If you’re a fan of the sweet, salty, and utterly luxurious combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you’re in for a real treat with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting. Every spoonful is luxuriously rich, with a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes it perfect for spreading or piping over cakes, cupcakes, or even brownies. It’s one of those recipes that truly transforms any dessert into something unforgettable, and it whips up in just minutes using simple staple ingredients. Whether you’re making treats for a party or just want to sneak a spoonful after dinner (I won’t tell!), this frosting delivers pure, classic indulgence with every bite.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This irresistibly creamy frosting comes together with simple pantry staples, each playing an important role in building deep flavor and cloud-like texture. Every ingredient has its moment to shine, so you’ll want to pick the best you can find.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The base for our Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting, bringing a rich, creamy backbone and subtle flavor.
Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Adds that unmistakable nutty richness and a velvety mouthfeel that sets this frosting apart.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (2/3 cup): For deep, bittersweet chocolate flavor—you’ll really taste the difference if you use a good-quality cocoa.
Powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting, plus it keeps the texture light and fluffy.
Heavy cream (1/3 cup, plus more if needed): Luxuriously smooths and softens the finished frosting for perfect spreadability.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash balances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors beautifully.
Pinch of salt: Don’t skip it! A little salt brings out all the other flavors and cuts through the sweetness.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

Start by scooping the softened butter and creamy peanut butter into a large mixing bowl. Beat them together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture looks light, smooth, and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 minutes. This step creates the base for the Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting and starts building that signature airy texture.

Step 2: Add Cocoa Powder

Reduce your mixer speed to low and add the unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix just until the cocoa disappears into the butter-peanut butter blend. This is where the frosting gets its chocolatey punch, and adding it early helps prevent a dusty cloud in your kitchen.

Step 3: Mix in the Powdered Sugar Gradually

With your mixer still on low, beat in the powdered sugar about a cup at a time. Mixing slowly at first helps prevent a sugar snowstorm. Once all the sugar is incorporated, your frosting should start to look thick and a bit stiff—don’t worry, the cream will fix that.

Step 4: Add Cream, Vanilla, and Salt

Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and whip everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, until the Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting is light, fluffy, and easily spreadable. If it seems a little thick, splash in a tablespoon of extra cream at a time until you reach just the right consistency.

Step 5: Check Consistency and Use

Give your frosting a final whip. It should hold soft peaks and look cloud-like, not runny. Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or brownies, or sneak a little taste—quality control is important!

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting

Garnishes

If you want to add a finishing touch that really brings out the chocolate and peanut butter magic, consider sprinkling mini chocolate chips, roasted peanuts, or even a few curls of chocolate on top after frosting. Not only does this add a little crunch, it makes your desserts look bakery-ready and irresistible.

Side Dishes

This bold frosting pairs beautifully with fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re serving it on a cake or cupcake, balancing with something tart or fruity on the side can really let that chocolate peanut butter flavor shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t feel limited to just cakes! Spread Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting between cookies for quick sandwich cookies, swirl it over brownies, or use it as a dip for pretzels or apple slices at your next party. You’ll be surprised at how versatile and crowd-pleasing it is.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), scoop the frosting into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. When you’re ready to use it again, let it come fully to room temperature, then give it a quick whip for fluffiness before spreading.

Freezing

Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting freezes beautifully. Place it in a tightly sealed container, pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent freezer burn. It keeps for up to three months in the freezer, ready for you to thaw and whip up whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

Reheating

The best way to revive leftover or chilled frosting is to let it reach room temperature naturally. Then, re-whip with a stand or hand mixer for a minute or two until it’s soft and fluffy again. If it’s still a little stiff, a small splash of cream will loosen things up perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting without a mixer?

Absolutely! While a mixer makes the job quicker and produces an extra-fluffy texture, you can still get great results by using a sturdy spatula and a little elbow grease. Just make sure your butter is fully softened so everything blends smoothly.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Creamy peanut butter gives the silkiest texture, but feel free to use crunchy if you want a little nutty bite throughout your frosting. Just note that it won’t be as smooth for piping, but it’s delightful for a rustic, hearty finish.

What’s the best way to get a deep chocolate flavor?

Use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed for a richer, darker chocolate taste. You can also toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips either into the frosting or sprinkled on top for double the chocolate impact.

How do I adjust the frosting’s consistency?

If your Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect, soft-spreading consistency. If it’s too thin, blend in a couple more spoonfuls of powdered sugar until it firms up.

Can this frosting be made dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter with your favorite plant-based butter and use a non-dairy cream like coconut cream or almond milk creamer. It’ll be a little softer, but just as delicious and luscious for any dairy-free needs.

Final Thoughts

If you love the timeless duo of chocolate and peanut butter, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting is about to become your go-to recipe for topping anything and everything. It’s quick, delightfully rich, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try — your desserts (and tastebuds) will thank you!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 2 1/2 cups (enough for 12 cupcakes or a 2-layer cake) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delectable treat with this creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting. Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or brownies, this rich and flavorful frosting will elevate your desserts to the next level.

Ingredients

Scale

For the frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream (plus more if needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add the cocoa powder and mix on low speed until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed to combine.
Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or brownies.

Notes

For an extra boost of chocolate flavor, mix in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or sprinkle on top after frosting.
Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American