Peanut Butter Frosting

Christine Gallary
Christine GallarySenior Recipe Editor at The Kitchn
I grew up in a Chinese food-loving family, eating my first restaurant meals in Oakland's vibrant Chinatown. My love of food but lack of cooking experience led to me Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where I graduated with a Diplôme de Cuisine in French cooking. After culinary school, I learned how to test and edit recipes in test kitchens at Cook's Illustrated and CHOW, falling in love with the process of rigorously testing recipes to make sure they were foolproof for the home cook. I've worked with thousands of recipes over the past 15 years, including developing recipes for the James Beard-award winning Mister Jiu's in Chinatown cookbook. Living in the delicious diversity of San Francisco, I never get tired of finding new ingredients or cuisines to try. My favorite type is Cantonese home cooking — I'm on a quest to recreate the dishes my grandmother used to make. All the food I test at home is eagerly tasted and enjoyed by my husband, Hayden, and daughter, Sophie, while our little dog, Mochi, looks wistfully on.
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published Jan 29, 2022
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overhead shot of cupcakes frosted with peanut butter frosting
Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Jesse Szewczyk

This smooth, fluffy frosting is chock-full of creamy peanut butter and the perfect topper for cakes and cupcakes.

Makesenough for 18 cupcakes

Prep5 minutes

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overhead shot of cupcakes frosted with peanut butter frosting
Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Jesse Szewczyk

I’m not a frosting person at all. In fact, I usually eat all the cake in my slice and then pass on the frosting to my daughter or husband, who gladly make sure it doesn’t go to waste. One of the exceptions to this, however, is peanut butter frosting. I think it’s the savory nuttiness of it mixed with just the right amount of butter and sugar that has me gladly gobbling it all up.

Many peanut butter frosting recipes have a big ratio of of sugar to peanut butter, but I like it reversed. Lots of peanut butter and just the right amount of butter and sugar whip up to a fluffy, creamy pile that makes everything you spread it on simply amazing.

Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Jesse Szewczyk

What’s the Best Peanut Butter for Peanut Butter Frosting? 

For the smoothest, fluffiest peanut butter frosting, use commercial brands like Skippy and Jif. The smoother the peanut butter, the smoother the frosting. If you want to use a natural peanut butter, Skippy makes one that I love using in this frosting. Beat the peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and a little smidge of vanilla extract until light and fluffy.

Why Did My Peanut Butter Frosting Separate?

Frosting separates when the ingredients are either too hot or too cold. Make sure you start with room-temperature butter that’s soft to the touch but not melting. Your peanut butter should also be at room temperature before making the frosting.


What Should I Pair with Peanut Butter Frosting?

Chocolate and peanut butter are a natural pairing, so chocolate cake or cupcakes work well. Here are some more ideas on what to spread all that delicious frosting on.

Comments

Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

This smooth, fluffy frosting is chock-full of creamy peanut butter and the perfect topper for cakes and cupcakes.

Prep time 5 minutes

Makes enough for 18 cupcakes

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 12 tablespoons

    (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter

  • 1 (15- to 16-ounce) jar

    smooth peanut butter (about 1 1/2 cups), preferably Skippy or Jif

  • 1 cup

    powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon

    vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Cut 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter into 6 pieces. Place the butter, 1 (15- to 16-ounce) jar smooth peanut butter, and 1 cup powdered sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer (or large bowl if using an electric hand mixer). Let sit until the butter is room temperature.

  2. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and beat with the paddle attachment on low speed until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy and lightened in color, about 3 minutes more.

Recipe Notes

Peanut butter: The smoother the peanut butter, the smoother the frosting. I like Skippy Natural, which has an ultra-smooth texture.

Storage: Leftover frosting can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Filed in:
Cake
Dessert
Gluten-Free
dairy
pantry
quick