Skip store-bought and learn How To Make Perfect Peanut Butter from scratch.
I’m the type of person who always has peanut butter on hand. Whether for adding to baked goods, flavoring sauces, or simply snacking on, peanut butter takes up permanent residence in my kitchen. And if you’re a peanut butter lover too, then I humbly suggest it’s time to upgrade from store-bought and make your own.
If you’ve never made peanut butter before, you might be surprised by how incredibly easy it is. Peanuts and salt go into the food processor and blitz until a spreadable consistency develops. You can add honey if you like, for a touch of sweetness. The flavor is fresher, richer, and infinitely more satisfying than anything you can get from a jar.
You can use your homemade peanut butter for just about anything. I spread it on toast, drizzle it on oatmeal, blend it into smoothies, and bake it into cookies. It’s foolproof, a must-try, and never disappoints.
Peanut butter variations
If you’ve ever looked at the nut butters in the store, you’ve probably seen options with a variety of mix-ins and other flavorings. There’s no reason you can’t do that yourself. Like a bit of crunch? Stir some chopped peanuts into the finished butter for more texture. Like a little warmth? Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice for a fun seasonal twist. Add a teaspoon of vanilla or a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to turn your peanut butter into a more dessert-like spread. You could even swirl in some jam to create a fun peanut-butter-and-jelly effect in the jar. Getting creative with it is half the fun!
How do I store leftovers?
I store my peanut butter in a mason jar in the fridge. Make sure you mix any separated oil back in before tightening the lid. Try using it up within 2-3 weeks. Let it warm up a bit before spreading, as it usually gets thick when chilled. Remember, homemade peanut butter doesn’t contain preservatives like store-bought peanut butter. So if you catch a funny smell, spot texture changes, or see mold, chuck it out and whip up a fresh batch.
Serving suggestions
Now for the fun part. It’s no secret that you can spread peanut butter on just about anything your heart desires, from banana bread to toast to crackers. But one of my favorite reasons to have fresh peanut butter on hand is baking. Use it to bake some rich Peanut Butter Blondies, these classic Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, this bakery-worthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, or some crowd-pleasing Peanut Butter Cupcakes.
How To Make Perfect Peanut Butter
Ingredients
- 4 cups roasted peanuts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoon honey optional
Instructions
- Place the peanuts and the salt into the food processor.
- Blend the peanuts until they form a fine crumb, then use a spatula or spoon to scrape the peanuts off the sides of the food processor. Keep blending and scraping down the sides until a smooth peanut butter forms.
- Once the peanut butter is the consistency you like, transfer it a jar or storage container, then drizzle in the honey (if using) and stir with a spoon. Cover with an airtight lid and store in the fridge.
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