How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter

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Peanut butter is a staple in many households, and ours is no exception. In fact, we love it so much that we go to great lengths to keep our pantry stocked—even if it means lugging giant 2-lb jars from overseas! But with store-bought options often loaded with sugar and hydrogenated oils (not to mention their hefty price tags), making homemade peanut butter became the perfect solution.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make peanut butter at home, you’re in luck! This easy, creamy recipe requires just two ingredients and a high-powered blender or food processor. Plus, it’s healthier, more affordable, and tastes even better than store-bought versions.

Many brands of local peanut butter (here in the Philippines) contain both sugar and hydrogenated oils… similar to the US.  But unlike the US, we can’t get the best natural brands here, and the few that are here cost about $8 per tiny jar that we can demolish in 3 days.

What’s a dietitian Momma to do??  Enforce a “Lwin Household Peanut Butter Rationing” program?!  I’d hate to do something so tyrannical. But desperate times…

Well, I was privileged to be invited to the launch of Vitamix Philippines last week.  I’ve had a Vitamix for a few years now and use it for everything from smoothies to homemade almond milk to cashew cream to soup.  But never did I ever think it would make nut butter!

Thanks to a fun demonstration by the beautiful Vitamix brand ambassador Sara Black, I learned that not only does the Vitamix make it… it’s so quick and easy that I chide myself for not figuring this out sooner.  We could have been enjoying the smooth creamy peanut butter of our dreams for just pennies pesos, instead of sneaking guilty swipes, hoping it will last just a little longer.  You can also make this in your food processor, but the texture is not quite as creamy.

It takes just 3 simple steps:

1. Buy raw, unsalted peanuts.  In Alabang we can get these at the fresh market for p200/kg (about $2/lb.)
2. Roast them in the oven until they are pretty dark… this is to make sure your peanut butter has a deep, roasty taste.
3. Chuck them into your Vitamix or food processor, and blend for about 60-90 seconds, pushing down with the tamper to keep it moving.

Voila! Rich, creamy peanut butter!  I started with about 3 cups of roasted peanuts, and it blended down to about 2 cups of peanut butter.  I make it in batches to have as much as we want at any given time… which is usually a lot.

We’re in heaven!  I officially lifted the peanut butter rationing program, and peace reigns in the household once again…

!

Homemade Peanut Butter

You only need two basic ingredients to make this recipe:

• 3 cups raw, unsalted peanuts (buy them fresh for the best flavor)
• ¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Honey or maple syrup for sweetness
• Cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor
• Cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist

Step 1: Roast the Peanuts

Roasting the peanuts deepens their flavor, giving your peanut butter that rich, nutty taste.

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Spread peanuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
4. Let them cool slightly before blending (they’ll release natural oils better when warm).

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, roast them until slightly darker—just be careful not to burn them!

Step 2: Blend Into Smooth Peanut Butter

Now comes the fun part—turning those roasted peanuts into creamy, dreamy peanut butter!

Using a Vitamix or High-Speed Blender:

1. Add peanuts and salt to the blender.
2. Blend on high, using the tamper to push the peanuts down.
3. Process for 60-90 seconds until smooth and creamy.

Using a Food Processor:

1. Pulse peanuts and salt until crumbly.
2. Continue blending, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Process for 3-5 minutes until the oils release and it becomes smooth.

Note: A Vitamix yields a creamier texture, but a food processor works too—just be patient!

Step 3: Store & Enjoy!

Your homemade peanut butter is ready! Transfer it to an airtight jar and store it on the counter for up to 4 weeks or in the fridge for 6 months (if it lasts that long!).

Ways to Use Your Homemade Peanut Butter

Now that you’ve mastered how to make peanut butter, here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Spread on toast with banana slices
• Stir into oatmeal or smoothies for extra protein
• Make PB&J sandwiches (a classic!)
• Use in baking (cookies, brownies, or energy balls)
• Drizzle over pancakes or waffles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why isn’t my peanut butter smooth?

Keep blending! The natural oils take time to release. If needed, add a tiny bit of neutral oil (like peanut or coconut oil).

2. How long does homemade peanut butter last?

I store my peanut butter on the counter, even in the Philippines heat, and it lasts for about a month (we eat it before then, though.) Stored in the fridge, it will probably keep for 6 months.

4. Can I make crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! Blend until smooth, then stir in chopped peanuts.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade peanut butter is easy, affordable, and healthier than store-bought versions. With just peanuts and a blender, you can whip up a batch in minutes—no more rationing or settling for sugary alternatives.

So, ditch the expensive jars and try this creamy, delicious peanut butter recipe today. Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you!