Quick Answers
Peanut butter is a versatile ingredient that can be mixed with many things both savory and sweet. Here are some quick answers to what you can mix peanut butter with:
- Jelly – Classic PB&J sandwiches
- Bananas – Great combo for sandwiches or snacks
- Chocolate – Peanut butter and chocolate is a beloved flavor pairing
- Oatmeal – Add peanut butter to oatmeal for extra protein
- Yogurt – Mix into Greek yogurt for a healthy, high-protein breakfast
- Apple slices – Dip apple slices into peanut butter for a snack
- Celery – Stuff peanut butter into celery stalks
- Granola – Use as a binder in homemade granola bars
- Ice cream – Peanut butter ice cream is delicious
- Milk – Make a peanut butter smoothie
Savory Combinations
While peanut butter is known for its role in sweet treats and snacks, it can also be used to add flavor and texture to savory dishes. Here are some ideas for mixing peanut butter into savory recipes:
Sandwiches and wraps
Spread peanut butter on sandwiches instead of mayonnaise or mustard for added protein and healthy fats. Some sandwich fillings that pair well with peanut butter include:
- Turkey – The classic peanut butter and turkey sandwich
- Cheese – Think grilled cheese with peanut butter
- Vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, spinach
- Eggs – Peanut butter goes well in an egg sandwich too
You can also spread peanut butter inside a wrap or flatbread with savory fillings like chicken, beans, rice, or hummus. The peanut butter adds a creamy, nutty flavor to balance these fillings.
Asian cuisine
Peanut butter is used in many Asian cuisines to add flavor and thickness to sauces and stir-fries. Try mixing peanut butter into:
- Pad thai
- Curries
- Vegetable or chicken stir-fries
- Noodle bowls
Peanut sauce is also delicious drizzled over grilled meats or rice and veggie bowls.
African cuisine
Peanut stew is a staple in many African countries. Simply sauté onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and curry powder, add peanut butter and broth, and mix in vegetables like sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach or collard greens. Let it simmer until thickened. Serve over rice or on its own.
Chili
Stir a few tablespoons of peanut butter into a pot of chili. It will add a subtle nutty flavor and richness to complement the spices.
Salad dressings and dips
Whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce or tamari, garlic, ginger, and chili-garlic sauce for an Asian inspired dressing. Use on green or grain salads. Or blend peanut butter into hummus for a protein boost. Use as a veggie dip.
Sweet Combinations
Of course peanut butter also pairs deliciously with many sweet ingredients. Here are some ideas for how to mix it into classic desserts and snacks:
Cookies and bars
- Peanut butter cookies – An obvious classic!
- Thumbprint cookies – Fill the indents with peanut butter
- Brownies – Layer peanut butter in brownies for PB brownies
- Blondies – Swirl peanut butter into blond brownies
- Rice Krispie treats – Mix into the marshmallow treat mixture
- Granola bars
The nutty flavor of peanut butter goes well with chocolate in baked goods. Use it to replace some of the butter or shortening in recipes for extra flavor and protein.
Pies and tarts
Peanut butter can be used to add flavor to both the crust and filling of pies and tarts:
- Peanut butter tart crust – Press finely crushed cookies or graham crackers mixed with melted butter and peanut butter into a pie pan and bake
- Peanut butter pie – Use peanut butter in the filling mixed with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, etc
- Peanut butter chocolate pie – Top a chocolate pie base with lightened peanut butter mousse
- Peanut butter and jelly pie – Layer jelly over a peanut butter pie base
Milkshakes and smoothies
Blend peanut butter into milkshakes and smoothies for extra nutrition:
- Chocolate peanut butter milkshake
- Peanut butter banana smoothie
- Peanut butter blast smoothie with berries
You can also add a spoonful of peanut butter to plain yogurt and fruit for a simple parfait.
Overnight oats
Stir peanut butter into overnight oats along with chia seeds, cinnamon, and honey for added protein. Let soak overnight and enjoy chilled in the morning for breakfast.
Pancakes and waffles
Fold peanut butter right into the pancake or waffle batter before cooking. Or simply spread or drizzle peanut butter over a stack of pancakes for an easy topping.
Other sweet treats
Get creative with mixes, spreads, sauces and more:
- Peanut butter fudge – Make old fashioned fudge with peanut butter
- Buckeyes – Coat peanut butter balls in chocolate
- Peanut butter caramel apples – Spread apples with peanut butter before dipping in caramel
- Peanut butter hot chocolate – Mix peanut butter into hot chocolate
- Banana boats – Fill banana halves with chocolate and peanut butter
- Peanut butter frosting or ganache – Use as a cake filling
Ingredients that Pair Well with Peanut Butter
Peanut butter not only pairs well with sweet and savory ingredients, but also with other specific foods and flavors. Complementary ingredients that mix nicely with peanut butter include:
Fruits
| Fruit | Why it works with peanut butter |
|---|---|
| Bananas | The sweetness balances the nutty peanut butter. |
| Apples | The crunchy tartness contrasts the creamy peanut butter. |
| Strawberries | Their tanginess offsets the richness. |
| Raspberries | The sweet-tart flavor complements nutty peanut butter. |
| Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries | Adds chewy contrast to soft peanut butter. |
| Apricots, plums, cherries, etc | Extra sweet fruits add even more flavor. |
The natural sugars in fruit pair nicely with the nutty, subtly salty flavor of peanuts. The fruits lend moisture as well which helps balance the thick texture of peanut butter.
Chocolate
Chocolate and peanut butter are a dynamic duo. The sweet, creamy chocolate pairs perfectly with the nutty saltiness of peanut butter. Try mixing peanut butter into:
- Chocolate frosting or ganache
- Chocolate protein shakes or smoothies
- Chocolate cookies, brownies, or blondies
- Chocolate peanut butter cups
- Chocolate-dipped peanut butter cookies
- Molded chocolate peanut butter bars (like Reese’s style)
The two flavors complement each other so well that they are used together in candy, desserts, snacks, and more.
Nuts and seeds
Blend peanut butter with almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, ground flax, etc. The extra crunch and nutty flavor pair perfectly. Use this combo to make homemade granola bars, trail mixes, nutty cookies, or sandwiches.
Honey or maple syrup
Drizzle or swirl honey or maple syrup into peanut butter dishes. The sweetness helps mask peanut butter’s natural bitterness. The floral honey notes or deep maple flavors meld nicely with peanut butter’s nuttiness. Use it in peanut sauces, dressings, spreads, porridge, smoothies, etc.
Vanilla
Vanilla extract helps amplify the nutty sweetness of peanut butter. Add it when making cookies, cakes, pies, milkshakes, or any other treat that pairs vanilla and chocolate.
Salt
A pinch of salt balances the sweet flavor of peanut butter. Try adding a tiny sprinkle into milkshakes, cookies, sauces, or eat saltine crackers topped with peanut butter. The salty contrast makes the peanut butter taste even richer.
Spices
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom complement the warmth of peanut butter. Use them together in pancakes, curries, chilies, oatmeal, smoothies, etc.
Substitutes for Peanut Butter
People with peanut allergies, peanut intolerance, or preferences like paleo diets can use alternative nut and seed butters in place of peanut butter:
| Substitute | How it compares |
|---|---|
| Almond butter | More expensive but with a similar creamy texture and mild nutty flavor |
| Cashew butter | Creamy and slightly sweet |
| Sunflower seed butter | Made from roasted sunflower seeds. Lower fat than peanut or nut butters. |
| Soy nut butter | Made from roasted soybeans. More protein than peanut butter. |
| Pumpkin seed butter | Made from roasted, hull-less pumpkin seeds. Lower fat than peanut butter. |
These all tend to be more expensive than peanut butter. But they can be substituted into recipes using a 1:1 ratio in most cases. The flavor results will vary slightly depending on the substitute used.
Ways to Use Leftover Peanut Butter
If you have a jar of peanut butter that’s past its prime or leftover from recipes, don’t throw it out. Here are some creative ways to use up leftover peanut butter:
- Make homemade granola bars or no-bake cookies
- Swirl into oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies
- Use as a sauce or dip for fresh fruits and vegetables
- Fold into pancake or waffle batter
- Blend with cocoa powder, maple syrup, and milk or yogurt for chocolate peanut butter milkshakes
- Mix into cookie or brownie batter
- Stir into curry dishes for a Thai peanut sauce flavor
- Make peanut noodles by stirring into hot pasta along with soy sauce
- Use as a spread on sandwiches, burgers, toast, bagels, etc.
- Whisk together with oil and vinegar for quick peanut dressing over salads
Peanut butter can be frozen for longer term storage too. Simply pack it into a freezer-safe container leaving headspace and seal. Thaw in the refrigerator before using. The oils may separate after thawing, so stir before use. Frozen peanut butter retains its flavor for about 9-12 months.
Conclusion
Peanut butter is endlessly versatile, pairing wonderfully with both sweet and savory ingredients. Mix it into cookies, pies, snacks, sandwiches, sauces, dressings, and more. Complementary flavors include chocolate, vanilla, honey, cinnamon, bananas, jelly, and so much more. Even when past its prime, leftover peanut butter can still be used in many recipes rather than being thrown out. With so many delicious ways to eat and enjoy it, peanut butter can be considered a true kitchen staple.