Peanut Butter Icing

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Smooth, creamy, and irresistibly nutty — this Peanut Butter Icing is what dessert dreams are made of. Whether you’re frosting cupcakes, layering a cake, or dipping cookies, this icing is a rich and fluffy topping that brings instant joy with every bite. With a beautiful marbled look and a whipped texture, it’s both stunning and delicious.

Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this icing comes together in minutes and is the perfect way to elevate your baked goods. It’s sweet, salty, and has the kind of thick swirl that holds its shape like a bakery-style frosting. If you’re a peanut butter lover, you’re about to find your new favorite icing.

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Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Icing

• Ultra Creamy Texture: Fluffy, rich, and smooth, this icing spreads like a dream.
• Easy to Make: Requires no special equipment or fancy techniques.
• Versatile: Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, or just eating by the spoonful.
• Balanced Flavor: Sweet with a hint of salt, and packed with real peanut butter taste.
• Visually Stunning: Swirled look and pipeable consistency for professional-looking desserts.

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What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

For best results, use creamy peanut butter that’s shelf-stable — like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butters tend to separate and can make the icing too oily or gritty. If you want a stronger peanut flavor, you can blend in a bit of crunchy peanut butter or add crushed peanuts on top for garnish, like in the photo.

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Ingredients for the Peanut Butter Icing

Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor for this luscious icing:

• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show. Provides the rich, nutty base flavor and smooth consistency.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds a creamy texture and helps the icing whip up light and fluffy.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the icing, giving it a classic frosting texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Loosens the consistency to make it spreadable or pipeable, depending on your need.
• Salt (optional): Enhances the peanut flavor and balances the sweetness, especially if using unsalted peanut butter.

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How To Make the Peanut Butter Icing

Step 1: Cream the Peanut Butter and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until smooth and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Sugar Gradually

Add in the vanilla extract, then slowly incorporate the powdered sugar a little at a time. Beat well between each addition to avoid clumps.

Step 3: Adjust the Consistency

Once all the sugar is incorporated, begin adding heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time. Mix until you reach your desired consistency — thick for piping or slightly thinner for spreading.

Step 4: Whip Until Fluffy

Beat the entire mixture on high for 1–2 minutes until the icing is light, fluffy, and holds soft peaks. If desired, fold in crushed peanuts or create a swirl effect with an extra spoonful of peanut butter.

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Serving and Storing This Peanut Butter Icing

This Peanut Butter Icing is perfect for frosting 12 cupcakes, a 9×13-inch sheet cake, or a two-layer 8-inch round cake. It also makes a fantastic dip for cookies or fruit. Once made, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip if needed for fluffiness.

You can also freeze the icing for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bring it to room temperature and beat again before using.

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What to Serve With Peanut Butter Icing?

Chocolate Cake

Peanut butter and chocolate are a timeless pairing. Slather this icing over a rich, moist chocolate cake for an indulgent dessert.

Banana Bread

Frost banana bread with this icing to create a bakery-style treat that tastes like a peanut butter banana sandwich.

Brownies

Spread a thick layer of peanut butter icing over brownies for an elevated twist on a classic.

Apple Slices

Use this icing as a dip for crisp apple slices — a fun and tasty after-school snack.

Graham Crackers

Perfect for a no-bake snack or kid-friendly dessert. Just spread and enjoy.

Cupcakes

Top vanilla, chocolate, or banana cupcakes with a swirl of this icing for a bakery-fresh finish.

Sandwich Cookies

Make your own peanut butter sandwich cookies with this icing in the center. Simple, sweet, and satisfying.

Pancakes or Waffles

Use a dollop of this icing in place of syrup for an extra-special breakfast idea.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this icing ahead of time?
Yes! Peanut Butter Icing stores wonderfully. You can make it up to 5 days in advance. Just refrigerate in an airtight container and let it come to room temperature before using.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but it may affect the texture. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less creamy, which can result in a separated or grainy icing. Stir it well if using, or stick to regular creamy peanut butter for best results.

Is this icing good for piping decorations?
Absolutely. This icing holds its shape well, especially if you beat it until fluffy and chill it briefly before piping. Perfect for rosettes, swirls, and borders.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and plant-based milk (like oat or almond milk). The texture may vary slightly but it still tastes great.

How do I make the marbled swirl look like in the photo?
Once your icing is ready, add a spoonful of peanut butter into the bowl and gently fold it in with a spatula to create visible swirls. Don’t overmix — less is more for that marble effect.

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Save This Pin 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 add liqueur or leave it out? Did you try chocolate on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

For more sweet ideas, check out my daily creations on Pinterest: Life With Livia Pinterest

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Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Icing is the ultimate topping for peanut butter lovers — creamy, rich, and full of flavor. It’s quick to make, easy to store, and elevates everything from cakes to cookies with just one swirl. Whether you’re whipping it up for a party or just a weekend treat, this icing is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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