Easy Homemade Peanut Butter
This homemade peanut butter recipe will change the way you think about this popular pantry staple. In under 15 minutes, you’ll have deliciously creamy peanut butter that puts store-bought versions to shame. No preservatives, added oils, or added sugar.
Looking for more homemade spreads? Try my cashew butter, granola butter (nut free), or pistachio butter.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy natural peanut butter:
- Roasted unsalted peanuts – if using salted peanuts, omit the added salt.
- Kosher salt or sea salt – if using sea salt, use less since it has a saltier taste.
How to Make Peanut Butter: Step By Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. The full instructions and ingredient list will be in the printable recipe card below!
- Roast. Roast the peanuts on a bare baking sheet for 6-8 minutes until warm and golden. Let cool for a few minutes before processing.
- Cool. Place the peanuts in the bowl of a food processor. Let them cool for a few minutes before proceeding.
- Blend. Blend in intervals, scraping down the sides as needed with a rubber spatula. The mixture will go from crumbly to a thick paste before transforming into smooth butter. This can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes, depending on the strength of your machine.
- Add flavoring(s). Add salt and any optional sweeteners or add-ins. Pulse a few more times until thoroughly incorporated.
- Transfer and store. Transfer the fresh peanut butter to a clean jar or airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before putting the lid on.
Helpful Tips
- Patience is key. The transformation from peanuts to butter takes time. Trust the process, even when it looks dry and crumbly at first.
- Prevent overheating. If your food processor gets warm, give it a break to prevent overheating.
- Control the texture. For chunky peanut butter, set aside ½ cup of peanuts before processing, roughly chop them, and stir them in at the end before you transfer them to a jar.
Quick Tip: Even if you’re already using roasted peanuts, roasting them helps release their natural oils making them easier to break down into butter.
Storage
Homemade peanut butter will keep at room temperature for about 2-3 weeks in an airtight jar in the pantry.
To make it last longer, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 months. Natural peanut butter separates over time, so just stir before using.
Make It Your Way: Substitutions & Variations
Please remember that recipes are just a starting point.
How can you make this easy peanut butter recipe using what you already have? Here are some ideas…
- Use a combination of nuts – replace some of the peanuts with almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts for a blended nut butter.
- Add-ins – ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder.
- Make it sweet – mix in honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for natural sweetness.
- Chocolate peanut butter – blend in cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate for a decadent spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your peanut butter seems too dry, continue processing. The natural oils need time to release. If it’s still too dry after 8-10 minutes of processing, add 1-2 teaspoons of a neutral oil such as avocado oil.
When stored properly in the refrigerator, homemade peanut butter typically lasts for 1-2 months. At room temperature, it will stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks.
It’s recommended to refrigerate homemade peanut butter since it doesn’t contain preservatives. Refrigeration extends its shelf life and prevents it from going rancid.
Natural peanut butter separates because it doesn’t contain stabilizers like commercial versions. Simply stir before using.
Yes, a high-powered blender can work, but you will need to stop more frequently to scrape down the sides. A food processor works better for nut butter since there’s no liquid. Learn about the differences between a food processor and a blender.
Typically, yes. Especially when you buy peanuts in bulk or on sale. The cheaper store-bought options have fillers and unnecessary additives, whereas this recipe has just 2 simple ingredients.
More Cooking Basics
- Homemade Hot Honey
- 5 Minute Dairy Free Caesar Dressing
- Vegan Oyster Sauce (Gluten Free Option)
- Homemade Honey Marshmallows (Without Corn Syrup)
- How to Make Infused Simple Syrups
I hope you love this Peanut Butter Recipe. If you make this recipe, please leave a comment & a star rating below. Thank you!
Easy Homemade Peanut Butter
Ingredients
- 3 cups roasted, unsalted peanuts see notes below
- pinch of kosher salt, to taste omit if using salted peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF/175ºC. Spread the peanuts into a single layer on a bare baking sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes until warm and golden. Let cool for a few minutes before processing.
- Place the peanuts in the bowl of a food processor or a high-speed blender. Let the nuts cool for a few minutes before proceeding.
- Blend in intervals, scraping down the sides as needed with a rubber spatula. The mixture will go from crumbly to a thick paste before transforming into smooth butter. This can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes, depending on the strength of your machine.
- Add salt and any optional sweeteners or other add-ins. Pulse a few more times until thoroughly incorporated.
- Transfer the fresh peanut butter to a clean jar or airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before putting the lid on.