This 3 ingredient vegan peanut butter frosting is AMAZING guys, and the perfect finisher to any birthday cake or “just because” dessert. Fluffy and creamy, and packed with rich peanut butter, this frosting is sure to take the cake. And trust me, I’ve made this vegan peanut butter frosting countless times over the years, and it’s always a hit.
It’s so good, I could literally eat the entire bowl all to myself…if my kids weren’t little vultures, that is. I swear, if I earned a quarter every time I heard the phrase, “can I have a taste?” I’d be swimming in my own money pool.
But who can blame them, really? Of course, after you make this frosting, be sure to try it with this classic vegan chocolate cake or these specialty dark vegan chocolate cupcakes for a lovely pair.
Jump to:
What to use vegan peanut butter frosting on
Wanna know what you can use this vegan peanut butter frosting on? The short answer is ANYTHING, really. I’m positive you’ll fall in love and use it again and again.
But just in case you need some ideas, here’s a few to get you started:
- Cake. Frosting and cake go hand in hand. For an easy vegan cake, try this chocolate cake that’s a reader favorite.
- Cupcakes. This frosting would pair nicely with my gluten-free vanilla cupcakes or these classic vegan chocolate cupcakes (coming soon!).
- Cookies. Yes, cookies! This vegan peanut butter frosting would make a great sandwich filling for these classic vegan chocolate chip cookies.
- Brownies. Who says you can’t put frosting on brownies? Try these vegan brownies (and omit the almonds and almond extract).
You only need 3 ingredients
Yup, it’s true! Here’s what you need for this simple vegan frosting:
- Vegan butter or coconut oil. I like using softened vegan butter, such as the Earth Balance brand. It gives this frosting the best smooth texture + buttery flavor. However, you can always switch it out for softened coconut oil if that’s more your speed.
- Creamy no-stir peanut butter. Yes, for this recipe it HAS TO BE no-stir smooth peanut butter. The natural peanut butters can cause an unbalance in the oil and make this frosting difficult to spread and/or pipe.
- Powdered sugar. Be sure to purchase organic powdered sugar, which is typically not processed with bone char.
Tips for whipping your frosting
Creating frosting is easy, but here are a few tips ensure that you get the perfect fluffy vegan peanut butter frosting every time:
- Let your vegan butter soften. When I say soften, let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before using. Using hard butter is not only more difficult to mix, but can create uneven chunks in your frosting. And no one likes chunky frosting.
- Be sure to use no-stir peanut butter. As I said above, this is crucial to smooth peanut butter frosting. For best results, I buy peanut butter that does not have added sugars (the powdered sugar is enough thank you very much).
- Do not over-whip the frosting. When using an electric hand mixer, sometimes it can be tempting to keep whipping (the frosting looks so pretty after all!), but I insist that you only whip at full-speed for about 15-30 seconds. Once the ingredients are fully mixed and the frosting appears smooth and creamy, STOP. Further whipping can actually break your frosting and make it harder to pipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
This vegan peanut butter frosting recipe makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes. For enough frosting to cover a cake, double the recipe.
YES! As pictured in this post, I used this to pipe onto vegan chocolate cupcakes. That’s one of the reasons I recommend using vegan butter– it helps create the perfect consistency for piping. Of course, if you don’t want to pipe, you can also spread this on your cupcakes with a butter knife. No shame.
If you really insist on the no butter thing, you can always swap it out for softened coconut oil (NOT melted!). However, keep in mind that this could be harder to pipe. In general, when using coconut oil, I recommend spreading your frosting (rustic style!) and then keeping it refrigerated, since coconut oil will melt in warm temperatures.
How to make vegan peanut butter frosting in 3 easy steps
This frosting only takes a 3 easy steps:
- Add vegan butter and peanut butter to a large mixing bowl. Cream with electric mixers.
- Add in powdered sugar and mix again. Frosting should be fluffy and light (see the tips above for more on this).
- Transfer to a piping bag and frost cupcakes or spread with a butter knife for a rustic look.
Allergy Information and Notes
- This peanut butter frosting is 100% vegan, meaning it is dairy-free and egg-free. It is also naturally gluten-free and soy-free.
- Don’t want to use vegan butter? See my suggestions above for coconut oil.
- Up your peanut butter game by using a flavored peanut butter, such as this vegan chocolate peanut butter.
More dairy free frosting recipes:
- This Coconut Frosting is Super Easy and Dairy-Free
- Easy Dairy-Free Chocolate Ganache for Frosting, Fillings, and More!
- Why You Need to Make This Dreamy Vegan Buttercream Frosting…
3 Ingredient Vegan Peanut Butter Frosting
Equipment
- Electric Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened (I use Earth Balance)
- ⅓ cup no-stir creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup vegan powdered sugar
Instructions
- Add vegan butter and peanut butter to a large mixing bowl. Cream with electric mixers.
- Add in powdered sugar and mix again. Frosting should be fluffy and light (see the tips above for more on this).
- Transfer to a piping bag and frost cupcakes or spread with a butterknife for a rustic look.
Notes
- This recipe is enough to frost 12 cupcakes. To cover a cake, be sure to double the recipe.
- I like using softened vegan butter, such as the Earth Balance brand. It gives this frosting the best smooth texture + buttery flavor. However, you can always switch it out for softened coconut oil if that’s more your speed. Just keep in mind that this will add a slight coconut flavor and may be harder to pipe. In general, when using coconut oil, I recommend spreading your frosting (rustic style!) and then keeping it refrigerated, since coconut oil will melt in warm temperatures.
- Let your butter soften. When I say soften, let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before using. Using hard butter is not only more difficult to mix, but can create uneven chunks in your frosting. And no one likes chunky frosting.
- Be sure to use no-stir peanut butter. This is crucial to smooth peanut butter frosting. For best results, I buy peanut butter that does not have added sugars (the powdered sugar is enough thank you very much).
- Do not over-whip the frosting. When using an electric hand mixer, sometimes it can be tempting to keep whipping (the frosting looks so pretty after all!), but I insist that you only whip at full-speed for about 15-30 seconds. Once the ingredients are fully mixed and the frosting appears smooth and creamy, STOP. Further whipping can actually break your frosting and make it harder to pipe.
Nutrition Information
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Matthew 8:26 KJV
Valerie
This is a fabulous recipe! I needed a vegan peanut butter buttercream recipe in a hurry that was quick and simple.. so glad I found this.. really really good and was a lifesaver for a birthday cake!