Upgrade your PB&J with this easy Homemade Honey Peanut Butter. Ready in about 10 minutes with just four ingredients, it’s sweet, nutty and creamy — perfect on toast, in smoothies, or eaten straight from the jar.
We usually buy honey peanut butter, but you can make a comparable — and fresher — version at home in minutes. This recipe is highly customizable: make it plain, skip the sweetener for a savory version, or fold in chopped peanuts for a crunchy texture. It’s also great in smoothies for a quick energy boost or as the base for peanut butter cookies and other treats.
How to make peanut butter
Follow three simple steps to make a jar of smooth, honey-sweetened peanut butter you’ll be proud of.
- Roast the peanuts until lightly browned and fragrant.
- Place warm peanuts in a food processor and blend until they form a paste.
- Add honey, salt and oil, then process again until smooth and creamy.
Why add oil?
Peanut butter can be made from just peanuts, but adding a small amount of neutral oil thins the texture and prevents the mixture from seizing when you add honey. Adjust the oil to reach your preferred consistency, from spreadable to more pourable.
Substitutions and Variations
Sweetener: Honey is classic here, but maple syrup works well as an alternative.
Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for the least impact on flavor. Peanut oil preserves and enhances the peanut taste. Coconut oil can be used but will add a coconut note.
Spices: A pinch of cinnamon complements the peanuts nicely. For seasonal flavors, try pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice.
Make it crunchy: Prepare as directed, then fold in roughly chopped roasted peanuts for texture.
Storing and Using Honey Peanut Butter
How to store: Transfer peanut butter to an airtight container or glass jar and keep it refrigerated. A clean jam jar works perfectly.
Shelf life: Properly refrigerated, homemade peanut butter stays good for a few weeks. It’s best to consume within 2–3 weeks for optimal flavor. Make a smaller batch if you won’t use it quickly.
Recipe ideas using homemade honey peanut butter
- Spread on toast or assemble classic PB&J sandwiches.
- Use as a filling for homemade peanut butter cups or add to cookie and brownie recipes.
- Incorporate into smoothies for extra protein and flavor.
- Make dog treats — a small amount of honey is generally fine for dogs, but check ingredients and portion sizes for your pet’s needs.
If you try the recipe, leave a comment or share a photo — feedback is always welcome.
Honey Peanut Butter
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Equipment
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Food processor
Ingredients
- 2 cup peanuts, 281 g
- 2 tablespoon honey, 42 g
- 4 teaspoon oil, canola or vegetable, 20 g
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
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Roast the peanuts in a skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
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Add warm peanuts to a food processor and grind for about 2 minutes until a gritty paste forms, scraping down the sides as needed.
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Add oil, honey and salt, then process another 2–3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt, sweetness or oil to reach your preferred texture and flavor.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 1¼ cups of peanut butter. One serving is 2 tablespoons.
- Do not skip the oil if you add honey; without oil the mixture can seize and become grainy.
- Any oil will affect flavor. Choose a neutral oil or peanut oil for the best peanut-forward taste.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or other warming spice if you like.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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