
French-Style Homemade Peanut Butter
Craft your own fresh, creamy, and wholesome peanut butter, a delightful spread that brings a touch of North American comfort to the French breakfast table. This simple recipe yields a naturally delicious and customizable alternative to store-bought versions. While 'beurre de cacahuète' (peanut butter) is not a traditional staple of classic French cuisine, it has increasingly found its way into modern French breakfast and brunch settings. Its adoption reflects a broader culinary exchange, offering a protein-rich and satisfying spread alongside more traditional French offerings like jams and honey, often enjoyed on toast, brioche, or crêpes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Roasted unsalted peanuts
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Peanut oil or neutral oil (optional, for thinner consistency)
Instructions
- 1
If using raw peanuts, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread peanuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 8-10 minutes, stirring once, until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool completely.
- 2
Place the roasted peanuts into a powerful food processor fitted with an S-blade. Begin processing.
- 3
Initially, the peanuts will break down into coarse crumbs. Continue processing, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed every 1-2 minutes.
- 4
After about 3-5 minutes, the mixture will become a thick paste. Keep processing; this is where the magic happens.
- 5
As the natural oils release, the paste will transform into a smoother, creamier consistency. This can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes or more, depending on your food processor.
- 6
Once it reaches your desired creaminess, add the salt, and optional honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add the optional oil.
- 7
Process for another 30 seconds to fully incorporate the added ingredients.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For a crunchier texture, you can add a handful of finely chopped roasted peanuts and pulse briefly.
- 9
Transfer the homemade peanut butter to a clean, airtight jar.
Chef's Tips
- •Storage: Store homemade peanut butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. The oils may separate over time; simply stir well before each use.
- •Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with other nuts like cashews or almonds for different nut butters. You can also add spices like cinnamon or a pinch of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- •Fun Fact: While 'beurre de cacahuète' is the French term, the modern invention of peanut butter is largely credited to American physician John Harvey Kellogg (of cereal fame) in the late 19th century, originally as a protein source for patients without teeth.
- •Customization: For a sweeter touch, increase the amount of honey or maple syrup. For a savory spread, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder.
Recommended Equipment
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