Easy Peanut Butter Icing

As with most of our recipes, this one starts with convenience ingredients. It is so simple and fool-proof that anyone, even beginners can make it. It’s made by mixing together canned frosting, peanut butter, and a little butter. This mix creates a creamy peanut butter icing. It’s great for frosting cakes and cupcakes or even as a dip for fruit.

The best part about this one is how it can be changed to fit everyone’s taste. More or less peanut butter can be added to get the right flavor. This makes the peanut butter icing just right for all kinds of desserts.

Ingredients

• Vanilla Frosting – Swap out the canned vanilla frosting with homemade vanilla frosting if you prefer or a different kind of frosting.
• Creamy Peanut Butter – Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter can stand in for peanut butter if you’re dealing with allergies or just want a different flavor. Natural peanut butter can also be used instead of regular peanut butter.
• Butter 
• Milk (or cream or half and half) – For a richer flavor, use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of milk.

Addition Ideas

• For a bit of crunch, use crunchy peanut butter, you can also fold in some chopped peanuts or sprinkles on top once iced.
• This icing is perfect for topping chocolate cupcakes for any occasion.
• Top your peanut butter icing with peanut butter cups or other chocolate treats for special occasions.

How To Make Peanut Butter Icing

1. Take your canned frosting, peanut butter, and butter and combine them in a mixing bowl – this can be in a stand mixer, electric mixer or hand mixer.
2. Start blending at a medium speed until you can see that the peanut butter and icing are mixed well. Have a little taste test. If you want a stronger peanut butter flavor, feel free to add up to 1/2 cup more.
3. Now, when your icing has the right peanut butter punch, it’s time to pour in the milk and whip it up until it’s light and fluffy. If you prefer a smoother, silkier consistency, just add some more milk! Put the peanut butter mixture onto your cake and enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Icing

Making a chocolate version of this frosting is easy too. Just use your favorite chocolate canned frosting and keep the rest of the ingredients the same.

Recipe Tips

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you begin. This makes it easier to blend with the peanut butter and frosting, giving you that fluffy peanut butter frosting everyone loves.
• To make sure your icing is super fluffy, whip it a little longer than you think it needs. The extra air incorporated during this process will give it a cloud-like feel.
• If you’re a fan of some crunch in your icing, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter or fold in some chopped peanuts after you’ve finished with the mixer.

Storage

If you have too much frosting left over, storing it is a cinch. Simply place it in an airtight container, and it will hold up well in the fridge for up to a week. 

Now, if you’re planning further ahead, you’ll be glad to know that this icing can be frozen. Make sure it’s sealed tight in a freezer-friendly container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It should stay good for about 3 months. 

When you’re ready to use, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before spreading it on your cake. Remember, the frosting might be a bit stiffer after freezing, but a quick whisk or beat with your mixer should get it back to its creamy goodness, perfect for all peanut butter lovers. 

FAQs

Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter in This Recipe?

Sure thing! If you like a little extra something in your icing, crunchy peanut butter can be a great addition. Just keep in mind that it will give your fluffy frosting a slightly different feel than creamy peanut butter.

I Don’t Have Canned Frosting. Can I Still Make This Icing?

Absolutely! While this recipe starts with canned frosting for convenience, you can definitely make your own delicious buttercream from scratch. Just whip up your favorite recipe and use it in place of the canned frosting.

Can I Use This Icing on Cookies or Brownies?

Definitely! This peanut butter icing can be used to top cookies, brownies, or any other baked goods you fancy. It’s especially delicious on chocolate cookies or brownies, as the flavors complement each other wonderfully.

Does the Type of Milk Matter in This Recipe?

Not really. You can use whole milk, skim milk, or anything in between. You can also use non-dairy milk if you prefer. The main purpose of the milk is to achieve the desired thickness, so feel free to adjust the amount to get the perfect spreadable icing.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

You can! Just switch the butter out for a vegan butter substitute, use a vegan-friendly frosting, and make sure your peanut butter is vegan too. For the milk, opt for a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or soy milk. With these changes, you can easily make a vegan version of this icing.