Easy Vegan Peanut Butter Frosting

By
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett has written five books about plant-based cooking and has developed hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/5/22
Easy Vegan Peanut Butter Frosting

The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 10 mins
Servings: 10 servings
Yield: 1 1/2 cups
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
321 Calories
22g Fat
28g Carbs
6g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10
Amount per serving
Calories 321
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 4g 21%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 126mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 23g
Protein 6g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 161mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Rich, creamy vegan peanut butter frosting is an indulgence that goes well with just about any vegan cake recipe or any vegan cupcakes. Make the perfect Elvis-themed vegan cupcakes by pairing this frosting with a vegan banana cake or just use it to top homemade vegan banana bread.

Making peanut butter frosting is just as simple as plain vanilla or chocolate frosting, and it's something a little bit unexpected and different. This frosting particularly lends itself well to a vegan version, since the peanut butter brings its own flavor, and you rely a little less on the usual vegan frosting ingredients such as vegan margarine, sugar, and non-dairy milk. For best results, use store-bought brand-name creamy peanut butter, not natural peanut butter. Soy milk or coconut milk is best in this recipe, though you can try other alternatives.

Whether you call it "frosting" or "icing," this one will have you saying "yum!" Homemade peanut butter frosting is perfect for a vegan cake or cupcakes for the kids.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter, at room temperature

  • 1/2 cup vegan margarine

  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 3 tablespoons soy milk

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for easy vegan peanut butter frosting recipe gathered

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

  2. Stick the peanut butter in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or so, in order to make it easier to work with. 

    Peanut butter in a bowl

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

  3. Whisk or blend together, using a mixer, all of the ingredients—peanut butter, vegan margarine, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and soy milk (as noted here)—until smooth and creamy, adding more or less soy milk to achieve the desired consistency. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of soy milk at a time; otherwise, you run the risk of your frosting getting too thin and runny.

    Easy vegan peanut butter frosting in a bowl; beat with hand mixer

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

  4. Enjoy over cakes or cupcakes.

    Easy vegan peanut butter frosting on cupcakes

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

Tip

It is best to use firmer, store-bought, brand-name peanut butter in this recipe rather than one that becomes liquid at room temperature.