If you love peanut butter, you are going to want to keep a jar of this Protein Peanut Butter Spread in your fridge. Creamy, nutty, slightly sweet and incredibly versatile, homemade peanut butter is already one of those kitchen staples that can turn an ordinary snack into something special.
But there is an easy way to make it even more useful. Add protein powder.
That is all it takes to transform regular homemade peanut butter into a creamy, protein-rich spread that you can use in dozens of different ways.
And because you are making it yourself, you get to decide exactly what goes into it. No long ingredient list. No unnecessary extras. Just peanuts, protein powder and a few simple additions if you want them.
That is the Blended Bites way.
Why Make Your Own Peanut Butter?
There is nothing wrong with buying peanut butter, but making your own gives you much more control over the ingredients. Many commercial peanut butters are perfectly simple – peanuts and perhaps a little salt – but others can contain added oils, sugar or other ingredients you may not really need.
When you make your own, you know exactly what is in your jar. You can choose 100% natural peanuts, decide whether you want salt, control the sweetness and, most importantly for this recipe, add your favourite protein powder.
Homemade peanut butter also allows you to create different flavours whenever you feel like it.
Chocolate peanut butter?
Absolutely.
Cinnamon peanut butter?
Easy.
Maple peanut butter?
Delicious.
The basic recipe becomes a starting point for all kinds of healthy snack combinations.
Why Add Protein Powder?
Peanuts naturally contain protein, along with healthy fats and other nutrients, but adding protein powder gives this spread an extra protein boost.
Protein is an important nutrient for the body and plays a role in maintaining and repairing muscle tissue. It also helps make snacks more satisfying. And you don’t need to think of protein powder as something that only belongs in shakes.
That is one of the things I love about recipes like this. You can simply add it to foods you already enjoy.
This is Addition Eating in action.
Rather than taking something away, we are adding something nourishing. You still get the delicious peanut butter flavour and creamy texture – you have simply given your favourite spread an extra nutritional boost.
What You Will Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity.
Peanuts
Start with roasted peanuts for the richest flavour. You can use unsalted peanuts if you would like complete control over the salt, or lightly salted peanuts if you enjoy that classic sweet-and-salty combination.
Protein Powder
Vanilla protein powder works particularly well because it adds a subtle sweetness while complementing the peanut flavour. Unflavoured protein powder is another great option if you want the pure taste of peanuts to shine through.
Chocolate protein powder can be used when you are in the mood for something more dessert-like.
A Little Sweetness
Depending on your protein powder, you may not need any sweetener. If you prefer a sweeter peanut butter, add a small amount of maple syrup or honey. Start with a little – you can always add more.
Salt
A pinch of sea salt can make all the other flavours pop. Even if you are using salted peanuts, taste before adding more.
How Does Protein Peanut Butter Work?
If you have ever made homemade peanut butter, you know that peanuts go through an interesting transformation.
At first, they are simply crushed nuts. Then they become a crumbly mixture. Keep processing and the natural oils in the peanuts are released. Eventually, the mixture becomes smooth, creamy peanut butter.
Once your peanut butter is smooth, simply blend in the protein powder. You may need to add a small amount of milk or another liquid to get the perfect consistency because protein powder can thicken the mixture. Go slowly. Add a teaspoon or tablespoon at a time until your peanut butter is exactly as creamy as you like it.
So Many Ways To Use It
This is where your jar of Protein Peanut Butter becomes incredibly useful.
🥜 Spread it on toast with sliced banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
🍎 Dip apple slices into it for a quick snack.
🥣 Swirl it through yogurt with berries and cacao nibs.
🍌 Drizzle it over banana or your favourite smoothie bowl.
🍫 Add it to protein balls for extra peanut flavour.
🥞 Spread it over pancakes or waffles for a delicious breakfast treat.
🍓 Use it as a fruit dip with strawberries, apples or pear.
🍨 Drizzle it over nice cream or frozen yogurt.
And, of course, there is always the old-fashioned method… Grab a spoon and eat it straight from the jar!
Make It Chocolate
Want to turn this into a chocolate treat? Add 1–2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder.
You may want to add a little extra maple syrup because cocoa can add some bitterness. The result is a delicious homemade Chocolate Protein Peanut Butter that tastes almost like a dessert spread. You could even add a tiny pinch of sea salt for a chocolate-peanut-butter combination that is seriously hard to resist.
A Simple Staple Worth Making
Healthy eating does not have to mean constantly searching for complicated new recipes. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that make your everyday foods more nourishing.
This Protein Peanut Butter is one of those recipes.
Make a jar. Keep it in the fridge.
Use it on fruit, yogurt, toast, pancakes, protein balls and desserts. It is simple, versatile and delicious – and it proves once again that adding nourishment does not mean taking away enjoyment.
That is the Blended Bites approach.
For more delicious protein-rich spreads check out these tried-and-true recipes:
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Protein Peanut Butter Spread
Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted unsalted peanuts
- 1/4 cup vanilla or unflavoured protein powder
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1-3 tablespoons milk of choice, as needed
Instructions
- Add the roasted peanuts to a high-speed food processor.Process for several minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. The peanuts will go from whole nuts to crumbs, then to a thick paste before becoming smooth and creamy.Once the peanut butter is smooth, add the protein powder, maple syrup or honey if using, and sea salt.Process again until completely combined.The protein powder will thicken the mixture. Add milk,1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.Taste and adjust. Add a little more maple syrup forsweetness or another pinch of salt if desired.Transfer to a clean jar and store in the refrigerator.Optional Flavour VariationsChocolate Protein Peanut Butter: Add 1–2 tablespoons cocoa or cacao powder.Cinnamon Peanut Butter: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.Maple Peanut Butter: Add an extra tablespoon of pure maple syrup.Crunchy Protein Peanut Butter: Stir a handful of finely chopped roasted peanuts through the finished spread.Blended Bites Tips 💡Use roasted peanuts for the best flavour and make sure your food processor is powerful enough to process nuts into a smooth butter.If the protein powder makes the peanut butter too thick, simply add a little milk. Add it gradually - you can always add more, but you can't take it back out.Different protein powders vary in sweetness and absorbency, so use the recipe as a starting point and adjust to your taste.Because this version contains added milk, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 5–7 days. For the longest shelf life, omit the milk and add a little more peanut butter or a small amount of peanut or coconut oil to achieve your preferred consistency.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
