Homemade protein peanut butter

Homemade protein peanut butter

10 min
Turn simple peanuts into a delicious homemade protein peanut butter with this easy recipe. Made from just peanuts – and a pinch of salt if you like – this recipe is ideal for spreading on toast, enhancing smoothies, or mixing into your favourite recipes. Experience the simplicity and pleasure of making your own peanut butter and customise it to suit your preferred consistency.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/homemade-protein-peanut-butter/

Instructions

  • Place the peanuts into a food processor or mini chopper and begin blending.
  • Continue blending patiently; the peanuts will first form a grainy texture, but as the natural oils are released, they will transform into a smooth, creamy peanut butter.
  • Once you’ve achieved your desired consistency, transfer the peanut butter to a sterilised glass jar.
  • Store at room temperature.
Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Enjoy!
Advanced blending techniques

To achieve the ideal texture and smoothness, start with brief pulses to break the peanuts into smaller pieces, preventing unprocessed chunks and ensuring an even texture. After pulsing, switch to continuous blending. This sustained action releases the oils in the peanuts more effectively, creating a smooth, buttery spread. Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This step incorporates all peanut bits into the blend, ensuring consistent texture throughout the batch.

Customise your protein peanut butter's consistency

For a chunky consistency, pulse the peanuts briefly at first to create coarse pieces, then set some aside before continuing to blend the rest into a creamy base. Stir the reserved chunks back in at the end for a perfectly balanced texture. If you prefer silky smooth peanut butter, blend for longer, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides of the food processor. The longer you blend, the more the natural oils are released, resulting in an ultra-creamy texture. For a firmer peanut butter, reduce the blending time slightly or refrigerate the final product. By adjusting the blending time and technique, you can easily create a spread tailored to your personal taste.

Lightly toast the peanuts for extra flavour

To enhance the flavour of this recipe, lightly toast the peanuts before blending. This deepens their flavour, bringing out a richer, more robust nutty taste that complements the creamy texture of the peanut butter. Simply spread the peanuts on a baking tray and toast them in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Be sure to give the tray a shake halfway through for even toasting. Keep a close eye on them, as peanuts can burn quickly. Allow them to cool completely before adding them to the food processor. Toasting not only intensifies the flavour but also makes the peanuts slightly softer, which can speed up the blending process and result in an even smoother, creamier result.

Questions about protein peanut butter

This recipe is a versatile and delicious option for anyone looking to enhance their meals or snacks. Here, we answer common questions about making this creamy spread, from tips on preparing it without a blender to storage advice and creative ways to customise the flavour to suit your preferences.

Can I make this recipe without a blender?
While you can make this recipe without a blender, it requires quite a bit more effort. Start by lightly toasting the peanuts to soften them and bring out their natural oils (see above for tips). Once cooled, place them in a sturdy mortar and pestle and grind them in small batches. Begin with a coarse texture, then gradually mash until they release their oils and form a creamy consistency. Alternatively, you can place them in a heavy-duty plastic bag, seal it tightly, and crush them using a rolling pin. While this method won't achieve the same smooth texture as a blender, it works well for making a chunky-style peanut butter.
How should I store the protein peanut butter?
To keep this spread fresh, store it in a sterilised, airtight glass jar. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks, provided it’s stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate the peanut butter, which will keep it fresh for up to a month or more. Keep in mind that refrigeration may cause it to firm up slightly; simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using if needed. Always use a clean utensil to scoop out the peanut butter to prevent contamination and maintain its freshness.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for freezing. Simply portion it into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent ice crystals. Freeze in small amounts for easy thawing and use. When ready to use, let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Freezing doesn’t affect the texture or flavour, making it a convenient way to store protein peanut butter for up to three months while keeping it fresh and ready to use.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

2284 Kcal

Fibre 32.4 gram fibers
Protein 102.8 %
Carbohydrates 32.8 %
Fat 196 gram

Ingredients

Peanuts, unsalted
400 g
Salt, to taste

Spice up your peanut butter

Take this recipe to the next level by adding spices to create a unique and flavourful spread. For a warm and aromatic twist, mix in cinnamon or nutmeg during the blending process. If you enjoy a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.

To complement savoury snacks or recipes, stir in a bit of smoked paprika or ground cumin. Sweet options like vanilla extract also pair beautifully with the natural nuttiness of the peanuts. By experimenting with spices, you can customise your protein peanut butter to suit a variety of tastes and uses, making it truly one-of-a-kind.

What can I use protein peanut butter for?

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of delicious ways:

  • Mixed into protein baked oats, it adds a creamy richness that enhances the texture and flavour, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.
  • Served with skyr and fresh berries, it perfectly complements the tangy skyr and juicy fruit, creating a quick and easy breakfast or snack.
  • In protein breakfast bars, the peanut butter serves as a binding ingredient and adds a nutty depth to the mix of chia seeds, almonds, cranberries, and chocolate, lending a chewy and flavourful texture.
  • Slathered onto protein banana bread, it creates a deliciously rich topping that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas.

These ideas are just the beginning, and showcase just how versatile and delicious this recipe can be in your kitchen!

Should I use salted or unsalted peanuts?

For the best results, it’s recommended to use unsalted peanuts when making this protein peanut butter. Unsalted peanuts give you full control over the flavour, allowing you to adjust the amount of salt to your taste. This ensures a well-balanced and customisable spread that works equally well for both sweet and savoury uses.

If you only have salted peanuts on hand, you can still use them, but skip adding any additional salt to the recipe. Keep in mind that salted peanuts may have a slightly overpowering taste, which could limit how you use the peanut butter in different dishes. Starting with unsalted peanuts provides the most versatility and ensures your peanut butter can be tailored to your liking.