This creamy Peanut Butter Frosting for brownies has only 6 basic ingredients and is easy to make any time you get that peanut butter craving. Peanut butter lovers will love the silky smoothness, the light sweet taste and the big pop of peanut butter flavor! Perfect to top anything chocolate!
This frosting has got to be in your recipe box! I love a yummy frosting, it's just the icing on the cake! OK, sorry, I couldn't help myself. lol Like the creamiest cream cheese frosting on my carrot cake to the fall flavor of maple frosting on my apple cider cookies to the rich strawberry buttercream frosting on my Strawberry Lemon Cake, it's all good.
This is definitely a peanut butter lovers must have. It's big flavor just wows anyone that tastes it. This is my go-to frosting for anything chocolate. I don't bake many layer cakes, mainly because there are only two of us and I hate throwing anything out, but luscious brownies and sheet cakes - oh yeah! You can also use it for whoopie pies, stir it into oatmeal or, maybe, just eat it by the spoonful.
Variations
- Make it chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting by replacing ½ cup confectioner's sugar with ½ cup cocoa powder
- Add mashed banana to frosting
- Change out the vanilla extract for almond extract
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use regular peanut butter?
It is best to use regular peanut butter rather than natural. Natural peanut butter has a higher level of oil and the separation that occurs can cause the frosting to be greasier.
Can I use chunky peanut butter?
If you are going to pipe the frosting on cupcakes or cakes, chunky peanut butter will clog up the tip, so it is advisable to stick to creamy. If you want more texture, a not so silky smooth type of frosting for brownies, you can opt to use the chunky variety.
How can I fix frosting that is too thick?
Add more cream in small amounts, mixing in-between until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
How can I fix frosting that is too thin?
If the frosting is more of a glaze, you can add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches a spreadable stage.
How long will this frosting last?
You can actually make this frosting 4-7 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prior to use, bring the frosting back to room temperature before spreading on your baked goods.
How to make
Gather the 6 simple ingredients. If you don't have cream, you can use whole milk or half and half instead.
- Place peanut butter and butter In a mixing bowl. Make sure they are both at room temperature for a smoother frosting. (photo 1)
- Cream until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Isn't that color just beautiful! (photo 2)
- Add powdered sugar and mix on low until combined then mix on a higher speed until smooth and well incorporated. (photo 3)
- Pour in vanilla extract and salt. (photo 4)
- Add cream. (photo 5)
- Beat until well mixed. Adjust consistency by either adding cream if it's too thick or adding confectioners sugar if too thin. (photo 6)
Doesn't that look divine?! This easy, creamy Peanut Butter Frosting for brownies will be your new go-to favorite topping too. Just try it once and you'll be hooked. This recipe will make enough to frost an 8x8-inch pan of brownies or 12 cupcakes. It is easily doubled to provide enough for a 9x13-inch sheet cake, 18-24 cupcakes or a two layer 8" or 9" cake. Enjoy!
More peanut butter deliciousness
Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies are the perfect after school treat! Rich peanut butter cookies sandwich the kids favorite jelly in-between.
Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles are like your favorite peanut butter cookie and a cinnamon-y snickerdoodle had a baby.
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a whole new way to enjoy peanut butter and bananas!
Love quick & easy recipes? Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest & Twitter for all the latest recipe inspiration! Plus join my email list here and receive a free e-book.
Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting
Ingredients
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter room temperature
- ½ cup butter room temperature
- 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon cream half and half or milk
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream peanut butter and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and mix on low until combined then mix on a higher speed until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add vanilla extract, salt and cream to mixture and beat until well mixed.
- If the mixture is too thick, add more cream. If the mixture is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Makes enough for an 8x8-inch square cake or brownies.
Notes
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use regular peanut butter? It is best to use regular peanut butter rather than natural. Natural peanut butter has a higher level of oil and the separation that occurs can cause the frosting to be greasier. Can I use chunky peanut butter? If you are going to pipe the frosting on cupcakes or cakes, chunky peanut butter will clog up the tip, so it is advisable to stick to creamy. If you want more texture, a not so silky smooth type of frosting for brownies, you can opt to use the chunky variety. How long will this frosting last? You can actually make this frosting 4-7 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prior to use, bring the frosting back to room temperature before spreading on your baked goods.Nutrition
