If you need a quick and delicious topping, this whipped peanut butter frosting is the answer. Ready in about 20 minutes, the simple four-ingredient formula results in a creamy, airy frosting that elevates cakes, simple vanilla cupcakes, and Nutella brownies. Because it relies on whipped cream rather than butter, it has a mousse-like consistency that feels light but tastes rich.
The Ingredients for the Peanut Butter Frosting
- Creamy Peanut Butter Standard commercial peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best here. It contains stabilizers that emulsify with the cream effectively to ensure a smooth finish. Natural varieties often separate and can make the frosting runny.
- Powdered Sugar This ingredient adds sweetness and helps stabilize the peanut butter base. Unlike granulated sugar, it dissolves instantly so you do not get a gritty texture.
- Heavy Whipping Cream This is the main structural ingredient, and it must be very cold. When whipped, the cold fat acts as a trap for air bubbles to turn the dense peanut butter paste into a fluffy cloud.
- Vanilla Extract A teaspoon of vanilla rounds out the nutty flavor and adds a warm aroma.
How to Make Whipped Peanut Butter Frosting
- Create the Peanut Butter Base Start by combining the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low speed. At first, the mixture will look thick and crumbly, similar to play-doh. This is normal.
- Loosen the Mixture Pour in just one cup of the cold heavy whipping cream. Continue mixing on low speed until the ingredients combine into a smooth, thick paste. Doing this gradually ensures you do not end up with lumps of peanut butter in the final frosting.
- Whip to Fluffiness Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure no heavy ingredients are stuck at the bottom. Pour in the remaining two cups of cold heavy whipping cream. Turn the mixer up to medium-high speed. Whip the mixture until it holds soft peaks and looks light and airy, similar to a mousse. Be sure to watch it closely so you do not over-whip it into butter.
- Chill and Serve While you can use the frosting immediately, it is often easier to pipe or spread after chilling for about 20 minutes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Storage and Usage (Chilling & Serving)
The whipped peanut butter frosting needs to be chilled after it is made. This allows the fats to set, making it much easier to spread on your cakes or pipe onto cupcakes. If you have any frosting left (I doubt you will!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a week.
Other Frostings and Desserts You'll Love
- The Whipped Salted Caramel Frosting is a great alternative if you want a salty-sweet combination.
- For fall baking, the Apple Cider Cream Cheese Frosting is a must-try.
- If you need a sturdier option for detailed piping, the Easy 4-Ingredient American Buttercream Frosting is a classic choice.
- Finally, if you enjoy the airy texture of this recipe, you will love my Chocolate Mousse Recipe.
FAQ's:
The most common reason is that the heavy whipping cream was not cold enough. Make sure to use very cold cream and whip the mixture long enough to reach a medium peak. You can also try chilling the frosting in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to help it firm up.
For the best results, use a standard creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter can be used, but the oil may separate, resulting in a different consistency.
The whipped peanut butter frosting will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week.
Yes, this frosting is great for layer cakes. For the best result, make sure the cake is completely cooled and the frosting has been chilled to make it easier to spread.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your vanilla extract is gluten-free.
Recipe
Whipped peanut butter frosting (4 Ingredients)
Ingredients
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 3 cups of very cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Method
- Add the peanut butter and powdered sugar then mix until combined. Then add one cup of the whipping cream to your mixing bowl and mix well until combined. Scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl when needed.
- When combined, add the remaining two cups of whipping cream. Beat until soft and fluffy.
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