butter and a cup of peanut butter. Sweetened it w powdered sugar and milk to spreading consistency. Childhood memories .