Easy Homemade Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe (Perfect for Chocolate Brownies)

Get ready to elevate your favorite chocolate desserts with this irresistible peanut butter frosting! Made with just four simple ingredients, this foolproof recipe has been my go-to for over a decade. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors that will make any peanut butter lover swoon.

peanut butter frosting on chocolate cupcakes

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Why This Recipe Works

The secret to perfect peanut butter frosting lies in using the right type of peanut butter and achieving the proper butter-to-sugar ratio. Regular creamy peanut butter (like Jif) provides stability, while the butter adds richness and helps create that smooth, pipeable texture. Sifting the powdered sugar eliminates lumps, ensuring a silky finish every time.

Ingredients

  • Creamy peanut butter – Provides the rich, nutty base flavor and creamy texture
  • Butter – Adds richness and helps create smooth, pipeable consistency
  • Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting to proper spreading consistency
  • Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor and adds depth
peanut butter frosting ingredients

How to Make Peanut Butter Frosting

  1. Put the peanut butter and butter in a bowl and beat with an electric stand mixer until smooth.
  2. Sift confectioners’ sugar to remove lumps.
  3. Add powdered sugar and vanilla to the peanut butter mixture.
    peanut butter frosting mixture and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl
  4. Beat at medium-high speed until combined and smooth. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl a few times while mixing.
  5. Spread the frosting on cake, cupcakes, or brownies.

How Much Will This Recipe Make?

When making a recipe, it’s always nice to know how much to expect beforehand. For this recipe, you will be able to cover: 

  • 12 to 15 cupcakes
  • A 9×13-inch pan
  • A double-layer round cake

Based on how many cupcakes you need or how many cake layers you are making, you can easily double the recipe for larger quantities. Plus, if you like to layer your cake or cupcakes a little thicker, I consider that too. 

peanut butter frosting on cupcakes

Storage & Reheating Instructions

  • Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Frosting will firm up when chilled.
  • Bringing to Room Temperature: Let stand at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before using. Stir gently to restore smooth texture.
  • Freezing: Can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature and re-whip if needed.

Love peanut butter? Try these recipes!

Check out more of my easy dessert recipes and the best DIY recipes here on CopyKat!

peanut butter frosting on chocolate cupcakes

Easy 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Frosting

This foolproof peanut butter frosting recipe requires no cooking and uses just four pantry staples. It delivers the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, making it the ideal topping for cakes, cupcakes, and brownies. Whip up a batch in minutes!
5 from 2 votes
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Peanut butter, Peanut butter frosting
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 178kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Place peanut butter and butter in a bowl.
  • Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
  • Sift powdered sugar making sure to remove any lumps.
  • Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture.
  • Beat until combined and smooth.

Notes

The key to success is using regular commercial peanut butter rather than natural varieties. Natural peanut butters with separated oils create unstable frosting that won’t set properly. Room temperature butter is crucial for smooth mixing.

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 123mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.4mg

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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