There’s no doubt that peanut butter is a pantry staple in most households. Stored correctly, it can last 6-9 months in the cupboard.
But what if you wanted to prolong its shelf life even further? In this article, you’ll learn How To Freeze Peanut Butter so that it can be thawed and used later on in your baking and dinner recipes without any spoiling!
Freezing peanut butter is a good idea for preventing food wastage, controlling your snack portions, or preparing recipes ahead of time.
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Different Types Of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can be purchased in many varieties - smooth or crunchy peanut butter, processed with additional ingredients such as sugar and preservatives, or pure natural peanut butter made from just peanuts and salt.
Believe it or not, peanuts are not actually nuts. They belong to the legume family!
- Further Reading: Is Peanut Butter Gluten Free?
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How To Freeze Peanut Butter (4 Ways)
Freezing Peanut Butter In The Original Container
If the air-tight container or jar is glass, remove the lid and cover the top of the container/jar with plastic wrap. This will allow for expansion in the freezer without the risk of the glass breaking.
Once thawed, you can place the original lid back onto the peanut butter glass jar.
Freezing Peanut Butter In Resealable Freezer Bags
Use freezer-safe bags that seal well and are clean. I like to scoop the peanut butter into the plastic bag and flatten it on a baking tray or sheet with my hands or a rolling pin for easier storage in the freezer.
Freezing Peanut Butter In Freezer-Safe Containers
Use any available freezer-safe container with an airtight lid that has been properly cleaned.
Freezing Peanut Butter In Ice Cube Trays
This is a great choice if you only need smaller portions of frozen peanut butter to thaw. Once frozen, you can easily pop out the peanut butter cubes and thaw only what you want to use.
Add the peanut butter to each ice cube and then press a sheet of plastic wrap directly down on the top of the ice cube tray. Wrap the entire tray with additional plastic wrap or with aluminum foil.
Some modern ice cube trays come with sealable lids, so you can simply add a sheet of plastic wrap on top of the rows of filled ice cubes, followed by the ice cube tray lid.
Can You Freeze Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches?
Certainly, but be prepared for a longer defrosting time. Creating your own Uncrustables Sandwiches (mini version of PB & J sandwiches) is a quicker option, taking just 10 minutes to thaw.
How Long Can You Freeze Peanut Butter For?
When correctly stored, frozen peanut butter can last for 6+ months in the freezer.
Tips
- The less oxygen the peanut butter is exposed to while in storage, the longer it will last and the better it will be preserved.
- Once thawed from frozen, always stir the peanut butter in case any oil separates from the butter.
- Don’t rush the thawing process by placing the frozen peanut butter in high temperatures, such as in the oven or microwave. This will alter the consistency and texture.
- Always label the containers used to store the frozen peanut butter and add the expiration date so that you know when to use it.
- Further Reading: Nut Free Alternatives For Peanut Butter
How To Thaw Frozen Peanut Butter
To thaw frozen peanut butter, remove it from the freezer and either allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, or you can thaw it at room temperature on the countertop.
Thawing frozen peanut butter in the fridge will not produce a spreadable consistency.
For faster thawing, place the sealed container or bag filled with frozen peanut butter in a warm water bath.
Only thaw the exact amount you need, and if you suspect that the peanut butter has spoiled, check the color and texture once thawed, but don’t eat it.
How to Use Thawed Peanut Butter
Thawed peanut butter can be enjoyed as a topping, as a peanut butter spread, added to baked or no-bake treats, or to savory curries and many Thai-style dishes.
Allow enough time for the frozen peanut butter to thaw and stir it well before enjoying.
Alternative Ways To Store Peanut Butter
Freezing isn’t the only way to store peanut butter. Peanut butter can also be stored in a cool place in your pantry, away from direct sunlight, or in the fridge.
Ensure your stored peanut butter is in an airtight container or jar.
Opened peanut butter that is securely stored in a cool and dry place can last for up to 6 months (natural butter will last for less), while unopened peanut butter in the fridge can last for multiple years.
The quality of the peanut butter and the addition of additives can also affect how long the peanut butter will last in storage.
Peanut Butter Recipes and Uses
Here are a few of my favorite recipes that use peanut butter as a key ingredient:
FAQs
Peanut butter freezes at around 37 degrees F.
Larger portions of peanut butter can take up to 6 hours to freeze, while small portions can take as little as 10 minutes (make PB & J sandwiches!).
The freezing point of fresh peanut butter will differ depending on whether you are storing small amounts or a larger batch.
Peanut butter can go bad if stored incorrectly. Watch out for soapy or bitter-tasting peanut butter or a noticeable change in color and texture.
Any mold or bacteria that grows inside the container can also grow on the peanut butter.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
Freezing Peanut butter is so easy, we love to freeze it in ice cubes and add to porridges for breakfast.