Peanut butter is a popular and versatile spread that can be enjoyed in many ways. Many people like to jazz up their peanut butter by mixing in various ingredients to make it creamier, crunchier, sweeter or more savory. There are lots of tasty add-ins that complement the nutty flavor of peanut butter remarkably well. Let’s explore some of the best options for what you can mix into peanut butter to take it to the next level.
Fruits and Jams
Adding fruit is one of the easiest ways to liven up peanut butter. The sweetness pairs perfectly with the nuttiness of the peanut butter. Some classic fruit choices include strawberries, bananas, apples and grapes. You can mix in some diced fresh fruit, or you can swirl in some jelly or jam. Strawberry and grape jellies are peanut butter favorites. You can also blend fruit like bananas into the peanut butter for a quick peanut butter and banana sandwich filling. Berries like raspberries or blueberries work nicely too for a little peanut butter and jelly twist. Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries or chopped dates make for wholesome, chewy additions too.
Nut and Seed Butters
Mixing in other nut or seed butters can add more depth, creaminess and nutrition to peanut butter. Almond butter, cashew butter and sunflower seed butter all make excellent partners for peanut butter. You can swirl them through or simply mix until well combined for a delicious nutty blend. Nut and seed butters bring their own unique flavors and textures to balance out the peanut butter.
Chocolate
Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic flavor pairing for good reason. The sweetness and creaminess of chocolate complements peanut butter wonderfully. Consider mixing in chocolate chips, cocoa powder, melted chocolate or chocolate hazelnut spread. You can also make chocolate peanut butter cups by pouring peanut butter and melted chocolate into muffin tins lined with paper cups. Adding chocolate transforms peanut butter into a dessert-like treat.
Crunchy Toppings
Crunchy add-ins give peanut butter a fun, contrasting texture against the creamy spread. There are lots of tasty options both sweet and savory. Some top choices include chopped nuts, granola, cereal, pretzels, toasted coconut, crispy rice cereal, popcorn, crackers and potato chips. You can simply sprinkle these crunchy toppings over peanut butter or mix them in. The crunch gives peanut butter an exciting new dimension.
Granola and Cereal
Crunchy granola and cereal make a hearty addition to peanut butter. Mix in granola for a tasty energy boost. Cereals like Grape Nuts, muesli or crunchy granola add great texture. For something sweeter, try corn flakes, crispy rice cereal or cocoa puffs. The options are endless for jazzing up peanut butter with your favorite cereal or granola.
Nuts and Seeds
Chopped nuts add fantastic crunch as well as more nutty flavor. Peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans and walnuts all complement peanut butter well. Toasted nuts add an even crunchier texture. Seeds like toasted sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds also make zesty crunchy additions. Nuts and seeds boost the nutrition of peanut butter too.
Salty Snacks
For a delightful salty-sweet contrast, mix in crunchy snacks like pretzels, potato chips, crackers or Chex Mix. The saltiness balances the sweetness of the peanut butter perfectly. Try crushed pretzels, broken potato chips, crushed crackers or mixed snack mixes. Spoon peanut butter over these crunchy snacks for dipping fun.
Spices and Herbs
Spices, herbs and seasonings are a simple way to add big flavor to peanut butter. Both sweet and savory options complement peanut butter wonderfully. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice lend a sweet flair. For a more savory kick, mix in garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, curry powder or cayenne. Dried herbs like basil, oregano and parsley also work nicely. Mix in spices to suit your taste preferences for a peanut butter spread with attitude.
Sweet Spices
Sweet spices like cinnamon, ginger and vanilla add warmth and sophistication to peanut butter. Cinnamon has a comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with nutty peanut butter. Ginger adds a little heat and brightness. Vanilla brings out the sweetness of the peanut butter. Pumpkin pie spice blends classic baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger for a seasonal twist. Sweet spices make peanut butter into a more layered, gourmet spread.
Savory Seasonings
Savory spices transform peanut butter into a hearty, snack-worthy dip. Garlic and onion powder add lots of flavor depth. Chili powder, cumin and curry powder bring on some heat. Cayenne pepper infuses peanut butter with a fiery kick. Italian seasoning or taco seasoning work great too. Mix and match herbs and spices for your own signature seasoned peanut butter. Spread it on crackers, bread, apples or celery sticks.
Vegtables
Believe it or not, vegetables can complement peanut butter wonderfully. Both raw and cooked veggies add great texture as well as nutrition. Grated or finely chopped raw veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers, peppers and radishes give peanut butter a fun new crunch. Roast vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower to mix into creamy peanut butter for a delightful flavor fusion. Vegetables bring out the savory side of peanut butter.
Raw Vegetables
Finely chopping raw crunchy vegetables makes for an unexpected but tasty peanut butter add-in. Try grated carrots, minced celery, chopped cucumber, shredded cabbage or thin pepper slices. Radishes, jicama and bell peppers also work well. Mix the chopped veggies right into the peanut butter or use them for dipping. The fresh crunch and bite enhances the creamy peanut butter.
Cooked Vegetables
Roasting vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars and accentuates their flavors. Once cooked until tender, vegetables like sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and butternut squash pair amazingly with nutty peanut butter. You can blend the cooked vegetables into the peanut butter for extra creaminess and nutrition. Another tasty option is dipping the roasted veggie slices into peanut butter.
Spreads and Condiments
Stirring in your favorite spreads and condiments can transform peanut butter into something new and delicious. Honey, jams, nut butters and chocolate spreads enhance the flavor and creaminess. Sauces and condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo, salsa and chutney make peanut butter savory and tangy. Get creative with mixes of sweet jams, creamy dairy products, spicy sauces and more.
Honey
Honey is one of the best complements for peanut butter. It adds sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture. Drizzle or mix some honey into peanut butter. Try clover, orange blossom or wildflower honey for their unique floral flavors. For a decadent treat, make a honey peanut butter sandwich with banana slices.
Jams and Chocolate Spreads
Jams, jellies and fruit preserves mix into peanut butter beautifully. Grape, strawberry, raspberry and blueberry are classic choices. For ultimate decadence, swirl in chocolate-hazelnut spread, chocolate almond butter or dark chocolate ganache. You can also alternate layers of peanut butter and these sweet spreads in parfaits.
Sauces and Condiments
Ketchup, mustard, mayo, salsa and chutney add a tangy, savory zip to peanut butter. Ketchup complements the nutty flavor surprisingly well. Spicy brown mustard gives peanut butter sandwiches a kick. Stir in mayo for extra richness and creaminess. Indian mango chutney provides sweet, spicy and sour notes. Your favorite salsa makes an awesome dip too.
Dairy and Non-Dairy Products
Mixing in dairy products like milk, cream, yogurt, cottage cheese and cream cheese gives peanut butter a smooth, creamy makeover. Non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk and vegan cream cheese also complement peanut butter fabulously. The added creaminess and tang amplify the peanut flavor.
Milk and Yogurt
For a simple way to thin out peanut butter, stir in some milk or cream. Whole milk and half and half work well. For extra richness, mix in heavy cream, evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk. Plain Greek yogurt blends perfectly into peanut butter too. The milk proteins soften peanut butter’s dense texture.
Cheeses and Alternatives
Cream cheese, mascarpone and ricotta add luxurious creaminess and a tangy twist to peanut butter. For non-dairy options, try vegan cream cheese or coconut cream. Mix the cheese thoroughly into the peanut butter. Cheese brings out peanut butter’s savory qualities.
Protein Powders
Adding protein powder amps up the nutrition in peanut butter significantly. The two high-protein foods are better together. Opt for a neutral or mildly flavored protein powder. Whey protein, plant-based protein, collagen peptides and egg white protein all work well with peanut butter. Mix until fully incorporated for a thick, nutritious spread.
Whey Protein
Whey protein has a creamy texture that integrates smoothly into peanut butter. It comes in flavors like vanilla, chocolate and unflavored. Whey protein has an impressive amino acid profile and dissolves easily into liquids. Just a scoop or two of whey protein gives peanut butter an extra nutrition boost.
Plant Proteins
Plant-based protein powders like pea, rice and hemp similarly have a smooth, mild flavor. They dissolve nicely into thick spreads like peanut butter too. Mix in plant proteins if you want to avoid dairy or are sticking to a vegan diet. Plant proteins offer comparable protein content to whey.
Collagen Peptides
Collagen peptides are a flavorless protein derived from animal sources. They lend a subtly creamy texture to peanut butter. Collagen is rich in certain amino acids that support skin, joint and digestive health. Add collagen peptides to make peanut butter into a functional superfood spread.
Conclusion
Peanut butter is endlessly adaptable to all kinds of flavorful add-ins. Fruits, chocolate, spices, crunchy toppings and dairy products all complement peanut butter wonderfully. Let your taste preferences and nutrition goals guide you. Swirl in your favorite fruits, nuts, seasonings or sweets for a customized peanut butter treat. With so many options, you can create amazing peanut butter spreads to enjoy in sandwiches, with snacks, or by the spoonful.