How to make it
- 1Roast peanuts if starting raw
If using raw peanuts, spread on a baking tray and roast at 180°C for 10–12 minutes until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool fully before blending. Warm peanuts blend more easily but the oil can become too liquid — cool is better.
- 2Blend in a food processor — patience required
Add peanuts to a food processor. Blend continuously, stopping every 30 seconds to scrape down the sides. The peanuts will go through stages: coarse crumbs → fine crumbs → a ball of paste → suddenly smooth and creamy. This takes 8–12 minutes total.
- 3Do not add oil too early
Many recipes call for oil immediately — resist this. Let the peanuts release their natural oils through blending first. Most peanuts have enough oil to become smooth without additions. Only add oil if after 10 minutes it is still too thick.
- 4Season at the smooth stage
Once smooth and creamy, add salt, honey (if using), and oil (if needed). Blend for another 30 seconds to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 5Transfer and refrigerate
Pour into a glass jar, smooth the surface, and refrigerate. It will thicken slightly when cold — this is normal. Let it come to room temperature for 10 minutes before spreading if it is too firm straight from the fridge.
Most commercial peanut butters add hydrogenated palm oil specifically to prevent the natural oil separation that happens in real peanut butter. Hydrogenated oils (trans fats) are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Homemade peanut butter separates because it contains only peanut oil — a healthy monounsaturated fat. The separation is not a flaw; it is the proof that nothing has been added.
Ways to use it
- For crunchy peanut butter: reserve ¼ cup of coarsely chopped peanuts and stir in at the end
- Add 1 tsp dark roasted sesame oil for a nutty, slightly Asian-flavoured peanut butter
- Add ½ tsp cinnamon and 1 tbsp honey for a warming, sweet spread
- Make almond butter using the exact same method — almonds take slightly longer to blend
- Add 1 tbsp cacao powder for a chocolate peanut butter spread