15 Simple Peanut Butter Dishes You Will Come Back To
Peanut butter isn’t just for sandwiches anymore, it’s a versatile ingredient that can elevate just about any dish. I’ve been obsessed with this creamy, protein-packed spread since childhood, and over the years, I’ve found countless ways to sneak it into my meals.
Whether it’s adding a spoonful to my morning smoothie, stirring it into a savory noodle dish, or using it to create decadent desserts, peanut butter brings a rich, nutty depth that transforms ordinary recipes into unforgettable bites. It’s comfort food with a twist.
Here are my favorite peanut butter creations, delicious, simple, and sure to become staples in your kitchen too!
1. Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
My Monday mornings transformed when I started prepping these oats the night before. The magical combination of creamy peanut butter melting into rolled oats creates breakfast heaven with minimal effort.
Simply mix a tablespoon of peanut butter with oats, milk, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey in a jar. The flavors marry overnight in your fridge, resulting in a perfectly portable breakfast.
I sometimes add chia seeds for extra protein or a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth. When rushing out the door, grabbing this ready-made treat feels like a gift from my past self!
2. Crispy Peanut Butter Apple Nachos
Who knew apples could outshine tortilla chips? Last summer during a playdate gone wrong, I improvised this healthy snack that had the kids forgetting all about their argument over toy dinosaurs.
Thinly slice green apples into rounds and arrange them on a plate. Warm peanut butter until it’s drizzle-able, then zigzag it over the apple slices.
Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, granola bits, and a touch of sea salt. The sweet-salty combination makes these ‘nachos’ irresistible! Even my picky nephew asks for them every visit now.
3. Thai-Inspired Peanut Noodles
The first time I whipped these up was after returning from Thailand, desperately trying to recreate the flavors that had enchanted me abroad.
Now they’re my go-to weeknight dinner when the takeout temptation strikes. Cook your favorite noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and a dash of sriracha for heat.
Toss the hot noodles in this velvety sauce until coated. Add julienned carrots, cucumber, and green onions for crunch. A handful of chopped peanuts on top provides the perfect textural contrast!
4. No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Running late for my morning hike, I grabbed a few of these power-packed bites from my fridge. They saved me from a mid-trail energy crash and have been my adventure companion ever since!
Mix one cup of old-fashioned oats with half a cup of peanut butter, a quarter cup of honey, and a handful of mini chocolate chips.
Add a dash of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of flaxseeds for extra nutrition. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and refrigerate until firm. These portable powerhouses store beautifully for up to two weeks, though mine rarely last that long!
5. Savory Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Toast
Honestly, I stumbled upon this combo during a fridge-cleaning mission. Now it’s my favorite lunch! The earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potato slices pairs surprisingly well with savory peanut butter toppings. Slice sweet potatoes lengthwise and toast them until tender.
Spread with natural peanut butter and top with sliced avocado, a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like heat.
The combination of creamy, crunchy, and spicy elements creates a symphony of flavors. My foodie friends initially raised eyebrows but now request the recipe after their first bite!
6. Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
Grammy’s trick for quieting us grandkids still works on my own children! These three-ingredient wonders taste like caramel candy but pack actual nutrition, making them my secret weapon for sweet cravings. Slice Medjool dates lengthwise and remove the pits.
Fill each date cavity with creamy peanut butter, then press in a whole almond for delightful crunch. For special occasions, I dip half in melted dark chocolate.
The natural sweetness of dates perfectly complements the salty peanut butter. Keep a container in your fridge for whenever sugar cravings strike, they satisfy faster than any candy bar!
7. Fluffy Peanut Butter Pancakes
Saturday mornings at our house mean one thing: peanut butter pancake towers! My pancake game changed forever when I accidentally spilled peanut butter into my batter three years ago. Mix your regular pancake batter with three tablespoons of creamy peanut butter.
The secret is to thin the peanut butter with a little milk before adding it to avoid clumps. Cook on a medium-hot griddle until bubbles form.
Serve with sliced bananas and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. The nutty flavor in every bite transforms ordinary pancakes into an extraordinary breakfast experience that even breakfast-skippers won’t resist!
8. Crunchy Peanut Butter Popcorn Clusters
Movie night got a major upgrade when I ran out of microwave popcorn and had to improvise. The result? A sweet-salty creation my friends now demand every time they visit for film marathons. Pop plain kernels and set aside.
Heat peanut butter with a little honey and a pat of butter until smooth. Pour this mixture over the popcorn and toss quickly to coat.
Spread on a baking sheet, sprinkle with sea salt, and let cool until set. The contrast between crunchy popcorn and creamy peanut butter creates an addictive snack that disappears before the opening credits finish rolling!
9. Five-Minute Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Late-night sweet cravings used to be my downfall until I perfected this microwave miracle. Now I satisfy my dessert desires without the temptation of a whole cake sitting around!
Mix three tablespoons of flour, two tablespoons of peanut butter, one tablespoon of sugar, a dash of baking powder, and three tablespoons of milk in a mug.
Microwave for about 90 seconds until it rises and sets. The warm, gooey center reminds me of molten lava cake but with nutty richness. Push a square of chocolate into the center before cooking for an extra indulgent treat that feels like restaurant-quality dessert!
10. Creamy Peanut Butter Fruit Dip
My potluck reputation soared after bringing this simple dip to a neighborhood gathering. Three women cornered me for the recipe, amazed something so delicious had only four ingredients!
Blend one cup of Greek yogurt with half a cup of creamy peanut butter, two tablespoons of honey, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth.
The tanginess of yogurt balances perfectly with the rich peanut butter. Serve with apple slices, strawberries, banana chunks, or graham crackers for dipping. I often prepare a batch on Sunday for ready-made healthy snacking throughout the week, it stays fresh for days!
11. Peanut Butter Stuffed Celery Boats
Grandma called these ‘ants on a log’ but my sophisticated upgrade has converted even celery-haters! These crunchy vessels have rescued countless afternoon energy slumps in my home office. Clean and cut celery stalks into 3-inch pieces.
Fill the natural groove with creamy peanut butter, then get creative with toppings. My favorites include dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or a drizzle of hot honey.
The refreshing crunch of celery perfectly balances the rich peanut butter. These boats sail me through hunger waves between meals without the guilt of processed snacks, proving simple food can be both satisfying and fun!
12. Peanut Butter Banana Quesadillas
Running late for school drop-off inspired this portable breakfast that my kids now request even on leisurely weekends! The crispy tortilla exterior gives way to warm, gooey filling that satisfies until lunchtime. Spread peanut butter on a flour tortilla and arrange banana slices over half.
Sprinkle with cinnamon, fold, and cook in a skillet until golden brown on both sides. The heat transforms the filling into a warm, melty treat.
Cut into triangles for easy handling. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of granola before folding for extra crunch, or a thin layer of raspberry jam for a PB&J twist that elevates this simple creation!
13. Savory Peanut Butter Ramen Upgrade
College budget flashbacks! This transformation of humble instant noodles got me through finals week and remains my favorite comfort food hack when the cupboards are nearly bare. Prepare instant ramen according to package directions, but drain most of the water.
Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter, a splash of soy sauce, and sriracha to taste. The peanut butter melts into a luxurious sauce that clings to every noodle.
Add whatever vegetables you have on hand, frozen peas, spinach, or grated carrots work beautifully. A sprinkle of chopped green onions elevates this dorm room classic into a legitimate meal that satisfies serious hunger!
14. Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Hummus
My sneaky way to get protein into my dessert-obsessed nephew became an unexpected hit at family gatherings! Nobody believes the secret ingredient is chickpeas, they just taste cookie dough magic.
Blend one can of drained chickpeas with three tablespoons of peanut butter, two tablespoons of maple syrup, a splash of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth. Fold in mini chocolate chips for the authentic cookie dough experience.
Serve with apple slices, pretzels, or graham crackers for dipping. This guilt-free treat satisfies sweet cravings while delivering protein and fiber. Store in the fridge for up to a week for instant dessert gratification!
15. Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Summer afternoons in my backyard needed a cool treat that wouldn’t melt faster than we could eat it. These two-ingredient wonders have replaced ice cream as our go-to refreshment during heatwaves! Slice bananas into rounds and spread peanut butter between two slices to create mini sandwiches.
Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. The frozen banana becomes ice cream-like while the peanut butter center stays pleasantly chewy.
For special occasions, dip the frozen bites halfway into melted chocolate before returning to the freezer. The contrast between the creamy banana, nutty peanut butter, and crisp chocolate shell creates perfect bite-sized bliss!