The Best Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting: An Easy 4-Ingredient Recipe
Get ready to elevate your desserts with this incredibly rich, smooth, and fluffy peanut butter frosting! Crafted with just four simple ingredients, this homemade delight is unbelievably easy to whip up and promises to be the perfect companion for all your baked goods. Whether you’re topping decadent brownies, moist chocolate cupcakes, or a classic vanilla cake, this frosting adds a luscious peanut butter flavor that everyone will adore. It’s so good, you might even find yourself eating it by the spoonful!
Why This Easy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe Works So Well
For all the peanut butter enthusiasts out there, you know there’s nothing quite like the creamy, nutty goodness of a thick, fluffy peanut butter frosting. It’s truly a game-changer for any dessert! This particular recipe stands out for several reasons, making it a beloved favorite in countless kitchens:
- Perfect Balance of Flavor: This frosting strikes an ideal balance, offering a delightful richness without being overly sweet. The subtle tang from the cream cheese perfectly complements the creamy peanut butter, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. It enhances your desserts without overpowering them.
- Incredibly Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the precise ratio of butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar, this frosting whips up into a wonderfully light and airy consistency. It’s smooth, pipes beautifully, and melts in your mouth, making every bite a heavenly experience.
- Only 4 Simple Ingredients: You won’t need a long grocery list for this recipe! With just cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and creamy peanut butter, you can create a gourmet-quality frosting from scratch in minutes. This simplicity makes it a fantastic go-to recipe for any occasion.
- Versatile Application: While it’s phenomenal on a decadent fudge brownie or classic chocolate cupcake, its versatility extends far beyond. Use it to top cakes, fill sandwich cookies, or even as a dip for fresh fruit and pretzels. Its robust flavor profile makes it pair well with a wide range of baked goods.
- Quick and Effortless: This recipe is designed for speed and ease. In less than 15 minutes, you can transform these basic ingredients into a glorious frosting, perfect for last-minute dessert preparations or when you’re craving a quick sweet treat.
This frosting is truly swoon-worthy – so delicious you’ll want to eat it straight from the bowl! So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to whip up this amazing peanut butter delight.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Frosting
You’ll be amazed at how such a small list of ingredients can create such a spectacular frosting. The key is in the quality and preparation of each component. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, make sure to check out the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips
Understanding each ingredient’s role and how to best prepare it is crucial for achieving that perfectly smooth and fluffy texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
Cream Cheese
The secret weapon behind this frosting’s delightful tang and perfect thickness! Cream cheese not only adds a wonderful depth of flavor that cuts through the sweetness but also contributes significantly to the frosting’s creamy, stable texture. For best results, it is absolutely essential that your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese will not cream smoothly with the butter, leading to a lumpy, inconsistent frosting that is difficult to spread or pipe. To ensure it’s properly softened, slice the block of cream cheese into cubes and allow it to rest on the counter for 30-45 minutes. It should be soft to the touch, with no chill remaining. Always opt for full-fat block cream cheese, as whipped or spreadable varieties have a different consistency and water content, which can affect the final outcome.
Unsalted Butter
Butter provides the essential richness and smooth mouthfeel that makes this frosting so luxurious. Using unsalted butter is recommended because it gives you complete control over the saltiness of your frosting. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but you might want to slightly reduce any additional salt you might add, or simply omit it. Just like the cream cheese, your butter must be softened to room temperature before you begin. This is paramount for achieving a light, airy, and lump-free frosting. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly, resulting in a dense or grainy texture. To soften it quickly, slice the butter into smaller pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until it gives slightly when pressed. Avoid melting it in the microwave, as this can change its structure and make your frosting greasy.
Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar)
This is what gives our frosting its sweetness and structure, creating that wonderful fluffy consistency. Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) dissolves instantly, ensuring a smooth, non-grainy texture. While it’s not strictly necessary, sifting your powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture can prevent lumps and ensure an even creamier frosting. This step is especially helpful if your powdered sugar has been sitting in the pantry for a while and has clumped together.
Creamy Peanut Butter
This is the star of the show, delivering that unmistakable nutty flavor! I highly recommend using regular creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). The smooth consistency is essential for a frosting that can be easily spread and, more importantly, piped without any issues. While chunky peanut butter might seem appealing for extra texture, the chunks will clog piping bags and can tear delicate cakes when spread. I also strongly advise against using natural peanut butter (the kind that separates with oil on top). Natural peanut butter is too oily and tends to separate, leading to a greasy, inconsistent, and often grainy frosting that won’t hold its shape well. Its texture also doesn’t blend as smoothly, resulting in a less desirable final product.
Optional Additions
- Vanilla Extract: For an extra layer of flavor, a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can enhance the overall taste profile, adding warmth and depth that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- Pinch of Salt: A tiny pinch of fine salt can surprisingly elevate the peanut butter flavor, balancing the sweetness and making the nutty notes pop. Start with a quarter teaspoon and adjust to your preference.
- Milk or Cream: If your frosting turns out a little too thick, especially after chilling, you can add a tablespoon of milk or heavy cream at a time to reach your desired consistency.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe perfectly. For a printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the page.
Creating this fluffy peanut butter frosting is remarkably straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result:
- Combine Cream Cheese and Butter: In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is exceptionally creamy, light, and airy, usually about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps of butter or cream cheese remaining. This initial creaming step is crucial for the frosting’s overall smooth texture.
- Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Slowly add the powdered sugar, a half-cup at a time, allowing each addition to be fully incorporated before adding more. This prevents a cloud of sugar from enveloping your kitchen! Once all the sugar has been added, increase the speed to medium-low and beat until the mixture is smooth. Periodically stop the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and there are no hidden pockets of unmixed sugar.
- Incorporate Peanut Butter: Finally, add the creamy peanut butter to the bowl. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and mix until the peanut butter is completely combined with the cream cheese mixture and the frosting becomes wonderfully light, airy, and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can sometimes make the frosting less stable. Mix just until everything is beautifully incorporated and the desired consistency is achieved.
Your rich, fluffy, and utterly delicious peanut butter frosting is now ready to spread, pipe, or simply enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
To ensure your peanut butter frosting turns out perfectly every time, and to help with common queries, here are some frequently asked questions and invaluable expert tips:
Proper storage is key to keeping your frosting fresh. Store the prepared peanut butter frosting in a large airtight container or a heavy-duty ziptop bag. Place it in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and delicious for up to 1 week. Before using it again, allow it to come to room temperature, then give it a good stir with a spoon or a quick whip with your mixer to restore its creamy texture.
If your frosting seems too thin, there are a few effective ways to thicken it:
- Add More Powdered Sugar: The simplest method is to gradually mix in an extra 2-3 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Always add a little at a time and mix well before adding more, until you reach your desired consistency. Be mindful that this will increase the sweetness.
- Chill It: This frosting naturally thickens as it cools. If you plan on piping it, I highly recommend covering the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerating it for 20-30 minutes. The slight chill will firm it up perfectly for piping without needing to add extra sugar.
- Use Cornstarch (Carefully): If you want to thicken the frosting without adding more sweetness, cornstarch can be used. However, use it sparingly! Adding too much cornstarch can make the frosting gummy or pasty, which is the exact opposite of the fluffy texture you’re aiming for. Start by slowly incorporating just one tablespoon of cornstarch into the frosting, mixing well. Add more if needed, one teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the desired thickness.
Yes, this peanut butter frosting freezes beautifully! To freeze, transfer the frosting into a large ziptop bag, pressing out as much air as possible, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the frosting in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, allow it to reach room temperature on the counter. Before applying, give it a thorough mix with a spoon or re-whip it with a mixer for a minute or two to bring it back to its original creamy and fluffy consistency.
This recipe yields approximately 3 cups of delicious peanut butter frosting. This amount is generally sufficient to generously frost a standard two-layer 8-inch or 9-inch round cake, a 13×9 inch sheet cake, or a batch of 12 cupcakes. If you plan on piping the frosting onto cupcakes with elaborate designs, or if you’re frosting a larger cake (like a triple-layer cake or multiple cakes), it’s advisable to double the recipe to ensure you have plenty.
While a food processor can combine ingredients, it is generally not recommended for making this type of frosting. A food processor tends to chop and blend rather than whip and aerate, which is essential for creating a light and fluffy texture. You’ll achieve the best results with a stand mixer or a hand mixer, which are designed to incorporate air into the butter and cream cheese for that desirable airy consistency.
Yes, this peanut butter frosting recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided that all your ingredients (cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and peanut butter) are certified gluten-free. Most standard brands of these ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always wise to check labels if you have strict dietary requirements.
Expert Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Frosting:
- Room Temperature is Non-Negotiable: We can’t stress this enough! Ensuring your cream cheese and butter are properly softened to room temperature is the single most important tip for a smooth, lump-free, and fluffy frosting. Plan ahead to let them sit out for 30-60 minutes.
- Scrape Down the Bowl: Throughout the mixing process, especially after adding powdered sugar, frequently stop your mixer to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. This ensures all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and prevents any unmixed streaks.
- Don’t Overmix the Peanut Butter: Once you add the peanut butter, mix only until it’s just combined and fluffy. Overmixing can sometimes lead to a slightly greasy texture, especially if your kitchen is warm.
- Sift Your Powdered Sugar: For the silkiest smooth frosting, take the extra minute to sift your powdered sugar. This removes any lumps and ensures a perfectly uniform texture without any grainy bits.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your frosting before you’re done! You might want to add a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the peanut butter flavor, or a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth. If it’s too thick, a tablespoon of milk or cream can thin it. If too thin, try chilling it or adding a bit more powdered sugar.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Frosting
This versatile peanut butter frosting isn’t just for topping cakes; its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a fantastic accompaniment to a variety of desserts and snacks. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- On Brownies: It’s a match made in heaven! Generously spread this frosting over warm, fudgy brownies. Our fudge brownies with peanut butter frosting are always a huge hit.
- With Cupcakes: Pipe it high on chocolate, vanilla, banana, or even red velvet cupcakes for an irresistible treat. The nutty flavor is especially delightful with rich chocolate.
- On Cakes: Frost a classic chocolate cake, a vanilla bean cake, or a banana cake for an impressive and delicious dessert. It also makes a fantastic filling for a layer cake.
- As a Dip: Serve it alongside slices of fresh fruit (apples, bananas), crunchy pretzels, graham crackers, or your favorite cookies (like Nilla Wafers or even chocolate chip cookies).
- Whoopie Pies or Sandwich Cookies: Use it as a luscious filling for chocolate whoopie pies or to sandwich between two soft chocolate cookies.
- On Pancakes or Waffles: For a truly decadent breakfast or brunch, spread a dollop of this frosting over warm pancakes or waffles.
- With Fudge: A thin layer on top of a rich chocolate fudge can take it to the next level of indulgence.
We absolutely adore peanut butter in all its forms! Be sure to explore our extensive collection of other delightful peanut butter recipes for more inspiration.
Fun Variations for Your Peanut Butter Frosting
While this classic peanut butter frosting is perfect as is, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas to spark your culinary imagination:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl: Melt about 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and let cool slightly. After making the peanut butter frosting, gently swirl in the melted chocolate with a spoon, leaving streaks of chocolate for a marbled effect.
- Spiced Peanut Butter Frosting: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg along with the powdered sugar for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Frosting: If you love a bit of texture (and aren’t piping), fold in 1/4 cup of finely chopped roasted peanuts or miniature chocolate chips at the very end.
- Peanut Butter Coffee Frosting: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder in 1 tablespoon of hot water, then let it cool completely. Mix it into the frosting with the peanut butter for a subtle coffee kick that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
Explore More Delicious Frosting Recipes
If you love experimenting with different frosting flavors and textures, you’re in the right place! We have a fantastic selection of frosting recipes that are perfect for any baking project. Don’t miss these other delightful options:
- Classic Buttercream Frosting
- Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting
- Rich Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- Smooth Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- Nutty Brown Butter Frosting
I’m passionate about baking and cooking, and I love sharing my kitchen experiences with all of you! To make sure you never miss a new recipe, I offer a convenient newsletter that delivers fresh ideas straight to your inbox every time a new post goes live. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Peanut Butter Frosting
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 5 ounces cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 6 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Things You’ll Need
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Stand mixer or hand mixer
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Rubber spatula
Before You Begin
- I recommend using regular creamy peanut butter. Though it is possible to use chunky peanut butter, you won’t be able to pipe it as the chunks will get stuck, and spreading it over a delicate cake could cause the cake to tear on top. I would also advise against using natural peanut butter because it is too oily and separates as it sits.
- Make sure your unsalted butter is softened before beginning. To do so, slice the butter and allow it to rest at room temperature for around 30 minutes or until it is soft to the touch and no longer chilled.
- You will also want the cream cheese to be at room temperature so that you don’t end up with a lumpy frosting. Slice it into cubes and allow it to rest at room temp for 30-45 minutes until the chill is taken off.
- Store the frosting in a large ziptop bag or airtight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- To freeze, place the frosting in a large ziptop bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. You will want to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight then allow it to reach room temperature before using it. Thoroughly mix the frosting with a spoon or give it another whip with a mixer to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
- To make your frosting thicker, you can add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of powdered sugar (always start with less but add more if needed). Do note that this frosting will thicken as it sits in the refrigerator. I recommend covering it with a lid and setting it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes if you plan on piping it, this is a good alternative to adding more sugar. You can also thicken it with cornstarch if you’d rather not sweeten the frosting more than you have to. Adding too much cornstarch can make the frosting gummy, which is the exact opposite of what you want! Slowly incorporate a Tablespoon’s worth of cornstarch into the frosting, adding more if needed, until you reach your desired consistency.
- This recipe yields 3 cups of frosting which is enough to frost a two layer cake, 12 cupcakes, or a 13×9 cake. Double the recipe if you are piping the frosting onto the cupcakes. Double the recipe for frosting three 8 or 9 inch round cakes.
Instructions
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Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
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With mixer on low speed, slowly add powdered sugar until completely incorporated, occasionally scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl.
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Add peanut butter and mix on medium-high until completely combined and fluffy.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.