My peanut butter won't become smooth. What should I do?

Problems blending can happen if your food processor/blender isn't quite up to the job, if the peanuts haven't been roasted, or due to the quality of the peanuts used. Quality, environment during distribution and storage, and packaging varies hugely and this can affect how they blend. If you are struggling, add a little neutral oil to the blender or food processor one tablespoon at a time until things get going and it starts turning creamy.

Can I make this recipe without roasting the peanuts?

Roasting adds lots more nutty flavor and helps to release the natural oils in the peanuts which makes blending a lot easier. If using a good food processor you should be able to get away without roasting them. If you are using a blender I do not recommend not roasting the peanutss unless you are ok with adding a tablespoon or two of oil to help get things going.

Can I use other nuts?

Yes. This recipe will work with almonds, cashews, pecans and walnuts etc.

Can I use store-bought roasted nuts instead of roasting them myself?

I recommend using raw nuts and roasting them yourself if you can because they will blend much more easily when warm and freshly roasted. You can use storebought ones if you prefer but it will take a bit more time to get them blended up.

Gingerbread Peanut Butter

Ingredients

Peanut Butter is wonderful as it is but add a few extras and it becomes something really special! Here are the ingredients you need to make Gingerbread Peanut Butter along with some notes:

peanuts, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, salt, brown sugar

Peanuts - I like to use raw peanuts and roast them myself. I find that they blend better than using store-bought roasted peanuts.

Sugar - Dark brown sugar gives the best gingerbread flavor but you can use regular brown sugar if it's all you have. Coconut sugar also works well.

Spices - A combination of cinnamon, ginger, and salt for lots of warm, festive flavor.

Molasses - Unsulphured, dark, or blackstrap molasses. This is key to a proper gingerbread flavor.

Want to try a fun variation? This recipe works really well with almonds instead of peanuts.

How To Make Gingerbread Peanut Butter

First, roast the peanuts. This enhances their flavor and helps to release the natural oils, making blending much easier. Then blend. Something magical happens to those peanuts when they hit the blades of a food processor. They become drippy, melty, and buttery with no effort from you at all.

The key here is patience and pushing through the grainy phase. Don't give up. Magic will happen! The time it takes will depend on the power of your blender/food processor. In my powerful Cuisinart food processor it takes about 10 minutes. Once it has become drippy and smooth the sugar, molasses, and spices all go in for a quick spin, and then you're done!

Storage Tips

Store Gingerbread Peanut Butter in a glass jar in the pantry or the refrigerator. In the pantry, it will stay creamier and looser and will keep for about 3 weeks. In the fridge it will become a little firmer but will keep for a few weeks longer.

How To Use Gingerbread Peanut Butter

Gingerbread Peanut Butter can be used in any way you would regular peanut butter. Some of my favorite ways to use it are:

On sliced bread, English muffins, or toast. A sprinkle of chocolate chips on the top is a really nice addition too!
With bananas or apple slices.
On oatmeal.
Spread on slices of banana bread or vegan graham crackers.
On banana waffles.
With vegan banana pancakes or gingerbread pancakes.
In a banana smoothie.

It also makes a lovely gift for friends or family at Christmas. Spoon into a clean mason jar, tie some twine or ribbon around the top with a cute tag and you're good to go. People love to know that you put thought into their gift and spent your time making them something special!

Recipe