If you’re looking for the best peanut butter buttercream recipe… STOP! Look no further, you found it!

Let me back up, though…
I am a lover of all things peanut butter. You KNOW this, right?!
And if you haven’t gathered by the dozens of peanut butter recipes I have on my blog…I’m kinda obsessed with my recipe for peanut butter buttercream.

I’ve been in search of the perfect recipe for some time now. I’ve tried lots of recipes from baker friends and recipes from blogs, but finally, with some fine-tuning of several recipes put together, I’ve discovered the most amazing recipe ever.
It’s one of my finest creations. It’s what I consider to be…the Perfect Peanut Butter Buttercream!
History of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter has a rich and storied history that dates back to ancient civilizations in South America, where peanuts were ground into a paste and used as a source of protein.
Fast forward to the 19th century, when American food innovator George Washington Carver discovered the versatility of peanuts and popularized their use in a wide range of products, including peanut butter.

Since then, peanut butter has become a beloved staple in American cuisine, and its creamy, nutty flavor has spread to the far corners of the globe.
Today, peanut butter is enjoyed in countless forms, from classic PB&J sandwiches to fancy desserts and even savory dishes.
So next time you spread a dollop of peanut butter on your toast, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this tasty treat.
Additional uses for Peanut Butter Buttercream in Desserts
There are many ways to use peanut butter buttercream in desserts.
You can use peanut butter buttercream:
- as a filling or topping for cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods
- as a filling for cookies
- as a topping for ice cream or frozen yogurt
- as a filling for crepes or blintzes
- as a dip for fruit or pretzels
- and as a component of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich

Ingredients & Tools
Go and gather…
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 heaping cup creamy peanut butter (I use JIF)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (helps it whip up super airy!)
- A pinch of salt
You’ll also need…
- A stand mixer and bowl (though you can hand mix if you must)
- A silicone spatula (or something to scrape the bowl)
How to make peanut butter buttercream
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the peanut butter and butter for 2-3 minutes. You want the color to lighten by a few shades.
- Add the powdered sugar. Scrape the sides of the bowl and mix until combined.
- Pour in the heavy cream and beat until smooth. Scrape the bowl again.
- Mix in the salt.
- Beat on high for 3-4 minutes or until the buttercream has become light and fluffy.
- Use immediately.
Why I Love this Recipe
First off…the texture. The taste. I can’t ask for anything more in a peanut butter buttercream. It’s creamy, light, fluffy, smooth, and spreads extremely well. It’s FULL of peanut butter flavor but isn’t super sweet, so if you’re a fan of good ol’ PB but don’t necessarily want to overdo it…this is your recipe.

Also, there is seriously no wrong way to use this peanut butter buttercream. It really is that versatile and it’s TO DIE FOR. Get creative and:
- Use it as a dip for fruit,
- Top chocolate chunks with it,
- Frost cakes, brownies, or cupcakes with it,
- Make cookie sandwiches with it,
- Or… do like I do and eat it by the spoonful!
This is a totally event-neutral peanut butter frosting, too. People have told me they’ve made it for:
- Birthdays (it’d be great for kids’ birthdays especially!)
- Work parties
- Weddings
- Valentines Day
- Teacher Appreciation Week
…and I bet however you use it will also be awesome!
So, in short…go make that peanut butter buttercream!

Frequently Asked Questions
How many cupcakes does this recipe frost?
1 dozen (12)!
Does this buttercream hold up in warm weather?
Like all buttercream, this peanut butter buttercream is made with butter, so extreme heat will cause it to melt.
Can I use this to frost a cake and will it be enough?
To frost a small 2-layer 6-inch cake you will probably have enough. Anything larger, I’d suggest doubling the recipe.
Can I use a piping tip and pastry bag with this peanut butter buttercream?
Absolutely! This frosting is creamy and smooth and works very will in a pastry bag with a tip.
Can I color the frosting?
I’m unsure! I’d recommend doing a test batch first.
If I pour ganache over the top, will the buttercream hold up?
If you chill the frosted cupcakes for 20 minutes first, they should be okay. I can’t promise anything though!

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but beware… the frosting will be less fluffy! And I think the fluff is kind-of the point…but you can always do what you’d like!
Can I make this with more or less peanut butter?
Sure! Adjust the flavor how you want it.
What about any other substitutions?
Like I said earlier, I perfected this after toooons of experimenting!
Though I always encourage trying something new, it wouldn’t be “perfect” anymore if you used substitutions, and I don’t know how it would turn out.
I can’t fully recommend it…but feel free to mess around. Tell me how it goes in the comments!
Does it need to be used right away?
No, you can refrigerate this for 2-3 days. I really do recommend making it right before you have to, though, so you don’t have to keep bringing it to room temperature every time!
How long is it edible if it’s stored in the fridge?
I’d say about 10 days.
JavaCupcake Recipes with Peanut Butter Buttercream
Check out my PB&J Chocolate Cupcakes!
Or…my Peanut Butter Buttercream Tagalong Cookie Sandwiches!
Or…these Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes!

10 Funny Uses for Peanut Butter Buttercream
- To glue together broken pieces of furniture.
- As a tasty and nutritious substitute for cement in construction projects.
- As a replacement for that pesky squirrel that keeps digging up your flowers.
- As a secret ingredient in your homemade bubble bath for a luxurious and nutty experience.
- As a replacement for oil in your car’s engine for a smoother, more delicious ride.
- As a face mask for a glowing and radiant complexion.
- As a replacement for glue on envelopes and stamps for a stickier, more delicious mailing experience.
- As a hair styling product for a sleek and shiny ‘do with a hint of nutty goodness.
- As a replacement for peanut butter in your PB&J sandwiches for a truly over-the-top peanut butter experience.
- As a secret ingredient in your next dinner party for a surprisingly tasty and creamy surprise.

Peanut Butter Buttercream
Light, fluffy, creamy, and just the right about of peanut butter flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 heaping cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the peanut butter and butter for 2-3 minutes. You want the color to lighten by a few shades.
- Add the powdered sugar. Scrape the sides of the bowl and mix until combined.
- Pour in the heavy cream and beat until smooth. Scrape the bowl again.
- Mix in the salt.
- Beat on high for 3-4 minutes or until the buttercream has become light and fluffy.
- Use immediately.
Kim
Monday 1st of November 2021
Hello! I know it’s been a while since you’ve posted this recipe, but I’m looking for a PB frosting that after chilled I could paint on leopard spots for a child’s safari themed birthday. Will this frosting “crust” enough to allow for painting?
Bbarbq
Tuesday 14th of September 2021
Does buttercream iced cake need to be refrigerated?
Betsy Eves
Wednesday 22nd of September 2021
Depends on the heat and humidity of where you live. The frosting is relatively soft, so if it's hot/humid I'd recommend chilling the cake until about an hour before you serve.
Marlene
Sunday 17th of November 2019
I've made this peanut butter buttercream many times. Everyone who tries it loves it! Yesterday I doubled the recipe, using one heaping cup of Jif and one cup of peanut butter powder. Everything else remained the same. It's not as sweet, but still VERY delicious. The doubled recipe was enough to generously swirl on top of 36 chocolate cupcakes (with some left over) using Ateco tip #868. Thank you!
Sheryl
Saturday 21st of September 2019
My friend group LOVES the flavor and texture of this frosting, especially paired with a chocolate cake! Today, for my husband's birthday, I decided to mix it up and do mint with the chocolate cake instead. Substituted Crisco for the peanut butter (1:1), added some mint and vanilla extracts, and a little food coloring. The frosting turned out just as wonderfully light and fluffy as it does with peanut butter, so I think this might be my go-to frosting base from now on!
Amanda
Friday 13th of September 2019
This frosting is like a peanut butter cloud from the planet yummy. SO GOOD!! I added a little of Mexican Vanilla to my frosting.