We love peanut butter’s versatility. The creamy spread tastes delicious in a sandwich, paired with chocolate and even incorporated into savory dishes. And while it’s easy to pick up a jar of the good stuff at the store, it’s even easier to make peanut butter at home! All you need are three simple ingredients and a food processor.
What’s the deal with powdered peanut butter? Find out here.
Tips on Selecting Ingredients
First, be sure to choose unsalted peanuts. You’ll want to be able to control the exact amount of salt in your recipe, so look for unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts for grinding. You should also look for kosher salt and real honey!
Essential Tools for Making Peanut Butter
The most important tool when making peanut butter is a quality food processor. You want one that can stand up to grinding peanuts down to a paste. This extra-large Cuisinart food processor is a serious investment for homemade peanut butter lovers. It also won our Test Kitchen’s approval! If you’re not ready to splurge, look for a highly rated, more affordable option like this 10-cup Hamilton Beach food processor.
Next, you’ll need a high-quality spatula for scooping all the peanutty goodness out of the food processor. This variety pack of nonstick, dishwasher-safe spatulas is perfect no matter which size you need.
Finally, invest in clear glass jars to store and display all your hard work. Not only will these Ball jars look beautiful on your kitchen shelf, they’ll keep your homemade peanut butter fresh and creamy.
How to Make Peanut Butter
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted dry roasted peanuts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
Step 1: Process peanuts
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Start by placing the peanuts and salt in your food processor. Process for about 5 minutes—or until the desired consistency is reached—scraping down sides with a spatula as needed. If you prefer a super-smooth, creamy peanut butter, you’ll want to process for a little longer. If you like a chunky peanut butter, process a little less.
Step 2: Add honey
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Add the honey and process just until blended.
Editor’s Tip: You don’t have to add the honey, but we strongly recommend it. It gives the peanut butter a creamier consistency and slightly sweet flavor. Plus, you’ll reap these amazing honey health benefits.
Step 3: Store and serve
Taste of Home
Once your peanut butter is well-blended, transfer it from the food processor to an airtight container.
How long will the peanut butter last?
Fortunately, homemade peanut butter rarely expires because it simply won’t last that long. Just have one spoonful and you’ll see why! If you don’t end up devouring your entire jar immediately, homemade peanut butter can be kept in a cool, dark place (like the pantry) for about a month. Keep it in the refrigerator to help it last a bit longer.
Is it cheaper to make your own peanut butter?
Usually, yes! But that depends on the kind of peanut butter you buy. Homemade peanut butter relies on just a few natural ingredients. And that same quality costs a lot at the store, so you’ll come out ahead if you make your own. However, if you buy a generic brand when it’s on sale, that’s going to be cheaper.
What is the healthiest peanut butter?
Well, it’s hard to beat our recipe that calls for just three ingredients. But if you opt for the store-bought stuff, look for a jar with minimal ingredients, no added sugar and no artificial ingredients. We love this brand that you can buy on Amazon.
Each serving of natural peanut butter, about 1 tablespoon, has 111 calories, 9 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein.
Get more information on healthy nut butters here.
Use Homemade PB in These Sweet Recipes
Peanut Butter Logs
These peanut butter logs have definitely stood the test of time. My husband has been enjoying them since he was a toddler! —Micky Faginkrantz, Ft. Bliss, Texas
Go to Recipe
Our guide to the
best peanut butter brands will help you find the right peanut butter for any recipe. And this
peanut butter knife will help you scrape up every last bit of peanut butter from the jar, too. Don't miss out.
Peanut Butter Cream PieDuring the warm months, it's nice to have this fluffy, no-bake peanut butter pie that's a snap to make. Packed with flavor, this pie gets gobbled up even after a big meal! —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Peanut Butter 'N' Jelly CakeI made this fun and flavorful peanut butter and jelly cake for my son's first birthday. He just turned 33, and he still has to have his favorite treat. Kids of any age have a hard time turning down peanut butter and jelly—especially when it comes tucked into cake and frosting! —Linda Graybill, Sebring, Florida
Psst! Looking for something just as delicious but a little healthier? These
healthy peanut butter snacks are just what you need.
Peanut Butter MilkshakesYou’ve got milk, peanut butter, and probably vanilla ice cream, too. Using just a few ingredients, you can whip up this peanut butter milkshake recipe in seconds. —Joyce Turley, Slaughters, Kentucky
Crunchy Peanut Butter TartsFor a fun, fuss-free dessert, try these darling tarts. They’re a satisfying, rich family favorite. —Mary Kelley, Wilmington, North Carolina
Peanut Butter and Jelly French ToastI've always tried to make cooking fun—for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking teaches children the importance of following directions and being organized. This recipe is easy to make, and kids really like it. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Chocolate Peanut Butter GrahamsBecause so many people seem to love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, I came up with this no-bake cookie recipe.—Geraldine Sliwa, Elgin, Illinois
Peanut Butter Bundt CakeThis peanut butter Bundt cake with frosting is heavenly to me. I use smooth peanut butter, but crunchy would work, too. —Karen Holt, Rock Hill, South Carolina
Chocolate Chip Elvis PancakesI'm one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This chocolate peanut butter pancakes recipe was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri
Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice CreamWhat could be better than peanut butter and jelly ice cream? You'll love the sweet-salty combination. Use your favorite flavor of jelly and switch to crunchy peanut butter if you like extra texture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Fudge CupsMy husband often travels during the week, and this fast-to-fix microwave peanut butter fudge recipe is perfect for just my 2-year-old and me. —Lori Brow, Manhattan, Illinois.
Peanut Butter S'Mores SandwichFavorite flavors from s'mores come together in this tasty peanut butter sandwich—no campfire required. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Coconut CookiesThese four-ingredient peanut butter coconut cookies are easy to make, so you'll always have time to make a quick batch. Bonus: No flour means they're also gluten-free! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Crispy Bars
To make a dairy-free dessert, I created chocolate peanutty bars. My kids and their friends gobble them up. I've written about it on my blog, joyfulscribblings.com. —Dawn Pasco, Overland Park, Kansas
Go to Recipe
Peanut Butter and Jelly DoughnutsA classic jelly doughnut gets a fun twist with peanut butter glaze. No one will be able to resist these fluffy peanut butter and jelly doughnuts that take you back to your childhood. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
BuckeyesBuckeyes are an Ohio-born treat that need just five ingredients. The hardest part of this recipe will be saving any buckeyes for your loved ones.
Mug CookieThis mug cookie recipe is an easy way to make single-serve cookies at home. The tender cookie is perfect for those late-night cravings, when you want a little something sweet, right out of the oven.
Chocolate Ganache Peanut Butter CupcakesI've been baking cakes for years and enjoy trying new combinations of flavors and textures. For this peanut butter cupcake recipe, I blended peanut butter and chocolate. As soon as I took the first bite, I knew I had created something divine! —Ronda Schabes, Vicksburg, Michigan
Chippy Peanut Butter Cookies"Hey, these are good!" is the surprised remark I hear when I bake these for the family. As simple as it may seem, all I do is follow directions. This works exceptionally well when it comes to making cookies. —Ian Badeer, Hickman, Nebraska
Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight OatsThis yummy breakfast bowl gives everyone's favorite sandwich a healthy twist. Switch to crunchy peanut butter and sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top if you like the extra crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Spritz FingersMy family loves this peanut butter fingers recipe because they satisfy the need for chocolate and for something crunchy, sweet and nutty, all in just one bite! —Irma Lowery, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Brownie TriflePeanut butter brownie trifle is a tower of bite-sized, peanut butter chip-studded brownies and creamy peanut butter mousse. The dish is crowned with whipped topping and an exuberant garnish of chopped peanut butter cups. Best of all, it's easy and fast and makes a showstopper of a dessert.
Peanut Butter CupsYou don't have to own any fancy or expensive equipment to make irresistible peanut butter cups at home. In fact, it only takes a microwave and some mini muffin liners.
Peanut Butter Pudding DessertHere's a fun layered dessert that will appeal to all ages. If you want it even nuttier, you can use chunky peanut butter, and if you're not a fan of cashews, substitute your favorite nut. This peanut butter lasagna is one of my favorite pudding desserts. —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio
Chewy Peanut Butter CookiesBake up a batch of irresistible chewy peanut butter cookies with this simple recipe. These cookies are the perfect combination of peanut buttery goodness and soft, chewy texture.
Giant Buckeye CookieI’m from Ohio, and we love our buckeye candy! Buckeyes are a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate, which is exactly what this cookie is. All you need is a box of cake mix, a few common pantry ingredients, and voila—you have a tasty dessert ready for family and friends in under an hour. You can customize it, too, by substituting other mix-ins for the chocolate chips. We serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Arianna Harding, Cincinnati, Ohio
Haystack Cookies with Peanut ButterPeanut butter haystacks are one of my favorite desserts. I love to serve them to guests because they marvel at how something so simple tastes so good! —Starrlette Howard, Ogden, Utah
Peanut Butter PancakesWondering how to make peanut butter pancakes? These morning treats are one of my husband's specialties. It's not unusual for him to wake me with those hot-from-the griddle cakes! —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight OatsPeanut butter and chocolate just
belong together—and that includes breakfast. Our chocolate peanut butter overnight oats recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep before going in the fridge overnight, so it's perfect for busy weekday mornings.
Peanut Butter Cream PieDuring the warm months, it's nice to have this fluffy, no-bake peanut butter pie that's a snap to make. Packed with flavor, this pie gets gobbled up even after a big meal! —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Peanut Butter SnowballsThis recipe for peanut butter ball cookies is a nice change from the typical milk chocolate and peanut butter combination. I once prepared them for a bake sale at my granddaughter's school, and I've also put them in gift boxes to share with neighbors at Christmas. —Wanda Regula, Birmingham, Michigan
Miniature Peanut Butter TreatsThis recipe is one of my family's favorites, and I make the treats a lot, especially at Christmas. I have three children and eight grandchildren, and every one of them loves those "peanut butter thingies," as the grandchildren call them! —Jodie McCoy, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Peanut Butter Popcorn BallsFriends and family are always happy to receive these tasty peanut butter popcorn balls. I love making them as well as eating them! —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip CookiesOutrageously delicious and decadently gourmet, our peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a treat fit for the bakery window display.
Peanut Butter, Apple and Raisin SandwichTart, sweet and crunchy, these open-faced sammies are a perfect after-school (or after-work) snack. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Chocolate BarsThese chewy bars are the perfect no-fuss contribution to a potluck or bake sale. I’ve discovered the trick is to get them into the refrigerator so the chocolate can set before they disappear! —Lorri Speer, Centralia, Washington
Bacon-Peanut Butter Cornbread MuffinsMy family just can't get enough bacon and peanut butter, so I created these quick and easy cornbread muffins using ingredients I regularly keep stocked in my pantry and fridge. The streusel topping adds a delicious sweet-salty crunch! No peanut butter baking chips on hand? For a different flavor twist, swap in chocolate chips, then drizzle the warm muffins with chocolate syrup instead of caramel topping. —Shannon Kohn, Summerville, South Carolina
Peanut Butter Cereal TreatsKids will love these colorful, crunchy bars. They’re a fun twist on the traditional marshmallow crispy treats…and because they’re so easy, older kids could whip up a batch on their own! —Christie Porter, Shipshewana, Indiana
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip CookiesWith this easy recipe for peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, you get two great cookies in one soft, chewy treat.
Peanut Butter Chocolate DessertThe desserts of my dreams have chocolate and peanut butter. So when I came up with this rich dessert, it quickly became my all-time favorite. It's a cinch to whip together because it doesn't require any baking. My family loves this chocolate peanut butter cup lasagna! —Debbie Price, LaRue, Ohio
Peanut Butter PinwheelsThese doubly delightful pinwheel cookies are very easy to prepare. They feature the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate in an attractive swirl. —Kandy Dick, Junction, Texas
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter BlossomsGluten-free peanut butter blossoms put a chocolate twist on creamy butter treats!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch BarsMy twist on rice crispy bars includes crunchy crushed pretzels. Then I top them with a creamy peanut butter coating and rich chocolate topping. Garnished with peanuts and even more pretzels, I don’t think I'd ever go back to plain old bars again. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Cake BarsThese cakelike bars are packed with peanut butter and chocolate chips, and they're perfect for any occasion. Kids and adults alike are in for a treat with these gems. —Charlotte Ennis, Lake Arthur, New Mexico
Peanut Butter Caramel BarsWhen my husband and our three sons sit down to dinner, they ask, "What's for dessert?" I have a happy group of guys when I report that these rich bars are on the menu. They're chockfull of yummy ingredients. —Lee Ann Karnowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Candy Snack MixChock-full of raisins, peanuts and M& M's, this crunchy salty-sweet mix stays fresh for weeks. I keep it on hand to serve to unexpected guests or to fill decorative containers to give as last-minute gifts. —Mary Newsom, Grand Ridge, Florida
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Mousse CheesecakeThis no-bake cheesecake with distinctive layers of chocolate, peanut butter mousse and a silky ganache on top will take some time to assemble, but it's worth the effort to create a homemade dessert with grand-champion appeal—and definitely worth the wait. —JaNon Furrer, Prescott, Arizona. If you like this, then learn how to make
peanut butter mousse.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Apple DipMy mom got this peanut butter dip recipe from a neighbor years ago. She always made it for us kids in the fall when apples were in season. Now I make it for my children. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crisp BarsTell the kids to roll up their sleeves and help make these crunchy, chocolaty bars. They're easy and will surely satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. —Kathy Mitchell, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter CheesecakeAfter a co-worker shared a recipe for a great bar cookie, I made it into a cheesecake using my standard recipe and tweaking it a bit. It’s a wonderful combination of sweet and salty. —Joyce Schamberger, Amboy, Illinois
Monster CookiesWho can resist gigantic monster cookies chock-full of goodies like chocolate chips, M&M's and peanut butter? If your appetite isn't quite monster-size, make them by heaping tablespoonfuls. This is the world's best monster cookies recipe. —Judy Fredenberg, Missoula, Montana
Peanut Butter Brownie BitesI used to make these brownie bites with a cherry in the center. Then I discovered that my granddaughter Lily is big on peanut butter, so I switched it up. Now she loves to help me make them. —Donna McGinnis, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
Giant Peanut Butter Ice Cream SandwichI created this giant peanut butter cookie cake for my husband, adding light and low-fat products to the cookie dough. It was so fantastic that I fixed it with conventional ingredients for guests. Since it can be made ahead of time and frozen, it cuts stress for busy hostesses. And really, who doesn't love peanut butter ice cream? —Joann Belack, Bradenton, Florida
Peanut Butter Cream PieThis no-bake peanut butter pie is rich, decadent and packed with as much peanut butter flavor as possible. The hardest part of the recipe is waiting for it to chill overnight!
