Peanut butter is a tasty high-protein spread that everyone loves. But why pay for a jar when you can make it with a simple process? Also, grocery store versions tend to have too many ingredients. To this, I say: for a fraction of the price and with just 2 ingredients – roasted peanuts and salt, you can easily make your own peanut butter at home. So here is my simple homemade peanut butter recipe for the best, super smooth, and creamy spread.
What to Look for When Buying Peanuts
For homemade peanut butter, it’s best to use raw, unroasted peanuts. Store-bought roasted nuts often include additives such as oils, salt, flour/starch, as well as spices and herbs. You need unroasted, unsalted peanuts. Plus, you will have to roast the nuts before blending them so they release their natural oils – this is an important part that shouldn’t be skipped by buying already roasted peanuts. For those looking to simplify the process and save time, you can always purchase already blanched peanuts. This eliminates a lot of mess and significantly speeds up the preparation. I usually peel them myself after roasting which means sometimes a bit of the skin is left on nuts. And it does take some extra time. Lastly, when choosing the best peanuts for peanut butter, keep in mind that there are four main peanut varieties, Valencia, Runner, Virginia, and Spanish. Runner is the traditional choice when making homemade peanut butter but you can use whichever you prefer or have at hand.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter
To begin with, the only homemade peanut butter ingredients you need are raw peanuts and salt.
Step 1: Prepared and Roast the Peanuts
While you can consume them raw, I like roasting peanuts for peanut butter as this releases their natural oils which helps when blending. Place the peanuts on a baking tray. Roast in the oven at 325ºF/165ºC for 7-10 minutes. Let them cool down before peeling and blending. Note: if you use peeled raw peanuts, you still need to roast them.
Step 2: Remove the Skin
Skip this step if you bought already peeled peanuts. Also, this step is optional as you can keep the skin on if preferred. As soon as you can handle the peanuts, carefully peel them. An effortless way to remove the skin is to scrunch the peanuts with your hands or in a kitchen towel. The skin will come off easily. Then collect the peeled nuts.
Step 3: Blend
Once cooled, place the peanuts and a pinch of salt in a food processor or a high-speed blender and blitz them until you achieve your desired consistency. The longer you blend, the runnier the peanut butter becomes. Also, make sure to give the machine a break so it doesn’t overheat! Use this time to scrape down the sides of the processor bowl. Depending on your machine, how much homemade peanut butter you are making, and the texture you like, this process can take between 5 and 15-20 minutes.
For Chunky Peanut Butter
If you want to make chunky peanut butter, first pulse the roasted peanuts until they are chopped into small pieces. Then place some of them to the side. Continue blending the rest until you obtain a smooth butter. Then finally, stir in the reserved chopped peanuts, and voila, you get chunky peanut butter.
Step 4: Store
Once you’ve blended the homemade peanut butter to your desired consistency, pour it into a clean mason jar or glass container. When kept in a pantry or cupboard, it can last for at least 3-4 weeks. However, I recommend keeping it in the fridge for 2-3 months. Peanut butter tends to separate over time, with the natural oils rising to the top – this is completely natural. Make sure to stir it before use to redistribute the peanut oils. If you notice any signs of spoilage (such as a change in smell, color, or texture), it’s best to discard it. When spoiled, it is darker in color and has a sour/bitter taste.
Can You Freeze Peanut Butter
Natural peanut butter – anything with more than 90% peanuts – freezes well. It will keep for about 6 months when stored in a freezer-safe container
What to Eat with Peanut Butter
There are a few classic ways to enjoy creamy peanut butter:
PB&J: Spread a generous amount of the butter and raspberry jam (or your favorite jam) over a slice of toasted bread. With fruit & veggies: Dip or spoon peanut butter over slices of banana, apple, celery, or carrots. These are tasty combinations that make a protein-rich snack. Pancakes/waffles: Drizzle some of the peanut sauce over freshly made pancakes and waffles. Breakfast: Stir some into your morning oatmeal, overnight oats, or yogurt bowl for added creaminess and flavor. You can also blend it into your favorite smoothie for an extra boost of protein and nutty flavor.
And here are some of my other favorite uses for peanut butter:
Use it to make peanut dressing or sauce for all your favorite Asian-inspired dishes. Make vegan caramel sauce. Add it to desserts like chocolate peanut butter baked oatmeal, brownies, Mars cake, peanut butter cookies, and more.
More Easy Nut Butter DIYs
Pistachio Butter Almond Butter Cashew Butter
If you try this DIY peanut butter recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
