Peanut butter is a popular spread made from ground, dry-roasted peanuts. It is a staple in many homes and is used in a variety of recipes from sandwiches to desserts. Peanut butter can be purchased in jars at the grocery store, but many people enjoy making their own homemade peanut butter for a fresher taste. When baking or cooking with peanut butter, recipes will often call for a measurement of peanut butter in cups. But what exactly does 1 cup of peanut butter look like?
How Many Ounces are in 1 Cup of Peanut Butter?
When measuring peanut butter, it helps to understand that 1 cup of peanut butter weighs about 8 ounces. Peanut butter is a dense, thick spread. So while 1 cup of something lightweight like flour weighs around 4 ounces, the heavier density of peanut butter means 1 measuring cup will hold about 8 ounces.
The exact weight can vary slightly by brand based on factors like peanut grind, oil content, and additives. But for general cooking and baking, using 8 ounces and 1 cup of peanut butter interchangeably works well.
Appearance of 1 Cup Peanut Butter
Visually, 1 cup of smooth peanut butter will fill and lightly mound a 1 cup liquid measuring cup. Given its thick, dense texture, the peanut butter will not appear liquid-like running down the sides of the cup. It will remain fairly mounded.
When scooped with a spoon, 1 cup of creamy peanut butter will appear as a generous, heaping cupful. The spoonfuls will hold a rounded shape.
Smooth style peanut butter will have a more mounded look to 1 cup compared to chunky style. That’s because the chunks and peanuts in chunky varieties take up more visual space. A cup of chunky peanut butter will have slightly less of a rounded look on top.
Buying 1 Cup of Peanut Butter
When shopping for peanut butter, the typical jar sizes make it easy to visualize about 1 cup. Most peanut butter is sold in 18-ounce or 28-ounce jars.
An 18-ounce jar contains about 2 cups of peanut butter.
A 28-ounce jar contains around 3 1/3 cups of peanut butter.
So if a recipe calls for 1 cup of peanut butter, an 18-ounce jar would provide the exact amount needed with some leftover. And a 28-ounce jar would provide over 3 cups total, leaving plenty extra after using 1 cup for baking.
Nutrition in 1 Cup of Peanut Butter
One of the main reasons peanut butter is such a popular item is its nutritional value. It provides a good dose of protein and healthy fats. Here is an overview of the nutrition found in 1 cup serving of smooth, creamy peanut butter:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 822 |
| Total Fat | 72g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 49g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 396mg |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Protein | 36g |
As the table shows, 1 cup of peanut butter provides over 30% of the recommended daily value for protein. It also supplies vitamins, minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, and antioxidants. The healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in peanut butter can help lower LDL “bad” cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Uses for 1 Cup of Peanut Butter
What can you make with a cup of peanut butter? Here are some ideas:
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
Many classic peanut butter cookie recipes call for 1 cup of peanut butter as the star ingredient. It is creamed together with sugar and eggs to form the cookie base before baking.
Peanut Sauce or Dipping Sauce
Use 1 cup of peanut butter whisked together with some soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar and chili paste for an easy Asian inspired dipping sauce for veggies or drizzled over noodles or rice.
Peanut Butter Smoothie
Add 1 cup of peanut butter along with yogurt, milk or a dairy alternative like almond milk, frozen fruit and a sweetener like honey in a blender for a nutritious breakfast or snack smoothie.
Peanut Butter Fruit Dip
Mix together 1 cup peanut butter with honey or maple syrup for a simple fruit dip for apple and banana slices.
Homemade Peanut Butter Energy Bars
Make no-bake granola bars by mixing 1 cup peanut butter with oats, nuts, dried fruit, seeds, honey and vanilla extract. Form into bars and refrigerate before eating.
Peanut Sauce for Satay
Blend together 1 cup peanut butter, broth, soy sauce, chili paste, lime and other seasonings to make a flavorful sauce to drizzle over grilled chicken or beef satay skewers.
Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Combine 1 cup of peanut butter into overnight oats along with oats, chia seeds, milk and vanilla for nutty flavor and added protein.
Storing Leftover Peanut Butter
If you end up with extra peanut butter leftover after using 1 cup for a recipe, be sure to store it properly to maintain freshness. Here are some peanut butter storage tips:
– Transfer any used portion to a new container, as exposure to air can dry it out over time.
– Push plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the peanut butter before sealing the container. This prevents oxidation.
– Store opened peanut butter at cool room temperature in the pantry. Refrigeration is not needed but can extend shelf life after opening.
– Look for signs peanut butter has gone bad like change in texture, smell, appearance of oil at the top or loss of flavor.
– Unopened peanut butter has a recommended shelf life of 9-12 months. Opened, it will stay fresh for about 3-4 months stored properly.
Making Homemade Peanut Butter
While buying store-bought peanut butter is certainly convenient, peanut butter is also simple to make at home with just two ingredients – peanuts and a little oil. Here is a basic homemade peanut butter recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups raw, shelled peanuts
– 1-2 tablespoons peanut oil or neutral oil like vegetable or canola
Instructions:
1. Add peanuts to a food processor or high powered blender. Pulse a few times to break them up.
2. Then process on high, stopping to scrape down sides as needed, until a smooth paste forms, about 2-5 minutes.
3. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in oil through the feed tube until incorporated. This helps emulsify the peanut butter.
4. Stop blending once the oils are mixed in and the texture looks creamy. Avoid over-blending or the oils may separate.
5. Enjoy homemade peanut butter fresh or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
Making homemade peanut butter allows you to control the ingredients and customize the texture exactly how you like it – creamy, chunky, crunchy, etc. While not quite as smooth as commercial brands, the fresh peanut flavor can’t be beat.
Common Peanut Butter Brands
There are many brands and types of peanut butter available in grocery stores. Here is an overview of some popular peanut butter options:
Jif
One of the most popular and widely available brands, Jif peanut butter comes in creamy, crunchy, natural, and reduced fat varieties.
Skippy
Another well-known brand carried by most grocery stores. Skippy makes both classic and natural peanut butter.
Peter Pan
This brand offers both creamy and crunchy options, as well as lower sugar and salt varieties.
Smucker’s
Smucker’s natural peanut butter has ingredients of just dry roasted peanuts and salt, available in creamy and chunky.
Justin’s
Justin’s is known for nut butters made with all-natural ingredients, offered in squeeze packs for portability.
Reese’s
Yes, the candy brand makes peanut butter too! It has a sweeter taste and ultra-smooth texture.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s offers their own brand of organic and valencia peanut butters at affordable prices.
Key Takeaways
– 1 cup of peanut butter weighs approximately 8 ounces. Visually, it will mound the surface of the measuring cup.
– Common jar sizes like 18 ounces (2 cups) or 28 ounces (3 1/3 cups) make it easy to have a cup of peanut butter on hand.
– Nutritionally, 1 cup of peanut butter delivers protein, healthy fats, fiber and more. It can be used to make sauces, baked goods, smoothies, energy bites and more.
– Opened peanut butter will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 months stored in an airtight container with the surface covered.
– Popular peanut butter brands include options like Jif, Skippy, Smucker’s, Justin’s and Reese’s which can be found in most grocery stores.
Conclusion
Peanut butter is a nutritious, versatile ingredient loved by both kids and adults. When a recipe calls for 1 cup of peanut butter, it means about 8 ounces by weight or a heaping cup filled to the brim. Knowing what to expect from a typical 1 cup measure makes it easy to shop for and whip up recipes using everyone’s favorite nutty spread. Whether you prefer creamy, crunchy, all-natural or classic, peanut butter can be used to add nutrition, flavor and texture to both sweet and savory dishes.
