52 of Our Best Peanut Butter Recipes

From chewy cookies and creamy pies to fluffy pancakes, these peanut butter recipes bring sweet, salty comfort to every bite.

If you love peanut butter but don’t know what to do with it beyond sandwiches or toast, these peanut butter recipes will have you using jar after jar all day long. From overnight oats with jam or chocolate to crisp popcorn balls, these peanut butter recipes use the nutty spread in bold, new ways so you can bookend your day with salty, sweet, creamy peanut butter treats.

We included quick and easy snacks you can take on the go and pretty, layered desserts that would fit in on any potluck table. There are a lot of savory uses for peanut butter, but this collection sticks to the sweeter side of things. Peanut butter keeps the crumb tender in cupcakes, adds a nutty twist to doughnut fillings and brings salty-sweet comfort to easy smoothies.

No need to make homemade peanut butter for these recipes. Choose one of the best peanut butter brands at the store for the most consistent taste and texture in your recipes. These easy peanut butter treats aren’t bound to a specific season. Try easy no-bake desserts with peanut butter when it’s hot out, and cozy, warm cookies on a chilly afternoon. Next time you open a jar of peanut butter, trade your knife for a spatula and make something delicious for the peanut butter lovers in your life.

1/52

Peanut Butter ‘N’ Jelly Cake

Total Time:50 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I made this fun and flavorful peanut butter and jelly cake for my son's first birthday. He just turned 33, and he still has to have his favorite treat. Kids of any age have a hard time turning down peanut butter and jelly—especially when it comes tucked into cake and frosting! —Linda Graybill, Sebring, Florida
2/52

Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Total Time:10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: During the warm months, it’s nice to have this fluffy, no-bake peanut butter pie that’s a snap to make. Packed with flavor, this pie gets gobbled up even after a big meal! —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
3/52

Peanut Butter Milkshake

Total Time:5 min
Servings:3
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You’ve got milk, peanut butter, and probably vanilla ice cream, too. Using just a few ingredients, you can whip up this peanut butter milkshake recipe in seconds. —Joyce Turley, Slaughters, Kentucky
4/52

Crunchy Peanut Butter Tarts

Total Time:10 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For a fun, fuss-free dessert, try these darling tarts. They’re a satisfying, rich family favorite. —Mary Kelley, Wilmington, North Carolina
5/52

Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast

Total Time:20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I've always tried to make cooking fun—for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking teaches children the importance of following directions and being organized. This recipe is easy to make, and kids really like it. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
6/52

Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahams

Total Time:30 min
Servings:3 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Because so many people seem to love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, I came up with this no-bake cookie recipe.—Geraldine Sliwa, Elgin, Illinois
7/52

Peanut Butter Bundt Cake

Total Time:2 hours 30 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This peanut butter Bundt cake with frosting is heavenly to me. I use smooth peanut butter, but crunchy would work, too. —Karen Holt, Rock Hill, South Carolina
8/52

Chocolate Chip Elvis Pancakes

Contest Winner
Total Time:20 min
Servings:16 pancakes
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I'm one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This chocolate peanut butter pancakes recipe was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri
9/52

Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream

Total Time:20 min
Servings:5 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: What could be better than peanut butter and jelly ice cream? You'll love the sweet-salty combination. Use your favorite flavor of jelly and switch to crunchy peanut butter if you like extra texture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
10/52

Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallow Creme

Total Time:15 min
Servings:2 pounds (64 pieces)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My sister shared the recipe for this unbelievably easy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream. I prefer using creamy peanut butter for this mouthwatering dessert, but the chunky style works just as well. —Mary Jane Rummel, Linglestown, Pennsylvania
11/52

Peanut Butter S'Mores Sandwich

Total Time:10 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Favorite flavors from s'mores come together in this tasty peanut butter sandwich—no campfire required. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
12/52

Peanut Butter Coconut Cookies

Total Time:30 min
Servings:2-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These four-ingredient peanut butter coconut cookies are easy to make, so you'll always have time to make a quick batch. Bonus: No flour means they're also gluten-free! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
13/52

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Crispy Bars

Total Time:40 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I created these dairy-free chocolaty peanut bars, and my kids and their friends can’t get enough! —Dawn Pasco, Overland Park, Kansas
14/52

Peanut Butter and Jelly Doughnuts

Total Time:55 min
Servings:15 doughnuts
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A classic jelly doughnut gets a fun twist with peanut butter glaze. No one will be able to resist these fluffy peanut butter and jelly doughnuts that take you back to your childhood. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
15/52

Buckeyes

Total Time:30 min
Servings:5-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These chocolate peanut butter balls (no bake!) are always popular at my church's annual Christmas fundraiser. They resemble chestnuts or buckeyes—hence the name. —Merry Kay Opitz, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
16/52

Mug Cookie

Total Time:15 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This peanut butter cookie in a mug is perfect for when you have a sweet tooth but don't want to make an entire batch of cookies. So quick and easy! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
17/52

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I've been baking cakes for years and enjoy trying new combinations of flavors and textures. For this peanut butter cupcake recipe, I blended peanut butter and chocolate. As soon as I took the first bite, I knew I had created something divine! —Ronda Schabes, Vicksburg, Michigan
18/52

Chippy Peanut Butter Cookies

Total Time:40 min
Servings: 4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: "Hey, these are good!" is the surprised remark I hear when I bake these for the family. As simple as it may seem, all I do is follow directions. This works exceptionally well when it comes to making cookies. —Ian Badeer, Hickman, Nebraska
19/52

Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats

Total Time:10 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This yummy breakfast bowl gives everyone's favorite sandwich a healthy twist. Switch to crunchy peanut butter and sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top if you like the extra crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
20/52

Peanut Butter Spritz Fingers

Total Time:35 min
Servings:about 4-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My family loves this peanut butter fingers recipe because they satisfy the need for chocolate and for something crunchy, sweet and nutty, all in just one bite! —Irma Lowery, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
21/52

Brownie Trifle

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:20 (1 cup each)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This rich, tempting, peanut butter brownie trifle feeds a crowd and features the ever-popular combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Try this dessert for your next get-together. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
22/52

Peanut Butter Cups

Total Time:20 min
Servings:3 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I like using pretty mini muffin liners and topping these homemade peanut butter cups with colored sprinkles to coordinate with the holiday we're celebrating. People can't believe how simple it is to make this irresistible candy with gooey peanut butter centers. This is how to make homemade peanut butter cups. —LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota
23/52

Peanut Butter Pudding Dessert

Contest Winner
Total Time:50 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a fun layered dessert that will appeal to all ages. If you want it even nuttier, you can use chunky peanut butter, and if you're not a fan of cashews, substitute your favorite nut. This peanut butter lasagna is one of my favorite pudding desserts. —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio
24/52

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Total Time:30 min
Servings:about 5 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When I want to offer friend and family soft and chewy peanut butter cookies, this is the recipe I turn to. Use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter with delicious results. These are the best, and my family can't get enough. —Emma Lee Granger, La Pine, Oregon
25/52

Giant Buckeye Cookie

Total Time:35 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I’m from Ohio, and we love our buckeye candy! Buckeyes are a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate, which is exactly what this cookie is. All you need is a box of cake mix, a few common pantry ingredients, and voila—you have a tasty dessert ready for family and friends in under an hour. You can customize it, too, by substituting other mix-ins for the chocolate chips. We serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Arianna Harding, Cincinnati, Ohio
26/52

Peanut Butter Pancakes

Total Time:15 min
Servings:8 pancakes
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Wondering how to make peanut butter pancakes? These morning treats are one of my husband's specialties. It's not unusual for him to wake me with those hot-from-the griddle cakes! —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
27/52

Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Total Time:10 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Soon after I learned about overnight oats I decided to create a recipe with my favorite sugary combination: chocolate and peanut butter. Overnight oats are a perfect breakfast for busy mornings. —Anna Bentley, Swanzey, New Hampshire
28/52

Peanut Butter Snowballs

Contest Winner
Total Time:15 min
Servings:2-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These creamy treats are a nice change from the typical milk chocolate and peanut butter combination. I once prepared them for a bake sale at my granddaughter's school, and I've also put them in gift boxes to share with neighbors at Christmas. —Wanda Regula, Birmingham, Michigan
29/52

Miniature Peanut Butter Treats

Total Time:30 min
Servings:3-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is one of my family's favorites, and I make the treats a lot, especially at Christmas. I have three children and eight grandchildren, and every one of them loves those "peanut butter thingies," as the grandchildren call them! —Jodie McCoy, Tulsa, Oklahoma
30/52

Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls

Total Time:20 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Friends and family are always happy to see these tasty peanut butter popcorn balls and I love making them! —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
31/52

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Total Time:45 min
Servings:about 11 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies are my husband's favorite, my classes' favorite, my colleagues' favorite and frankly my favorite, too. They're just plain yummy! This recipe also makes about 11 dozen...bake sale, here we come. —Dana Chew, Okemah, Oklahoma
32/52

Peanut Butter, Apple and Raisin Sandwich

Total Time:5 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Tart, sweet and crunchy, these open-faced sammies are a perfect after-school (or after-work) snack. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
33/52

Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Total Time:30 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These chewy bars are the perfect no-fuss contribution to a potluck or bake sale. I’ve discovered the trick is to get them into the refrigerator so the chocolate can set before they disappear! —Lorri Speer, Centralia, Washington
34/52

Bacon-Peanut Butter Cornbread Muffins

Contest Winner
Total Time:45 min
Servings:6 muffins
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My family just can't get enough bacon and peanut butter, so I created these quick and easy cornbread muffins using ingredients I regularly keep stocked in my pantry and fridge. The streusel topping adds a delicious sweet-salty crunch! No peanut butter baking chips on hand? For a different flavor twist, swap in chocolate chips, then drizzle the warm muffins with chocolate syrup instead of caramel topping. —Shannon Kohn, Summerville, South Carolina
35/52

Peanut Butter Cereal Treats

Total Time:30 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Kids will love these colorful, crunchy bars. They’re a fun twist on the traditional marshmallow crispy treats…and because they’re so easy, older kids could whip up a batch on their own! —Christie Porter, Shipshewana, Indiana
36/52

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Total Time:30 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a different version of a traditional recipe. I love these soft peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. — Clarice Schweitzer, Sun City, Arizona
37/52

Peanut Butter Lasagna

Contest Winner
Total Time:20 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The desserts of my dreams have both chocolate and peanut butter. So when I came up with this rich dessert, it quickly became my all-time favorite. —Debbie Price, La Rue, Ohio
38/52

Peanut Butter Pinwheels

Total Time:35 min
Servings:about 2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These doubly delightful pinwheel cookies are very easy to prepare. They feature the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate in an attractive swirl. —Kandy Dick, Junction, Texas
39/52

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Guests will stand in line to kiss the cook when these treats are served! For a change of pace, try them with chunky peanut butter, too. —Canada60, Tasteofhome.com Community
40/52

Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

Total Time:15 min
Servings:4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My secret to these rich no-bake bites? Pretzels in the crust! They add a salty crunch to the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
41/52

Peanut Butter Cake Bars

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These cakelike bars are packed with peanut butter and chocolate chips, and they're perfect for any occasion. Kids and adults alike are in for a treat with these gems. —Charlotte Ennis, Lake Arthur, New Mexico
42/52

Peanut Butter Caramel Bars

Total Time:1 hour 10 min
Servings:about 3 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When my husband and our three sons sit down to dinner, they ask, "What's for dessert?" I have a happy group of guys when I report that these rich bars are on the menu. They're chockfull of yummy ingredients. —Lee Ann Karnowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
43/52

Candy Snack Mix

Total Time:15 min
Servings:25 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Chock-full of raisins, peanuts and M& M's, this crunchy salty-sweet mix stays fresh for weeks. I keep it on hand to serve to unexpected guests or to fill decorative containers to give as last-minute gifts. —Mary Newsom, Grand Ridge, Florida
44/52

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Mousse Cheesecake

Contest Winner
Total Time:50 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This no-bake cheesecake with distinctive layers of chocolate, peanut butter mousse and a silky ganache on top will take some time to assemble, but it’s worth the effort to create a homemade dessert with grand-champion appeal—and definitely worth the wait. —JaNon Furrer, Prescott, Arizona. If you like this, then learn how to make peanut butter mousse.
45/52

Peanut Butter Dip

Total Time:10 min
Servings:2-1/2 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My mom got this peanut butter dip recipe from a neighbor years ago. She always made it for us kids in the fall when apples were in season. Now I make it for my children. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
46/52

Graham Cracker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Total Time:20 min
Servings:about 2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When I was in high school, I took these sweet and crunchy squares to bake sales— and they were the first to sell out. I still make them for family and friends who love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. —Christy Asher, Colorado Springs, Colorado
47/52

Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Total Time:1 hour 35 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: After a co-worker shared a recipe for a great bar cookie, I made it into a cheesecake using my standard recipe and tweaking it a bit. It’s a wonderful combination of sweet and salty. —Joyce Schamberger, Amboy, Illinois
48/52

Monster Cookies

Total Time:35 min
Servings:about 2-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Who can resist gigantic monster cookies chock-full of goodies like chocolate chips, M&M's and peanut butter? If your appetite isn't quite monster-size, make them by heaping tablespoonfuls. This is the world's best monster cookies recipe. —Judy Fredenberg, Missoula, Montana
49/52

Peanut Caramel Brownie Bites

Total Time:1 hour 20 min
Servings:4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These three-layered brownies are simply irresistible and my family's absolute favorite. —Ella Agans, Birch Tree, Missouri
50/52

Giant Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwich

Contest Winner
Total Time:50 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I created this giant peanut butter cookie cake for my husband, adding light and low-fat products to the cookie dough. It was so fantastic that I fixed it with conventional ingredients for guests. Since it can be made ahead of time and frozen, it cuts stress for busy hostesses. And really, who doesn't love peanut butter ice cream? —Joann Belack, Bradenton, Florida
51/52

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies

Total Time:30 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When my mother (who's now a great-grandmother) gave me this recipe for no-flour peanut butter cookies about 15 years ago, I was skeptical, because it calls for only three ingredients (and no flour). But since then I've never had a failure, and I make them all the time! —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
52/52

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Total Time:10 min
Servings:2 smoothies
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: In college, I picked up one of these from my favorite smoothie shop on days I knew I'd be studying hard and not eating another meal for a few hours! When I trained for my first marathon, I used this smoothie as a base for my favorite protein shakes after a long run. Now as a mom, I love serving this to my kids (and me!) for a snack packed full of energy. —Elizabeth Slade, Riverside, California

Peanut Butter Recipes FAQ

Are there any gluten-free peanut butter recipes?

Many peanut butter recipes are naturally gluten-free, including no-bake or frozen treats that don’t require flour. Fruit smoothies, flourless cookies and candy-like treats, such as fudge, are good options without gluten or specialty ingredients. For baked desserts, swap in one of the best gluten-free flour blends for baking for a similar taste and texture. Always check labels to ensure ingredients like oats or chocolate chips are gluten-free, since it can vary from brand to brand.

What savory dishes can I make with peanut butter?

Peanut butter works surprisingly well in savory dishes like slow-cooker Thai peanut noodles, peanut turkey satay and West African peanut stew. In these recipes, peanut butter adds richness and a hint of sweetness. You can also whisk a bit of peanut butter into salad dressings for a creamy, nutty taste or blend it into marinades for grilled meats.

Can I use natural peanut butter in these recipes?

Natural peanut butter has a different consistency than no-stir creamy or chunky peanut butter, so it doesn’t always work as well. Some brands can be runny, gritty and salty, which could make a baked good, like a cake or muffin, dense or oily with a poor rise. If you prefer natural peanut butter, try it in no-bake desserts where you can easily adjust the other ingredients to compensate for the difference in texture and flavor.