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
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Peanut Butter Cream Pie
During the warm months, it's nice to have a fluffy, no-bake dessert that's a snap to make. Packed with peanut flavor, this pie gets gobbled up even after a big meal! —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Miniature Peanut Butter Treats
This recipe is one of my family's favorites, and I make these treats a lot, especially at Christmas. I have 3 children and 8 grandchildren, and every one of them loves those "peanut butter thingies," as the grandchildren call them! —Jodie McCoy, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Giant Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwich
I created this treat 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? —Joann Belack, Bradenton, Florida
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
If you want to enjoy one of these soft, fully loaded treats the day after you make them, you’d better find a good hiding spot. —Jennifer Krey, Clarence, New York
Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle
This rich, tempting trifle feeds a crowd and features the ever-popular combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Try this dessert for your next get-together. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
I like using pretty mini muffin liners and topping these peanut butter cups with colored sprinkles to coordinate with the holiday we're celebrating. People can't believe how simple it is to make this irresistible candy with gooey, peanut butter centers. —LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota
Peanut Butter Pudding Dessert
Here'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. —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio
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 French Toast
I've always tried to make cooking fun—for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking also 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
Peanut Butter Chocolate Parfaits
If you're looking for a super dessert that can be made a day ahead, try these parfaits. They contain the popular flavor combination of peanut butter and chocolate and are topped off with whipped cream. Yum! —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie
My mother made a chewy, gooey peanut butter pie I loved as a child. Now I continue the tradition for the next generation of peanut butter lovers. —Brianna DeBlake, Fremont, Michigan
Peanut Butter Maple Cookies
I bake these crispy yet chewy peanut butter cookies often. My grandchildren, both near and far, can't wait to dig into the cookie jar. —Lois Bowman, Swanton, Maryland
Outrageous Peanut Butter Sauce
I developed this thick and creamy sauce in an attempt to re-create a peanut butter topping we had at a restaurant. Served over any kind of ice cream, it's to die for! —Mary Long, Amherst, Virginia
Peanut Butter-Chocolate Ice Cream Torte
What’s not to love about peanut butter, chocolate, ice cream and Oreo cookies? This fancy frozen dessert is a cinch to put together. What a great dessert to have on hand for unexpected guests this summer! —Dana Southwick, Manton, California
Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
Friends and family are always happy to receive these tasty popcorn balls. I love making them as well as eating them! —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Peanut Butter Oatmeal-Chip Cookies
This is my husband's favorite, my classes' favorite, my colleagues' favorite and frankly it's my favorite too It's just plain yummy! It also makes about 11 dozen...bake sale, here we come. —Dana Chew, Okemah, Oklahoma
Peanut Chocolate Whirls
The mouthwatering combination of chocolate and peanut butter is irresistible in these tender swirl cookies. My daughters and I have such fun making and sharing these yummy snacks. —Joanne Woloschuk, Yorkton, Saskatchewan
Maple Peanut Butter Pie
Maple nut goodies have been a favorite candy of mine since I was a child, and I think the flavors taste just as great in a pie! This pie freezes well, too—just take it out to thaw 30 minutes before serving. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Peanut Butter Oatmeal
My son and I eat this every day for breakfast. It's a hearty, healthy way to jump start our morning. — Elisabeth Reitenbach, Terryville, Connecticut
Peanut & Banana Cupcakes
If you want a cupcake that'll wow a crowd, look no further. These are great for dessert or as a snack, and have a nice sweet, salty balance. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Pudding Pie with Bananas
I created this pie in tribute to Elvis, who was my favorite entertainer, and to Hershey, Pennsylvania, the town where I was born. —Penny Hawkins, Mebane, North Carolina
Peanut Butter Cereal Treats
Kids 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
Chocolate Crunch Brownies
The first time I took these brownies to work, I knew I'd better start making copies of the recipe—they disappeared fast! My husband and kids gobble them up quickly, too. —Pat Mueller, Mitchell, South Dakota
Peanut Butter Fudge
This peanut butter fudge is a favorite "never fail" quickie recipe. —Eleanore Peterson, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce
Use this versatile peanut sauce, with its zippy touch of chili powder, to toss with noodles or marinate meat. Of course, it’s a terrific dip for chicken wings, too! —Christine Omar, Harwich Port, Massachusetts
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
Here's a different version of a traditional cookie. I love these peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips. — Clarice Schweitzer, Sun City, Arizona
Peanut Butter Chocolate Dessert
The desserts of my dreams have both chocolate and peanut butter. So, when I came up with this rich treat, it quickly became my all-time favorite. It's a cinch to whip together because it doesn't require any baking. —Debbie Price, LaRue, Ohio
Peanut Butter Pinwheels
These 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 Kiss Cookies
Guests will stand in line to kiss the cook when these treats are served! For a change of pace, try them with chunky peanut butter, too. —Canada60, Tasteofhome.com Community
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
My twist on rice crispy bars includes crunchy crushed pretzels. Then I top them with a creamy peanut butter coating and rich chocolate topping. Garnished with peanuts and even more pretzels, I don’t think I'd ever go back to plain old bars again. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Cheesecake
The first time I served this cheesecake, my friends all went wild over it. They were surprised when I told them the crust is made of pretzels. The pairing of sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy, plus peanut butter and chocolate, left everyone asking for another slice. —Lois Brooks, Newark, Delaware
Peanut Butter-Hazelnut Brownies
Over the years I’d been adding this and that to my basic brownie recipe—and then I came up with this one! —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
Chocolate-Swirled Peanut Butter Cookies
Our kids most requested cookies are peanut butter and chocolate chip, so I came up with this recipe combining those favorite flavors. The two doughs swirled created a lovely pattern on the cookie. There's no need for additional decoration.—Lori Kesinger, Baker, Montana
Chocolate Ganache Peanut Butter Cupcakes
I've been baking cakes for years and enjoy trying new combinations of flavors and textures. For this recipe, I blended peanut butter and chocolate. As soon as I took the first bite, I knew I had created something divine! —Ronda Schabes, Vicksburg, Michigan
Peanut Butter Caramel Bars
When 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
Peanut Butter Silk Pie
This is a favorite, so I make it every chance I get. My youngest son wanted pies around his wedding cake, and this peanut butter pie recipe was one of his requests! —Lee Deneau, Lansing, Michigan
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Mousse Cheesecake
This 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
Crunchy Peanut Butter Apple Dip
My mom got this peanut butter dip recipe from a neighbor years ago. She always made it for us kids in the fall when apples were in season. Now I make it for my children. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crisp Bars
Tell the kids to roll up their sleeves and help make these crunchy, chocolaty bars. They're easy and will surely satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. —Kathy Mitchell, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter Cheesecake
After 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
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Better watch out! These peanut butter cookies topped with dark chocolate candies could be gone before Christmas. —Jeanette Meidal, Savage, Minnesota
Nut-Licious Peanut Butter Bars
My friends were astonished to find out these bars were not button-busting. We nick named them bamboozled bars! —Hannah Wolters, Culleoka, Tennessee
Giant Monster Cookies
Who 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. —Judy Fredenberg, Missoula, Montana
Peanut Butter Brownie Bites
I used to make these brownie bites with a cherry in the center. Then I discovered that my granddaughter Lily is big on peanut butter, so I switched it up. Now she loves to help me make them. —Donna McGinnis, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
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The post Sick of Stirring Peanut Butter? Try This Simple Trick. appeared first on Taste of Home.
Jeremy Jusek