Natural peanut butter keeps its ingredient list simple, just like this hack for no-stir satisfaction.
Sick of Stirring Peanut Butter? Try This Simple Trick.
Peanut butter is for way more than sandwiches—I’m talking ice cream pies, shakes and smoothies, granola bars, pizza, even chicken. This creamy ingredient is a favorite not just of mine, but of Americans everywhere.
Did you know that every year the United States produces 5.85 billion pounds of peanuts and Americans spend $1.85 billion on peanut butter? Here’s the brand that won our taste test.
If you’re one of those Americans who prefer natural nut butter, you know about “the problem.”
Why Peanut Butter Separates
Big peanut butter brands often use special oils to help extend shelf life, and stabilize the mixture to prevent separating. But natural nut butters lack the stabilizer, so the peanut’s own oils separate from the butter itself, especially at warmer temperatures.
(Here’s our guide to the healthiest nut butters.)
This separation is called syneresis, which is just a fancy word that means “liquid separating from a solid mixture.” The liquid isn’t dangerous. Had it not separated from the peanut butter you would’ve eaten it anyway. But it can be annoying. Stirring the liquid back in takes a bunch of elbow grease. And because I’m messy, I always wind up splashing the oils all over the countertop.
If only there were some way to prevent syneresis in the first place! Wait…
Here’s Our DIY Peanut Butter Mixer
Store your natural peanut butter container upside-down. (This is the brand our tasters recommend.)
Yes, it really is that simple. See, the liquids that separate from the solid body of peanut butter rise to the top. Storing it upside-down will force the oils at the top to travel back through the butter, mixing right in themselves. And if the oil all travels to the bottom of the jar, just store it right-side-up until you use it again. Rinse and repeat.
So, when you’re done using peanut butter, keep this simple tip on rotation for easy spreading. Voila!
Desserts for Serious PB Lovers ONLY
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 MilkshakeSpecial treats are sometimes the simplest ones, as is the case with a peanut butter milkshake. This tasty treat requires just four ingredients, and you probably have them on hand already. Enjoy!
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 with Marshmallow CremeWith only five ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time, creamy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow creme is one of the easiest treats. Also known as fluffernutter fudge, it makes a great food gift, too!
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
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 Peanut Butter CupcakesChocolate peanut butter cupcakes, crowned with chocolate ganache and a swirl of peanut butter buttercream, are an impressive treat that would rival those at any specialty cupcake bakery.
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, crowned with whipped topping and an exuberant garnish of chopped peanut butter cups for a showstopping 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
Chocolate Butterscotch HaystacksThese chocolate haystack cookies are classic and couldn't be simpler to make. They're delightfully crunchy and made with just three ingredients.
Peanut Butter PancakesPeanut butter in pancakes? Yes, please! This heartier take on the breakfast classic is topped with honey butter for a savory-sweet finish.
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 SnowballsAs sweet treats go, these peanut butter snowballs are a cut above the raw sugar rush of your average candy. They’re smooth and creamy in the middle, cold and crunchy on the outside—and delicious all the way through!
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
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie TreatsYou can make a batch of chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats in a matter of minutes with just a bit of mixing, melting, and spreading, and then some hands-off chilling in the fridge.
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 LasagnaThis peanut butter lasagna recipe features rich chocolate and peanut butter layers for a part-crunchy, part-creamy dessert that'll perk up any chocolate and peanut butter lover's taste buds.
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!
Peanut Butter Pretzel BarsMy secret to these rich no-bake bites? Pretzels in the crust. They add a salty crunch to the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
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.
Peanut Butter DipUpgrade your afternoon snack with this delicious cheesecake-like peanut butter dip. Serve it with any dipper, from apples to pretzels to veggie sticks.
Chocolate Peanut TreatsWhen I was in high school, I took these sweet and crunchy squares to bake sales— and they were the first to sell out. I still make them for family and friends who love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. —Christy Asher, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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 Caramel Brownie BitesWith their multiple decadent layers, these brownies are my family's absolute favorite. —Ella Agans, Birch Tree, Missouri
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!
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