Can You Put Peanut Butter In The Microwave? (Find Out Now!)

Alex Praytor
by Alex Praytor

Whether you like it crunchy or creamy, peanut butter can be a tasty treat. Sometimes, it can be difficult to spread it or to stuff it into a measuring cup, though. If you add a little heat, peanut butter can be much easier to spread. Also, a smooth peanut butter drizzle adds a touch of “wow” to a dessert.

If you want to heat up your peanut butter, can you put it in the microwave?

Yes, it is possible to put peanut butter in the microwave. Heating peanut butter can make it easier to spread, to pour over your ice cream, or use in recipes. Most peanut butter jars are not microwave-safe, however. Transfer your peanut butter to a microwave-safe dish, pop it in the microwave, then enjoy a delicious treat!

Heating Peanut Butter and Other Helpful Hacks

It is possible to heat up peanut butter and even liquefy it! So, how long should you leave peanut butter in the microwave so you don’t burn it? We have the answers to these questions and more!

How to Heat Peanut Butter in the Microwave

Heating peanut butter in the microwave is a quick and simple process. There are no hard and fast rules. Unfortunately, most peanut butter jars are made of #1 plastic which is not ideal for microwave use. You can check your plastic or glass jar for indicators about whether or not you can pop it in the microwave. Just keep in mind, that your peanut butter will start breaking down as it heats, so you will probably only want to heat as much as you will use at one time.

Here are the basic steps for melting peanut butter in the microwave:

Step 1: Measure out a few tablespoons of peanut butter.

Step 2: Place your peanut butter in a microwave container.

Step 3: Set the microwave to 15-30 seconds.

Step 4: Stir your peanut butter to keep it from burning and then nuke it again for 15 seconds.

Step 5: Repeat this process until you have the consistency you want.

Is it possible to liquefy peanut butter?

Yes, you can liquefy peanut butter by using a whisk or by heating it up. Just remember that your liquefied peanut butter will harden up as it cools. This means you will want to use your liquid peanut butter right after it is done.

Use heat

Microwave method: If you want to turn your peanut butter into a liquid drizzle, you can follow the above steps for heating your peanut butter and just keep heating your butter until it turns into a liquid. Use 30 second time increments and continue to nuke and stir your peanut butter until it becomes a drizzle.

Stovetop method: You can also use a stovetop to melt or liquefy your peanut butter. Set your burner to medium-low heat and stir continuously until it becomes thin and smooth.

Whisk it

Liquefying your peanut butter with a whisk will not require heat, but it will require a bit of extra liquid. You can add 1-2 tablespoons of either water or milk to each tablespoon of peanut butter you use. Whisk in your liquid of choice with the peanut butter until it forms a smooth liquefied peanut butter. You can add more liquid until you have the consistency you want.

How to Drizzle Peanut Butter

Adding a little peanut butter to the top of your ice cream or brownies can be the icing on the cake… er, the peanut butter topping to your dessert!

Many choose to add either powdered sugar or honey to their drizzle, but even unsweet liquefied peanut butter can make a delicious topping! After you’ve melted (or whisked) your peanut butter, simply dip a spoon straight down in your drizzle and allow the peanut butter to drip onto your dessert. This can add a special touch to a sweet snack.

How to Use Natural Peanut Butter

While most mainstream peanut butter brands add hydrogenated oils and sugar or corn syrup to the mix, natural peanut butter is made out of just peanuts and, in some cases, salt. Natural peanut butter separates out into a thick layer of oil on the top with a more solid layer on the bottom. It is a healthier alternative to processed peanut butter, but you have to use some muscle to mix in the oil with the solids every time you want to snack on your peanut butter.

Hack: If you leave your natural peanut butter upside down on the shelf, the oils mix in much easier when it comes time to open up your peanut butter!

Also, check for the microwave-safe symbol on the glass peanut butter jar. If the jar is microwave-safe, you can pop the jar in the microwave (without the lid!) for more spreadable natural peanut butter.


Related Questions

Can I melt peanut butter in the frying pan?

Yes, you can. Measure out how much peanut butter you will need in your pan and place it over low heat. You can then increase the temperature gradually. Since peanut butter is high in fat, it should melt fairly quickly. Just make sure to stir it often so it doesn’t burn. Pull it off the burner when it is the consistency you want.


Does peanut butter make you fat?

Peanut butter has a high-fat content, but it won’t necessarily cause you to gain weight. Actually peanut butter can help you feel full so you may find yourself eating less than usual. Many dieters actually will eat peanut butter in order to prevent binge eating. If you are trying to lose weight, you can work the calories into your diet plan and enjoy eating peanut butter in moderation.


Does peanut butter have health benefits?

Yes, peanut butter does have some health benefits. Peanut butter is rich in protein and heart-healthy fats. Also, it is relatively low in carbs. Many people on the Keto diet add peanut butter to the menu for a healthy snack alternative. How healthy peanut butter is for you depends on how natural or processed your brand of peanut butter is.

Alex Praytor
Alex Praytor

Alex Praytor is a native Texan who got her degree in English Literature and decided to travel the globe. She finds the architecture and design of homes across cultures fascinating. In her spare time, she visits coffee shops with her family and creates projects for their own home. Alex enjoys sharing tips on how to keep repairs up to date while turning a house into a home.

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