Peanut butter is basically an entire food group for us here at Delish. While we love it right out of the jar with a spoon, it’s one of our favorite ways to add creamy, decadent flavor to some of our favorite desserts, smoothies, and stir-fries. It lends so much richness to both sweet and savory dishes too. And of course, it’s the quickest way to travel back to our childhood sandwiched in a PB&J sandwich or PB&J-inspired treat.
Hot take: What would chocolate be without peanut butter? Kinda boring, to be honest. We love how a salty peanut butter swirl or filling can really elevate any chocolate dessert, like our flourless peanut butter chocolate cake, peanut butter explosion cakes, and these extreme peanut butter brownies. If you want even more peanut butter dessert recipes, we’ve rounded up all of our favorites that will blow any PB lover’s mind.
When it comes to savory dishes, peanut butter packs a punch when it comes to mixing up a killer sauce. Whether you use it for dipping summer rolls, topping peanut-sesame chicken lettuce cups, or tossing with sesame noodles or Thai peanut chicken pasta salad, having a peanut sauce on hand will make any weeknight dinner an event.
If you’re serious peanut butter lovers like us, you will flip over all the ways you can incorporate peanut butter flavor into your favorite alcoholic desserts. Shake up a round of drunken peanut butter cups or make a batch of PB&J Jell-O shots for a sweet surprise at your next party.
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Calling all peanut butter lovers! Get all the most iconic peanut butter recipes, all in once place! There are 28 incredible, easy peanut butter desserts in this complete round-up, plus a BONUS homemade peanut butter recipes that’s beyond easy to make.
It’s your guide to infusing peanut butter into all the most delicious treats you can imagine.
From decadent peanut butter fudge, to cookies, cakes and even peanut butter frosting, you’ll find a peanut butter recipe to please everyone!
Do you go nuts for peanut butter?
Some of my favorite recipes include peanut butter and I thought it was time to compile them! These are tried and true recipes for every craving and occasion.
Baking with peanut butter is easy. Several of these peanut butter desserts are even no bake! Many of these recipes require only a few staple ingredients so you can whip up a favorite peanut butter snack or dessert in no time.
You’ll find the easiest homemade peanut butter recipe at the bottom of this post, or you can head directly to how to make peanut butter. You don’t have to use homemade peanut butter for any of these delicious recipes, but it’s sure a tasty addition!
This post is easy to navigate. Simply browse the list of recipes for inspiration, and click through to the post for a printable recipe card. Use the drop down Table of Contents menu to head to different categories.
If you’re a fan of all things sweet and salty, you’ll love these amazing peanut butter recipes. I hope you enjoy this peanut butter inspiration as much as I enjoy sharing!
Before we jump into the recipes, here’s a few peanut butter tips and a quick question and answer session so you can bake with confidence!
According to the USDA, the average American ate 7.5 pounds of peanuts in 2018. And of the approximate 2.5 million metric tons of peanuts that the United States consumed, 56% of those peanuts came in the form of peanut butter.
Clearly, Americans love peanut butter. It’s a childhood favorite that we’ll just never get over. What we have gotten sick of, though, are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Our much-loved nut spread is too good for you, white bread! Here are 20 deliciously creative ways to put your favorite peanut butter jar to use.
Coat the bottom of an ice cream cone. The peanut butter creates a salty little seal that will keep any melted ice cream from dripping into your hand, plus it’s a divine dessert addition.
Make salad dressing. A smart way to use the bottom of your peanut butter container: Drizzle dressing ingredients (like ginger, sesame oil, sriracha, and lime juice) directly into the jar, add the lid, and shake it up. Zero PB gets wasted, plus you can serve it on salad directly from the jar.
Spread on pancakes, waffles, or crepes. It’s less sweet than syrup and packs way more protein. Plus PB won’t run or drip, so you can take that waffle to-go.
Use it as a butter substitute. Fun fact: You can add a 50/50 mix of peanut butter and oil for the required butter amount in most dishes and desserts. It’ll add a heavy hit of delicious peanut butter flavor to whatever you’re baking.
Make dessert pizza. Cover a pizza crust with a thick layer of peanut butter, then add fresh kiwi, berries, bananas, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, extra peanuts, and whatever else you like.
Drizzle it over popcorn. Heat peanut butter with butter, pour over popcorn kernels, and finish with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and cayenne. For a sweet snack, you can swap the S&P for cinnamon and sugar. Just don’t forget the napkins!
Blend into smoothies. Think of it like a drinkable PB & J sandwich. If you’re a grape jelly fan, toss in frozen grapes and almond milk. A perfect idea if you’re partial to strawberry jam or fresh bananas or apple slices.
Use as a gum remover. Not an edible application, but peanut butter is a hero when it comes to removing gum. If you have gum stuck in your carpet, clothes or furniture, cover it completely with PB. Wait a few minutes for the peanut butter to work its magic.
Add it to hummus. Next time you’re making homemade hummus, swap peanut butter for tahini. Spread on toast with sliced apples, bananas, or berries and a dash of cinnamon.
Bake muffins. Peanut butter muffins are easy to throw together in a pinch.
Eat an Elvis burger. This little-known burger hack is shockingly good—just spread PB on your bun instead of (or in addition to) other saucy condiments. If there’s bacon on there, too, we promise you won’t be mad about it.
Treat yourself to homemade peanut butter cups. Chocolate and peanut butter? Always a perfect combination.
Thicken frosting. Peanut butter icing is perfect on banana bread, scones, or served straight into your mouth on a spoon.
Bake homemade peanut butter cookies. For the most meta dessert, take two and spread PB and your favorite jelly between them. You’ll love this six-ingredient recipe.
DIY granola. Rather than shelling out on granola at the grocery store, make your own. You’ll save money and get complete control over the ingredients!
Cook Satay skewers. Peanut butter makes for the perfect dipping sauce for chicken skewers, but you can also mix it with garlic, lime, and soy sauce for a mouthwatering marinade.
Add to overnight oats. It’ll boost the protein content even more, plus it pairs deliciously with every fruit, spice, or seed you’ll be mixing in.
Stir up your own fruit dip. Mix PB with yogurt, cinnamon, and a hint of honey or maple syrup. Dip in apples slices, celery, or spread on toast with banana slices and coconut.
Mix into noodles. Thanks to its salty, nutty flavor and creamy texture, Asian-inspired noodle dishes taste divine with peanut sauce. Best part is that you can serve them hot or cold.
What Kind of Peanut Butter Are We Talking About?
First, it is important to define what we mean when we say peanut butter. As you know, there are many types out there. Chances are good that you grew up on Jif, Skippy, or one of the big brands. Unfortunately, these versions of peanut butter are laden with unnecessary added sugar and oils (fat). So, we encourage families to use peanut butter that contains only one or two ingredients: peanuts and salt.
For those of you who are worried about making the switch to unsweetened peanut butter, here are three tricks that might be helpful:
- Transition incrementally. If you are serving PB&Js, start using half of your regular peanut butter and half of the new kind. Then, as everyone gets used to it, add in more and more of the new peanut butter until the sweetened version is no longer part of the equation.
- Use more jelly or honey. This can help to counteract the lack of sweetness in your peanut butter and won’t include as much sugar.
- Try some savory recipes (see below). These will help you and your family to start thinking of peanut butter in a whole new light, that isn’t sweet.
The Benefits of Peanut Butter
There are a number of benefits to incorporating peanut butter into your family’s diet, from nutritional to practical.
The Financial Benefits of Peanut Butter
Let’s be honest, feeding a family is not cheap. And as kids get bigger, the costs only continue to rise (as the mom of a tween and almost-tween I could talk for hours about how expensive it is to feed two growing boys).
This means that when I find filling, nutritious foods that aren’t expensive, I’m all in. This is the case with peanut butter.
Compared to other protein sources, such as meat and cheese, peanut butter is a lot less expensive – even the fancy kinds.
The Practical Benefits of Peanut Butter
If ureducing food waste is a priority for you, then peanut butter should be your friend. It is very shelf-stable (won’t go bad quickly). This means that it works well in lunch boxes (if peanuts are allowed at school) not only in sandwiches but also on apples, celery sticks, and crackers. But it also means that it is a great option to keep in your pantry for last minute meals.
The Nutritional Benefits of Peanut Butter
For being such a simple food, peanut butter really packs a nutritional punch. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of peanut butter:
- it is a low-carb food, but includes fiber – specifically 6g in a 100g serving
- it’s got a lot of protein, 25g in a 100g serving, which is a lot for a plant-based food
- half of the fat in peanut butter is oleic acid, which is the same healthy, monosaturated fat that is found in olive oil
- it contains many vitamins and minerals including vitamins E, B3, and B6, folate, magnesium, copper, and manganese
- it is easy on your blood sugar levels – which makes it a solid choice for type 2 diabetics
As mentioned before, peanut butter can be used in many ways other than in sandwiches or on apples (although those are both delicious options!). One thing to know about how to cook with peanut butter is that it melts easily, which means it is easy to incorporate into recipes. For instance, it can be added to soups, stews, and stir fries, incorporated into baked goods, and turned into a simple dipping sauce.
Here are some of our favorite uses for peanut butter.
Golden Tofu (or Chicken) with Nutty Coconut-Lime Sauce
This peanut butter-based sauce is such a big hit with everyone who has tried it – it has all the flavor and texture elements to make it addictively good. It will also help your family to see peanut butter in a different light – that it doesn’t have to taste like dessert to be delicious. Added perk: the meal is ready in 30 minutes!
African Peanut Stew
Sweet potatoes, cabbage, ginger, garlic, and peanut butter. Though it may sound like a strange combination of ingredients, this West African-inspired stew is so flavorful and colorful that it gets rave reviews. In fact, the first time I made this recipe for my family, my meat-loving son devoured this vegetarian dish, which I always consider a win.
Thai Chicken Noodle Soup
Warm and nourishing, this tangy, aromatic soup recreates delicious Thai flavors with ingredients available in most supermarkets.
Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies
These babies pack a serious protein punch with peanut butter and another secret ingredient you won’t believe. Soft and chewy, they will be your new favorite breakfast, snack, or dessert!
Peanut Butter Bites
These are made with only 3 ingredients (plus an optional 4th if you want to make them look prettier) and make a fantastic snack or dessert. Plus, they are ready in just minutes! I love to throw them into my kids’ lunchboxes as a nice surprise or pack them as a portable snack when we travel.
Peanut Dipping Sauce
This super simple dip is fantastic with all sorts of foods from crudite to grilled meat or tofu to pretzels.
- peanut butter or other nut or seed butter
- reduced-sodium soy sauce (use wheat/gluten-free if needed), or use any variety
- peeled and chopped, or use 1 tsp. ground ginger
Dairy-Free, Fall, Gluten-Free, Kid-Friendly, Kosher, Make-Ahead, No-Cook, Side Dish, Snack/Appetizer, Spring, Summer, Vegetarian, Winter
Let us know how it was!
Do you have favorite ways to use peanut butter? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Peanut butter is so good that you don’t really need exciting peanut butter recipes to enjoy it.
Still, sometimes you want to do more than just eat it out of the jar with a spoon.
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There are so many excellent peanut butter recipes out there that it’s hard to pick just one. To be frank, it was hard to pick just 20 for this list!
But after some careful deliberation, I came up with recipes that I thought showcased the versatility of peanut butter.
This list has everything from sweet desserts, like peanut butter pie, to light meals, like the old-fashioned peanut butter sandwich, and even a few more exotic main courses, like African peanut soup.
So no matter what course you’re looking to fill, you should be able to find something for it on this list.
Healthy Homemade Peanut Butter and More!
Since this list will be full of all kinds of peanut butter yumminess, it only makes sense that we start with a quick, 5-minute recipe for homemade peanut butter.
All you’ll need to make it are two cups of dry-roasted peanuts, some honey (or sugar), and however much salt you need to make it taste right for you.
Peanut Butter Burger
Once you’ve seen peanut butter on a burger, you’ve pretty much seen it all, but actually, as unlikely as it seems, peanut butter burgers are insanely good.
They have the same thick, juicy ground beef patties, the same yummy melted cheese, and the same salty, crispy bacon.
The only difference is that there’s also a rich nuttiness that makes everything on the burger taste even better.
Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies
I’ve been enjoying these exquisite peanut butter cornflake cookies for as long as I can remember.
They were my aunt’s specialty when I was young, and now, I guess they’re mine.
If you like five-ingredient sweet treats that take only 15 minutes to make, you’ll love them, too.
All you’ll need for these is sugar, light corn syrup, butter, peanut butter, and Corn Flakes.
They’re sweet, crunchy, gooey, and the ultimate addictive snack.
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls
You probably already know exactly how delicious chocolate peanut butter balls are.
Well, these are chocolate peanut butter balls with crunchy Rice Krispies centers.
They’re outstanding, whether you top them in chocolate shavings or coarse sea salt (my personal favorite).
Sesame Peanut Butter Noodles
These noodles taste like the best thing on the menu at your favorite Asian restaurant. I can’t get enough of them!
They’re nutty, buttery, garlicky, and have a superb kick of earthy, umami flavor that’s out of this world.
Thai Pizza With Peanut Butter Sauce
Aside from the pizza dough, you might not be able to recognize this as pizza.
There’s no tomato sauce, and the toppings aren’t ones you usually find on pizza – carrots, peanuts, green onions, etc.
Still, if you like Thai or another Asian cuisine, you’ll love this crazy busy pizza.
It has so much color and even more flavor, and it’s unbelievably filling.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Why waste money on overpriced candy at the store when you can make your own chocolatey, peanut butter-filled treats at home?
Whether you want regular-sized, big cups, or miniatures, you can make these peanut butter cups precisely to your tastes, and it’ll only take you about 2 minutes.
Chicken Satay With Peanut Sauce
These spicy, nutty chicken skewers take very little time to make, but you’ll need to let them chill in the marinade for at least 2 hours to give them their full-flavored robustness.
They have a wonderfully complex mix of flavors, but most of them come from the marinade, so be sure you pay special attention to that recipe.
Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
You can make this thick, decadent peanut butter fudge in only 5 minutes, and you’ll only need three ingredients to do it: powdered sugar, butter, and peanut butter.
I add sea salt, as well, but then, I add sea salt to everything.
Just be sure you give it plenty of time to harden in the fridge; otherwise, it’s a bit runny and messy.
African Peanut Soup
African peanut soup balances perfectly on the line between sweet and savory, but more than any of that, it is spicy — spicy to the nth degree!
Of course, between the onions, pepper, ginger, garlic, cumin, and jalapeno, it really didn’t have a choice but to be spicy.
Luckily, it’s also delicious and incredibly filling, so most people can look past the tears in their eyes to enjoy it.
(I’m kidding. It’s not that spicy. Have some milk nearby, just in case, though.)
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls
If you want to enjoy the old-school peanut butter chocolate balls your grandma used to make (without the crunchy Rice Krispies filling), use this recipe instead.
The center is thick, creamy, and full of peanut buttery yumminess. The outer chocolate shell is crunchy and super sweet.
Gourmet Banana Peanut Butter Sandwich
I used to think the peanut butter banana sandwich my mom made me when I was a kid was the ultimate in sweet sandwiches.
Then I discovered this recipe decades later, and I’ve never been the same.
I had no idea how much better peanut butter banana sandwiches could be with a little bit of cinnamon, nuts, honey, and almond butter.
And what’s even better than all that?
Peanut Butter Chicken
Peanut butter chicken is a succulent, tender piece of protein smothered in a creamy, nutty peanut butter sauce.
Add all the extras – soy sauce, oil, onions, garlic, ginger, salt, and cilantro – and you’ll have a complete, sweet, and savory meal that’ll rival anything you’d find in Asia.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Another great way to enjoy peanut butter and bananas is in a quick, 5-minute smoothie.
All you’ll need is a blender, some bananas, milk, peanut butter, honey, and ice.
This drink is thick, cold, creamy, and perfect for breakfast (or lunch!) on the go.
Easy Peanut Butter Pancakes
If you’ve never had peanut butter pancakes, I’m about to be your new best friend. These things are pretty close to perfect.
They have the same airy fluffiness as regular pancakes, but the taste is so good, you won’t even need syrup.
You’ll still want it, though, along with slices of bananas, maybe some berries, and more peanut butter.
The pancakes have a natural sweetness of their own, and you’ll also catch hints of peanut butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Enjoy!
Peanut Butter Waffles With Peanut Butter Syrup
Of course, if waffles are more your style, you might prefer this recipe instead. These are crispier on the outside but still soft and fluffy on the inside.
They have a wonderful peanut butter flavor, and you’ll compound that when you add the homemade peanut butter syrup.
These are every peanut butter lover’s dream come true.
Skinny Peanut Butter Muffins
Even without the warm peanut butter drizzle, these muffins are totally scrumptious, and they have this unique texture that’s unlike any other muffin you’ve ever had.
They’re hard to describe, but if the fact that they’re full of peanut butter, bananas, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chocolate chips doesn’t do it for you, I’m not sure what else I could say, anyway.
Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Peanut butter cupcakes are the craziest things! They look so delicate and light, but they are unbelievably rich.
Maybe it’s the double dose of peanut butter in the cake and the frosting, or perhaps it’s the powdered sugar, brown sugar, cream, and vanilla.
Whatever it is, these things are super sweet, and that is 100% okay with me.
Peanut Butter Pie
I’ve had several different versions of peanut butter pie, and this one with the crumbly Oreo pie crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and a dollop (or three) of whipped cream on top is my favorite.
First of all, chocolate and peanut butter always taste fantastic together.
Secondly, that crunchy crust against the velvety smoothness of the peanut butter filling is marvelous.
Finally, it takes only 15 minutes to make and doesn’t require me to do any actual cooking. That’s a winner in my book.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Before you finish reading this last recipe, just stop for a second and look at that picture. Really look it over.
Does that not look like the most amazing, albeit sugar coma-inducing, dessert you’ve ever seen?
Because that’s what it looks like to me. Now I’m really going to blow your mind.
It tastes even better than it looks.
RIGHT?! How could it?!
I don’t know, but it does, and if you love peanut butter, chocolate, and Resee’s as much as I do, this just might be your new favorite cake.
Peanuts are a legume high in macronutrients like protein and fat, as well as minerals like zinc, magnesium, and sodium. Although peanuts are mostly known for their role as a delicious spread known as peanut butter, peanuts are also used widely for confections, snack products, soups, and desserts, according to the National Library of Medicine. Peanut butter comes in several varieties including chunky, creamy, and natural (made without hydrogenated oil).
Make homemade granola bars
Granola bars can be easy to make at home with a variety of dried fruits, nuts, grains, and seeds. They can provide a powerful punch of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates that will keep you going all day long. Best of all, these granola bars can be customized to fit the flavors and textures you love.
Peanut butter is a sticky addition to homemade granola bars. Not only does the peanut butter provide a strong flavor to granola bars, but it can also help the oats, seeds, and nuts stick to one another. The Real Food Dietitians combine rolled oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, maple syrup, and eggs together before baking in a 9×9 baking dish. These granola bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 10 days or in the freezer for a few months. For an egg-free recipe, try substituting flax eggs.
Spread it on a s’more
Marielen Cestari Baldino/Shutterstock
S’mores are a campfire classic made with a combination of crunchy graham crackers, melty chocolate, and puffy marshmallow. According to Camping for Foodies, there are many ways to jazz up the traditional s’mores to include some adult flavors — most of which include peanut butter. Consider swiping peanut butter on a graham cracker before adding chocolate and roasted marshmallow. Or, substitute a peanut butter cup for the square of Hershey’s chocolate on the s’more. Although this might seem like the perfect ratio of peanut butter to chocolate, use a Reese’s thin instead of a traditional peanut butter cup for maximum Reese’s goodness.
To add even more peanut butter to the s’more, swap out the graham cracker for a peanut-y cookie or wafer. Nutter Butter wafer cookies combine a thin layer of peanut butter with an even thinner wafer cookie. For a more homemade feel, try a three-ingredient peanut butter cookie made with peanut butter, eggs, and sugar.
Make a dipping sauce for spring rolls
Spring rolls are a light, simple dish made with protein (typically chicken, shrimp, or tofu), fresh chopped veggies, and served with a complementary dipping sauce. The rolls can either be served fried or raw, making them a versatile addition to any dietary regiment.
To make a dipping sauce for spring rolls, Casa Lago Tasting Room recommends combining 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, sriracha, and brown sugar in a serving dish. The sauce can be left in the fridge for several days making it a great match for lunchtime spring rolls during the week. Taste of Asian Food recommends adding spices like freshly grated ginger or garlic, which can add a spicy sensation to the spring roll (we’re drooling already). Sesame oil can provide a new savory depth while maple syrup can provide a sweet undertone to the peanut sauce. Whatever variant you choose it’s bound to be delicious.
Add it to a charcuterie board
Peanut butter is a great addition to a kid-friendly charcuterie board. The nut butter provides the essential fats and protein that growing kids need, but with a taste that folks of all ages love. Serve a scoop of your favorite crunchy or smooth peanut butter with pretzels, apple slices, banana slices, or celery. Kids love roll-ups too; Seeded at the Table recommends rolling peanut butter and banana in a whole-wheat tortilla and slicing them into small discs to serve.
A peanut butter dip can be flavored with the addition of simple ingredients. Hayl’s Kitchen recommends pureeing peanut butter with peanut butter powder (such as PB2), vanilla protein powder, and almond milk for a high-protein snack. Life Made Simple suggests pureeing creamy peanut butter with greek yogurt and honey to increase volume and protein. For a more savory flair, this recipe for Thai peanut and yogurt dip from the Dairy Farmers of Canada contains ginger, garlic, and lime juice — making it the perfect pairing to dip grilled chicken in during the summer.
Make a smoothie
Dina Photo Stories/Shutterstock
Smoothies are a versatile snack that can be altered based on what freezer ingredients someone has on hand. Peanut butter pairs well with banana and chocolate, but can also be used in fruit smoothies as a good source of fat and protein. Pair your favorite nut butter with frozen banana, yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and a squirt of chocolate syrup. For an additional protein kick, add a scoop of your favorite peanut butter or chocolate protein powder.
Assembling prepackaged smoothie bags can cut down on time and easily portion the perfect ratio of fruits, thickeners, and sweeteners. Add your choice of fruit and veggies to a freezer-safe container and pop them in a blender with nut butter, yogurt, or sweetener. Xanthan gum can be a thickening ingredient for smoothies as well — just make sure to add it during the blending process rather than freezing it with the fruit the night before.
Drizzle it on your favorite ice cream
Ice cream is a delicious summer treat that can only be made better with peanut butter! Add a drizzle of peanut butter to your favorite summer ice cream flavor for a salty, peanut-y swirl. Flavors that best contrast the peanut flavor include chocolate, brownie batter, banana, vanilla, and even coffee!
For a more molten topping, House of Nash Eats recommends adding ½ cup of creamy peanut butter, ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk, 5 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to a saucepan over low heat until thickened. For a dairy-free alternative, GoDairyFree suggests combining creamy peanut butter with melted coconut oil, maple syrup, confectionary sugar, and salt. For a chocolate peanut butter topping, add melted dark or milk chocolate to your peanut butter topping and stir until combined. This homemade peanut butter topping can be used on a ton of baked goods and sweet treats aside from ice cream including pancakes, brownies, and pizookies.
Make pad thai at home
Pad Thai is a Thai-inspired wok noodle dish made with protein, soft noodles, sliced veggies, and a tamarind sauce. It’s comforting, warm, and spicy all around. Although pad Thai is traditionally made with rice noodles, try substituting cucumber noodles, zoodled carrots, or spiralized zucchini for a low-carb and gluten-free option. The recipe can also be made vegan or vegetarian by substituting tofu for the chicken or shrimp and omitting the eggs. Tamarind can be substituted with coconut aminos for a similar pungent flavor (pungent in a good way, obviously)
If going to your local Thai restaurant isn’t a possibility, why not try making pad Thai at home? To make a peanut sauce for your pad Thai, simply add peanut butter, tamarind, brown rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and lime together to taste. Hot Thai Kitchen recommends turning up the heat with chili flakes and garlic.
Make a peanut salad dressing
Once Upon a Chef’s Asian-inspired peanut butter salad dressing pairs creamy peanut butter, lime, rice vinegar, oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and spices to complement a fresh bed of cabbage, cucumber, shredded carrots, and edamame. Other recipes suggest substituting a peanut salad dressing for mayonnaise in coleslaw. This substitution brings an innovative layer of peanut flavors that resemble many of the ingredients and techniques used in Thai cooking.
One problem that may appear in peanut dressings is a tendency for the peanut butter to clump into a solid rather than disperse in the dressing. The Endless Meal suggests shaking (by hand or using a food processor) fatty dressings (like peanut butter or almond butter-based dressings) with cold water and refrigerating them for up to a week at a time. Peanut dressing can also be used as a flavorful addition in chicken satay or drizzled over a warm bed of rice.
Make homemade peanut butter cups
Homemade peanut butter cups are a delicious confection that you can make in a matter of minutes! Melt peanut butter, confectionary sugar, salt, and corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl until soft. Meanwhile, prepare a cupcake tin with liners and scoop in melted milk chocolate until about ¼ inch high. Add a scoop of peanut butter filling, cover in chocolate, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm. Dark chocolate can be easily substituted for milk chocolate in this recipe, so feel free to get creative!
This recipe can also be altered to fit any flavors or toppings desired. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or roasted, salted peanuts for a salty crunch. Add a crunchy addition of chopped pretzels or kettle-cut potato chips for a fresh take on snack food. For a sweet addition, try adding a scoop of strawberry jam to the top of the peanut butter before sealing with chocolate.
Add it to oatmeal
Oatmeal is a filling breakfast option full of beta-glucan, a complex fiber with known anti-inflammatory properties. According to the T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University, oatmeal is one of the most nutrient-dense breakfast foods; this means that it provides a high amount of macronutrients (protein, fiber, and fat) for a low caloric value. The grain is also naturally gluten-free, making it an option for those with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease. Oatmeal is versatile; it can be made either hot or cold. Make oatmeal in a slow cooker if you’re cooking for a big group or try overnight oats for a quick on-the-go recipe.
A swipe of peanut butter on the top of oatmeal pairs well with chocolate, banana, chia seeds, granola, or flax seeds. For a boost of protein, add a scoop of protein powder to oatmeal while it’s cooking. To skip the creaminess of peanut butter, try mixing in powdered peanut butter like PB2.
Spread it onto toast and crackers
There isn’t anything more peaceful than a morning with a cup of coffee and a slice of peanut butter toast. To pair the perfect toast with peanut butter, consider the weight and texture desired. Thicker store-bought bread may counteract the peanutty flavor of the spread. For a lighter option, consider a thin-sliced bread. If you decide to use a flavored toast, consider how those flavors may interact with the peanut butter (and any additional toppings desired).
Peanut butter toast pairs well with thinly sliced apples or bananas or a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup. For an immersive peanut butter experience, try Fix & Fogg’s plant-based nut spreads. They come in innovative flavors like savory everything with hemp seeds, almond, pepita, chia, sesame, sunflower, and flax seeds blended into layers of salty peanut butter. For the sweet toast fans, Fix & Fogg offers coffee and maple peanut butter made with freshly roasted coffee and Vermont maple syrup.
Make a peanut butter pie
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Peanut butter pie is a delicious dessert for special occasions (and late nights on the couch). This Tagalong-inspired peanut butter pie recipe is better than a Girl Scout cookie — it combines a buttery soft graham cracker crust with a peanut butter cream cheese filling covered in a decadent chocolate ganache. To make the crunchy crust, the recipe recommends blind-baking the crust for 15 to 20 minutes until crispy and letting the crust cool before spooning in the peanut butter mixture. This will prevent a soggy bottom crust and slow any leakage from the filling or ganache into the crust.
Variations on the traditional peanut butter pie recipe include a no-bake peanut butter pie with chopped pretzels and an OREO crust (instead of graham crackers). Add a scoop of chopped peanut butter cups or roasted peanuts for texture and even more peanut flavor. Top with chocolate syrup or a drizzle of melted peanut butter.
Drizzle it over popcorn
According to the American Heart Association News, popcorn is one of the most nutritious whole-grain snacks because of its high fiber content. And what’s better than combining a fibrous grain with a nutritious, fatty spread like peanut butter? To make peanut butter popcorn at home, simply melt your favorite brand of peanut butter in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds and gently drizzle it onto freshly popped popcorn.
The New York Times notes that the most important part of making good popcorn is ensuring even heat. Stovetop popcorn is typically more flavorful and crunchy because it is popped in oil. Air poppers and microwaves do not use oil, so they are slightly chewier and less flavorful. If you don’t have the time to make your own air-popped or stove-popped popcorn, try an unflavored, unbuttered microwave popcorn. This will maximize the flavor potential of the peanut butter topping!
PB&J Jell-O Shots
Just what you never knew you needed—your favorite childhood sandwich recreated as Jell-O shots. Three boozy layers made with your favorite kind of jam. It’s nostalgia at it’s finest!
Get the PB&J Jell-O Shots recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does peanut butter go bad?
Peanut butter has a decently long shelf life. Most peanut butters will last up to three months after opening. However, natural peanut butters often lack preservatives to keep them fresh for longer, so they might only last for a month after opening.
Is it ok to keep peanut butter in the fridge?
Yes, you can store peanut butter in the refrigerator. It will last up to six months when stored there after opening, vs just three months in the pantry.
Can you freeze peanut butter?
Yes, you can store peanut butter in the freezer for up to six months.
Is peanut butter good for you?
Peanut butter is loaded with nutrients, but it’s also full of calories and fat. There are health fats in peanut butter, but aim to consume in moderation. Making your own peanut butter at home can help you avoid the added oils, sugar and fats in most commercial brands of peanut butter.
Sesame Noodles
For these sesame noodles, you can use any noodle in a pinch, and the nutty dressing comes together in under 10 minutes. The only step that requires heating is boiling your noodles—the rest is just tossing everything together in a large bowl and slurping to your heart’s content.
Get the Sesame Noodles recipe.
Summer Rolls With Peanut Dipping Sauce
These homemade summer rolls (aka shrimp rolls) make the perfect light appetizer or lunch, especially with this easy peanut dipping sauce. The dish is highly adaptable too. The shrimp can be replaced with slices of cooked pork, cilantro can take the place of mint or basil, and romaine or even iceberg can be a good Napa cabbage substitute.
Get the Summer Rolls With Peanut Dipping Sauce recipe.
Thai Peanut Skillet Chicken
The Thai peanut sauce on this chicken is crazy good. It adds the right amount of sweetness and saltiness to the dish. It’s quick to make and you can add any vegetables you have on hand.
Get the Thai Peanut Skillet Chicken recipe.
More Dessert Inspiration
- Add peanuts to food processor and process for three minutes.
- Taste test. Add additional salt and/or honey if desired.
- For crunchy peanut butter, stop here. For creamy, process for an additional two minutes.
- Move peanut butter into your favorite jar or container.
- Store homemade peanut butter in a cool dark place (like your pantry) for up to a month.
- Homemade peanut butter can also be safely refrigerated for up to three months.
- With most of these recipes, you can use creamy, crunchy, or roasted peanut butter.
- A lot of my recipes work well with even homemade peanut butter or natural, depending on your preference.
- Most importantly, choose something the whole family will love. That way you don’t have to eat it all yourself!
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Chocolate peanut butter lovers, this cheesecake is for you. This is a rich and creamy peanut butter cheesecake with an Oreo crust and topped with lots of chocolate ganache for a decadent dessert and its always what we are craving. Go ahead and top with Reese’s to drive the theme home.
Get the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe.
Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
Peanut Butter Icebox Cake
This makes an extremely decadent cake. The amount of layers you end up with will depend on how much whipped cream you spread between the Oreos. You really can’t go wrong, but fair warning: We ended up with 10 layers, which resulted in A LOT of cookies.
Get the Peanut Butter Oreo Icebox Cake recipe.
Satay, a national dish of Indonesia, is a popular Southeast Asian street food. We’re using flavorful chicken thigh meat here, but you can substitute anything from breast meat to pork or beef or even tofu and vegetables. But that peanut sauce? Absolutely essential to the eating experience, and contains all the fragrant notes of lemongrass, coconut, fish sauce, and fresh lime zest.
Get the Chicken Satay recipe.
Unexpected Peanut Butter Recipes
Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Bombs
If you love a cozy, creamy mug of steaming hot chocolate, you’re going to love these Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Bombs. Enjoy the eternally delicious combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate as the bomb melts in your mug!
A Classic Pancake Recipe that is so simple to make you can have a hot breakfast, even on a school morning. My Peanut Butter Syrup recipe is a nutritious topping to start the day off right!
This easy, creamy Peanut Butter Fudge recipe is extremely popular during the holiday season and it’s no wonder why – it’s ridiculously good.
With just six staple ingredients and 10 minutes hands on time, this easy fudge recipe makes the perfect holiday treat!
Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Last, but certainly not least. Don’t skip this Peanut Butter Ice Cream that takes only a few minutes to prepare and a few hours to freeze before serving. It is a cold, sweet, creamy dessert that will both surprise and delight!
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Thai Peanut Chicken Pasta Salad
Skip bringing the traditional pasta salad to the summer potluck. This pasta salad has a creamy peanut dressing and is full of fresh, crunchy veggies with no mayonnaise in sight. It’s just as simple to make and is as delicious hot as it is cold, which means you can easily make it ahead of time.
Get the Thai Peanut Chicken Pasta Salad recipe.
Healthy Peanut Butter Recipes
Peanut Butter Fruit Dip
Packed with nutrition for a guilt free dip, this Peanut Butter Fruit Dip is not only healthy but delicious! Subsequently, I love serving it as an after school snack for the girls with apples!
Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Naturally gluten free, these Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies will surprise you with how mouthwatering they are! They are not only delicious but also nutritious and light with a lot less calories than you’d expect!
No Bake Granola Bars
Finally, we round out the healthy options with another no bake recipe, Peanut Butter Granola Bars. The perfect after school snack, I feel good about serving these granola bars knowing they are packed with nutrition, and my girls love them.
Tips for Peanut Butter Desserts
- With most of these recipes, you can use creamy, crunchy, or roasted peanut butter.
- A lot of my no-bake recipes work well with even homemade peanut butter or natural, depending on your preference.
- However, many baked peanut butter desserts will yield better results with a traditional store bought peanut butter – it’s thicker and holds up better to oven temperatures.
- Most importantly, choose something the whole family will love. That way you don’t have to eat it all yourself!
Peanut Butter Cake
This cake was made with the peanut butter obsessed in mind; Peanut butter cake, peanut butter frosting, AND peanut butter drizzle. We love whole chopped Reese’s, but for a colorful (and still peanut-buttery) twist, use chopped Reese’s Pieces instead! If this cake still isn’t enough, then you must try this peanut butter pound cake.
Get the Peanut Butter Cake recipe.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Blondies
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Apparently, a woman by the name of Mrs. Freda F. Smith from Ohio developed the original recipe for The Grand National Pillsbury Bake-Off competition in 1957. She lost, but her cookies became legendary. These are definitely up there as one of our top favorite Christmas cookies.
Get the Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe.
No Bake Peanut Butter Desserts
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
This easy Peanut Butter Bars recipe uses just 5 ingredients – peanut butter, chocolate chips, butter, chips and powdered sugar.
Peanut Butter Truffles
These peanut butter truffles are the perfect sweet treat to serve on game day. Of course, they’re also super cute and easy to make, they are perfect to serve to a crowd.
Peanut Butter Pie in a Jar
Personal peanut butter pies that are gluten free and can be made ahead! With an oatmeal and brown sugar crust these pies are not only delicious but look pretty and elegant.
This Buckeye Recipe, or chocolate peanut butter balls as they are sometimes called, is turned into adorable little hedgehogs that will charm your guests no matter the event.
Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
These sweet and salty snacks are made with a homemade trail mix and chocolate, and you can make a batch in just 5 minutes!
No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake
A combination of peanut butter pie and cheesecake, this No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake is made with a store bought crust!
No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
My No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are stuffed with Reeses Pieces that will bring a surprised smile to everyone’s face.
Next, don’t skip these delicious preacher cookies come together in less than 10 minutes with ingredients you probably always have on hand.
Peanut Butter Bark
Peanut Butter Bark is the perfect recipe to make with the kids! With a peanut butter base and chocolate swirl, everyone can have a chance to sprinkle on pretzels, marshmallows, and your favorite candy pieces!
Easy No Bake Leftover Halloween Candy Recipe
Of course, this is the perfect way to use up all that trick or treat candy. A little sweet, a little salty and a lot of crunch from all those candy bars (hello, snickers!).
Peanut Butter Cookies
Snickers Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies disappear off the pan before they’ve even had time to cool! Snickers Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies are a chewy cookie with a gooey chocolate inside that is irresistible.
Peanut Butter Cookie Cake
We have to include a classic, thick chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Cake recipe for all the peanut butter and sugar cookie lovers out there. Sprinkle some sea salt on top for that sweet and savory flavor, and serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Best Peanut Butter Cookies
Of course we can’t skip the world’s best Peanut Butter Cookies! These thick and chewy cookies are full of sweet and salty flavor and have a delicious crunch to them.
Chocolate Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies
The only thing better than a peanut butter cookie, is a Chocolate Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookie. This recipe only gets better with each cookie rolled in brown sugar and sea salt before baking.
Chewy Peanut Butter Chip Chocolate Cookies
Peanut Butter Cakes, Brownies and Bars
Made from scratch, feel good Peanut Butter Brownies are the ultimate comfort dessert. With crisp edges and a slightly under baked center, these easy peanut butter brownies will really improve your day.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
Made from scratch Peanut Butter Brownies will have you wondering why you ever used a box mix in the first place.
Marshmallow and Peanut Butter Cobbler
A perfect pairing of marshmallows and peanut butter, this Marshmallow and Peanut Butter Cookie Cobbler is made with staple ingredients.
Peanut Butter Smores Pie
This Peanut Butter S’mores Pie recipe is reminiscent of s’mores around the fire, with a peanut butter cookie and graham cracker crust, chocolate chips and marshmallows.
Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Next, we have a new twist on gooey butter cake- Peanut Butter Gooey Butter Cake. A St. Louis original recipe, gooey butter cake leaves nothing to be desired – except for another piece!
Chicken Pad Thai Nachos
We love pad Thai for the salty, sweet, pungent, spicy flavors it has all in one bite. So what better way to bring that flavor to dinnertime than by adding it to nachos? No lie, this might be our favorite way to top them.
Get the Chicken Pad Thai Nachos recipe.