How To Easily Melt Peanut Butter In The Microwave - Tasting Table (2024)

How To Easily Melt Peanut Butter In The Microwave - Tasting Table (4)

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ByStephanie Friedman/

As if spoonfuls of peanut butter weren't delicious enough on their own, you can also melt the spread to create a warm, drizzly topping. The melted stuff can be used on top of old-fashioned peanut butter fudge, chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars, vanilla ice cream scoops, and more — but first, you have to get it to that smooth, liquid consistency. You could whip out a small pot and stir your peanut butter over the stove, but for a quicker and easier method, just melt it in the microwave.

Start by grabbing a microwave-safe bowl (or another microwave-safe container), dump in however much of the spread you'd like to melt, and nuke it in 30 second intervals until it reaches the consistency you'd like. Not only will you avoid getting several dishes dirty, but you won't have to pay as close attention to burning, sticking, or bubbling like you would with the stove method. Plus, the whole process shouldn't take more than a few minutes, and you're on your way to a salty, nutty dessert topping (or a yummy, saucy spoonful).

Keep these tips in mind for smooth, drizzly peanut butter

How To Easily Melt Peanut Butter In The Microwave - Tasting Table (5)

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While melting peanut butter in the microwave requires minimal effort, it is important to stir your spread every 30 seconds when you take it out. Peanut butter can burn quickly since it doesn't contain much water, and you'll want to make sure it doesn't stick to the bottom of your bowl. However, you shouldn't add any water when melting it since this can dilute your spread.

Plus, we know that microwaves can have hot and cold spots, and you'll want to ensure that your topping comes out with a smooth, warm consistency throughout. Be extra cautious by taking your spread out at 15 second intervals instead of 30. And to avoid any hot liquid splattering all over your microwave, cover your bowl with a microwave-safe lid or even a paper towel.

Keep in mind that for a smooth consistency, it makes sense to use a creamy peanut butter instead of a chunky version. Technically, you can melt a bowl of the latter, but the nuts will just get toasty instead of melting — so the choice is up to you. Either way, be sure to use your warm spread right away, since it will harden again as it cools down; although it'll taste so delicious, this likely won't be a problem.

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How To Easily Melt Peanut Butter In The Microwave - Tasting Table (2024)

FAQs

How To Easily Melt Peanut Butter In The Microwave - Tasting Table? ›

Start by grabbing a microwave-safe bowl (or another microwave-safe container), dump in however much of the spread you'd like to melt, and nuke it in 30 second intervals until it reaches the consistency you'd like.

How do you melt peanut butter in the microwave? ›

Place the peanut butter in the microwave, and heat it for 30 seconds. Once the 30 seconds is up, stir the peanut butter to makes sure it's melting evenly. Place the peanut butter back in the microwave for another 30 seconds, and stir again. This will probably take a few rounds to get to your desired consistency.

How to make peanut butter more liquidy? ›

When using peanut butter only, the key is heat. Peanut butter is naturally high in fat, but that fat is nearly solid at room temperature. In order to soften it up, you need some heat. In my case, I heated two tablespoons in a heat-proof bowl and then stirred like crazy.

How do you melt peanut butter in a glass jar? ›

Or heat it up

If your nut butter is in a glass jar, some suggest adding a few drops of water to the jar and placing the jar in a pan of warm water on the stove, just until it gets loosened up a bit.

Can you microwave peanut butter in plastic jar? ›

Experts say even if it claims to be “microwave-safe.”

Can peanut butter dissolve in hot water? ›

Oil present in peanut butter will not mix with water, unless there are emulsifiers present in specific product you have. Other solids present could however absorb water and become moist. This is likely to make peanut butter go bad quicker, promoting growth of harmful bacteria and mold.

How to make peanut butter not sticky? ›

The trick is to mix it with something else such as,
  1. Powdered Milk.
  2. Oatmeal.
  3. Powdered sugar.
  4. Graham Crackers.
  5. Rice Crispies.
Jan 15, 2018

Can you melt peanut butter to make it runny? ›

Stir the peanut butter, then return the bowl to the microwave for 30-second increments until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to heat it for too long, or the peanut butter may liquify X Research source . When it's done, remove from the microwave and enjoy.

What can I use to thin out peanut butter? ›

Warm water is best because it helps to loosen the nut butter more quickly, and generally equal parts nut butter to liquid is the best ratio. Start with a little less than equal parts warm water to nut butter and add more water as needed, until the sauce is your desired consistency.

How to fix runny peanut butter? ›

Some obvious ways:
  1. add a little starch — use a cooked or pure starch (Wondra, potato starch, etc.)
  2. add a little gelatin and beat like heck.
  3. drain the peanut butter — set it in cheesecloth or something similar, in a colander, and let it sit overnight.
Dec 13, 2022

How long to microwave peanut butter to melt? ›

Place the peanut butter in the microwave, and heat it for 30 seconds. Once the 30 seconds is up, stir the peanut butter to makes sure it's melting evenly. Place the peanut butter back in the microwave for another 30 seconds, and stir again. This will probably take a few rounds to get to your desired consistency.

What will dissolve peanut butter? ›

A heavy-duty detergent, like Tide or Persil, has enzymes that will dissolve the oily part of the peanut butter stain.

Can you microwave a Skippy peanut butter jar? ›

SKIPPY® Peanut Butter jars can't go in the microwave or oven. Does SKIPPY® Peanut Butter have cholesterol? Nope! Like all peanut butter, SKIPPY® Peanut Butter is a cholesterol-free food.

How do you melt peanut butter to drizzle? ›

Micowave: Add about a tablespoon (or more if you need) of peanut butter to a microwave safe bowl. Heat on high for 20 seconds. Stir. Heat again for 10 seconds.

How do you soften peanut butter to spread? ›

If it was in the fridge, let it come to room temperature or microwave it for 10 seconds. If it's a natural peanut butter and it wasn't stirred well you could maybe add a few drops of peanut oil to try and loosen it up.

What happens to peanut butter in the heat? ›

Because they do not contain any artificial preservatives or stabilizers, they can become rancid if left out of refrigeration for an extended period of time and/or exposed to warm temperatures.

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