Peanut Butter Icing

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Peanut butter icing is the luscious upgrade your favorite desserts never knew they needed. This frosting is creamy, smooth, and loaded with rich, nutty flavor. Whether you want to top a chocolate cake, banana muffins, or sandwich cookies, this icing is the irresistible finish that elevates anything it touches.

The best part? It takes just minutes to whip up and only a handful of pantry staples. The texture strikes the perfect balance between fluffy and decadent, with just enough saltiness to cut through the sweetness. Once you make this, it might just become your go-to frosting.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Icing

If you love peanut butter, this icing is a dream. It’s got that indulgent flavor of roasted peanuts blended with sweetness, making it the ideal match for a variety of baked goods. It’s stable enough to pipe for decorating but soft enough to slather generously over warm brownies or layer cakes. Plus, it stores beautifully, making it perfect for make-ahead desserts.

Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter For This Icing?

You can, but with caution. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and can cause the icing to separate or be too loose. If you go this route, make sure your natural peanut butter is well-stirred and not overly runny. For the most consistent results, stick with a creamy, no-stir peanut butter like Jif or Skippy.

Ingredients for the Peanut Butter Icing

This icing comes together with a few simple ingredients that work together to make a rich, velvety frosting.

• Peanut Butter: This is the heart of the icing. A creamy, salted peanut butter gives you the smoothest and most flavorful base.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the salt level. It also adds creaminess and structure.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and thickens the frosting to the right consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and rounds out the nuttiness.
• Milk or Cream: Helps loosen the icing to your preferred texture. Cream makes it richer, milk keeps it lighter.

How To Make the Peanut Butter Icing

Step 1: Cream the Fats

Start by beating the butter and peanut butter together in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and well blended, about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add Sweetness

Gradually add the powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, mixing on low to prevent a sugar cloud. Once all sugar is added, beat the mixture on medium-high until smooth.

Step 3: Adjust the Texture

Add vanilla extract, then slowly pour in milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. For piping, keep it thicker. For spreading, slightly thinner works well.

Step 4: Frost and Enjoy

Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or anything you want with a peanut butter twist. You can also refrigerate it for later.

How to Serve and Store Peanut Butter Icing

This recipe makes enough to generously frost a 9-inch two-layer cake or 24 cupcakes. It can also fill sandwich cookies or be swirled over a batch of brownies for a gooey upgrade.

To store, transfer any leftover icing to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to one week. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using again. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Icing?

Chocolate Cake

Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven. Slather it on your favorite chocolate cake for a bakery-style treat.

Banana Muffins

Add a dollop of peanut butter icing to banana muffins for a fun brunch twist.

Brownies

Spread a thick layer over fudgy brownies for an instant upgrade.

Cookies

Use it as a filling for sandwich cookies or a spread on sugar cookies.

Cupcakes

Top chocolate or vanilla cupcakes with a swirl of this icing and a few chopped peanuts for crunch.

Graham Crackers

Let your kids (or your inner kid) enjoy peanut butter icing as a dip with graham crackers.

Apple Slices

This icing makes a sweet-and-savory dip for fresh apple slices.

Want More Frosting and Topping Ideas?

If you love this peanut butter icing, check out some other sweet topping ideas on Janet Dishes:

• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a protein-rich savory option.
• Decadent Chocolate Smores Cupcakes to pair with this icing.
• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake if you’re in the mood for indulgent layers.
• Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies that are practically begging for this frosting in the center.
• Lemon Truffles if you need a citrusy break from all the richness.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for creamy or chunky peanut butter? Add cinnamon or leave it classic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and sweet inspirations on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite treat.

Conclusion

Peanut butter icing is a must-know for any dessert lover. With its rich flavor, dreamy texture, and easy prep, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Whether you’re topping a cake or sneaking a spoonful straight from the bowl, this icing brings comfort and joy to every bite.

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