Making peanut butter at home is straightforward, and the result is a delicious, pure peanut butter with no added sugars, oils, or preservatives. This homemade peanut butter will naturally separate in storage since it doesn’t contain stabilizers, so you’ll need to give it a stir before each use.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dry-roasted peanuts (unsalted)
- Optional: pinch of salt (if you prefer salted peanut butter)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Peanuts: If you’re using raw peanuts, roast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until they’re golden brown, which brings out a rich, nutty flavor. Allow them to cool before blending.
- Blend the Peanuts: Place the peanuts in a food processor or high-speed blender. Start blending on low, gradually increasing to high. The peanuts will go through several stages—from a powdery texture to a thick paste, and eventually a smooth butter. This can take up to 10 minutes, so be patient and stop to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Optional Salt: Once the peanut butter is smooth, taste it and add a pinch of salt if desired. Blend briefly to mix.
- Transfer and Store: Pour the peanut butter into a clean, airtight glass jar. Since it contains no stabilizers, the natural oils will separate over time. Stir the peanut butter each time before use to reincorporate the oils.
How to Store Homemade Peanut Butter
Homemade peanut butter can be stored at room temperature for up to 2–3 weeks, but for longer freshness, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 1–2 months. The texture may become firmer in the fridge, but you can leave it at room temperature for a few minutes before using to make it easier to spread.