I love my Peanut Butter Icing For Cupcakes made with just five simple ingredients. I blend unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter and sifted confectioners sugar with a touch of milk and vanilla extract to create a frosting in only 10 minutes that makes any dessert feel extra special.

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I recently decided to try something a little different and whipped up a peanut butter frosting that totally surprised me. It only took one bowl and five basic ingredients and I was amazed it only took about 10 minutes!

I started by creaming 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 1 cup creamy peanut butter until it was smooth. Then I carefully sifted in 2 cups of confectioners sugar, letting the mixture gradually transform into a thick, luscious blend.

I added 2 tablespoons of milk and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to bring everything together. This peanut butter icing is not only perfect for cupcakes but also a fun twist on those famous Reese’s peanut butter cupcakes or even when you need that cooked peanut butter frosting vibe.

I love experimenting with different cupcake frostings and this one, with its unique texture and rich flavor, definitely stands out in my recipe book. Give it a try and see what you think!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it’s super simple and fast. I only need one bowl and five basic ingredients, so cleanup is a breeze and it doesn’t feel complicated at all. I also like that it comes together in about 10 minutes, which is perfect when I’m in a rush or just craving something sweet. And honestly, the creamy, peanut buttery flavor is amazing—it’s just the right amount of rich and sweet without being overwhelming. I appreciate that I can tweak it a bit if I want to, like adding a little more milk or vanilla, so it always feels like it’s made just the way I like it.

Ingredients

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Unsalted butter adds rich creaminess and smooth texture that makes frosting luxurious and well balanced.
Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats while giving a distinct, nutty flavor to frosting.
Confectioners sugar sweetens the frosting instantly while ensuring a silky, smooth finish that melts perfectly.
Milk helps adjust consistency making the mixture easier to blend and spread on your baked treats.
Vanilla extract enhances aroma and rounds off flavors with a sweet, warm note that lingers.
These ingredients combine to create a frosting thats indulgent yet balanced with protein and fats.
This peanut butter frosting is perfect for cupcakes and cakes offering a decadent treat for any occasion.

Ingredient Quantities

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup creamy peanut butter

2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make this

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1. Start by putting the softened unsalted butter and the creamy peanut butter in a large bowl.

2. Using an electric mixer, beat them together for about one to two minutes until the mix gets smooth.

3. Slowly add the sifted confectioners sugar while running your mixer on a low setting so you don’t get a big sugar cloud everywhere.

4. Pour in the two tablespoons of milk and add the teaspoon of vanilla extract then mix again until everything is nicely combined.

5. Keep beating for another minute or so to help all the ingredients blend well into a creamy texture.

6. If your frosting looks a bit too thick, feel free to add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it becomes spreadable.

7. Don’t forget to scrape the side of the bowl with a spatula every now and then so no bits get left behind.

8. Give it a quick taste and if you think it needs a tiny bit more vanilla or sugar, go ahead and adjust it to your liking.

9. Once it’s smooth and fluffy, it’s ready to be spread on your cake or cupcakes.

10. Enjoy your peanut butter frosting right away or store it in an airtight container for later use.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Electric mixer
4. Sifter for the confectioners sugar
5. Spatula

FAQ

Q: How do i adjust the consistency of this frosting?

A: If its too thick, just add a bit more milk until you get the smooth, spreadable texture you like.

Q: Can i use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

A: Yeah, you can use crunchy peanut butter but it may change the texture a bit and give you a bit of crunchiness in every bite.

Q: Why do i need to sift the confectioners sugar?

A: Sifting helps remove lumps so your frosting comes out smooth and doesnt turn out gritty.

Q: How should i store any leftover frosting?

A: Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Just bring it back to room temperature before using it again.

Q: Can i double the recipe for a bigger cake?

A: Sure thing, just double all the ingredients and mix it well. Just be careful with the milk add it slowly so it doesnt get too watery.

Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Unsalted butter – you can use salted butter if that’s all you got or even try a margarine
Creamy peanut butter – chunky peanut butter works just fine, or if you need to cut nut allergies, try sunflower seed butter instead
Confectioners sugar – if you dont have any, blend granulated sugar until its nearly powdery
Milk – almond milk or soy milk are great substitutes, especially if youre going dairy free
Vanilla extract – for a change, you can try a bit of almond extract; it gives a slightly different twist

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your butter and peanut butter are at room temperature so they mix really smooth. If they’re too cold, you might end up with lumps which can ruin the overall texture.
2. Always sift your confectioners sugar before adding it to the mix. It sounds like a pain but trust me, it stops nasty clumps from forming and gives you that perfect, fluffy frosting.
3. Keep an eye on the bowl and scrape the sides every once in a while. Sometimes the mix sticks to the bowl and if you miss it, you’ll end up with uneven flavor in your frosting.
4. When adding milk, do it slowly. A little goes a long way, and you dont want to run the risk of making the frosting too runny. Add one teaspoon at a time until it reaches just the right consistency.

Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Recipe by Tina Bueller

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

269

kcal

Equipment: 1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Electric mixer
4. Sifter for the confectioners sugar
5. Spatula

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Start by putting the softened unsalted butter and the creamy peanut butter in a large bowl.
Using an electric mixer, beat them together for about one to two minutes until the mix gets smooth.
Slowly add the sifted confectioners sugar while running your mixer on a low setting so you don't get a big sugar cloud everywhere.
Pour in the two tablespoons of milk and add the teaspoon of vanilla extract then mix again until everything is nicely combined.
Keep beating for another minute or so to help all the ingredients blend well into a creamy texture.
If your frosting looks a bit too thick, feel free to add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it becomes spreadable.
Don’t forget to scrape the side of the bowl with a spatula every now and then so no bits get left behind.
Give it a quick taste and if you think it needs a tiny bit more vanilla or sugar, go ahead and adjust it to your liking.
Once it’s smooth and fluffy, it’s ready to be spread on your cake or cupcakes.
Enjoy your peanut butter frosting right away or store it in an airtight container for later use.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.