Hold on to your spoons, peanut butter lovers, because it’s time to ask the age-old question: can you freeze peanut butter?
Luckily, it’s a quick answer:
It is possible to freeze peanut butter, but it’s advised to transfer it into an airtight, freezer-safe container. Glass or thin plastic jars may crack in the freezer, making the contents unsafe to consume.
If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to keep your favorite spread close at hand.
You want to be ready to satisfy those sudden PB cravings.
But have you ever considered the idea of freezing peanut butter?
I know, I know, it might sound a little nuts, but this frosty adventure is about to become your new favorite pantry hack!
Can You Freeze Peanut Butter?
In short, yes. You can freeze peanut butter and have it stay fresh for up to six months.
However, you can’t just buy a jar or three and toss them in a drawer.
As mentioned, glass and plastic jars are unsafe in the freezer. Here’s why:
- Peanut butter expands as it’s frozen, which will cause pressure on the container.
- Glass (especially in unopened, sealed packs) is likely to break from the pressure.
- Plastic tubs are not designed to be frozen and can break if dropped quite easily.
So make sure to follow the steps below!
How to Freeze Peanut Butter
Choose the right container:
When it comes to freezing peanut butter, the container is key. Opt for an air-tight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
Be sure the container is clean and dry before adding your peanut butter.
Portion it out:
If you’re freezing a large amount of peanut butter, divide it into smaller portions. This makes it easier to thaw and use as needed.
Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to create individual servings and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze the portions until they’re solid, then transfer them to your air-tight container or freezer bag.
Label and date:
Don’t forget to label and date your container before popping it into the freezer.
This will help you keep track of how long your peanut butter has been frozen. You can freeze it for around 6 months.
Tips for Freezing Peanut Butter
- Leave some headspace: Peanut butter expands as it freezes. So be sure to leave a little room at the top of your container or freezer bag to accommodate this expansion.
- Keep it upright: Store your container upright in the freezer to prevent any leakage or spills.
- Use tubs: Go for tubs or plastic containers over glass jars.
With plastic tubs, there’s no need to transfer your peanut butter to another container.
They’re ready to go straight from the grocery store to the freezer.
- Use ice cube trays: Love the idea of having bite-sized peanut butter servings at the ready? Start by freezing your peanut butter in ice cube trays.
Once they’re solid, pop them out and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for long-term storage.
How to Thaw Peanut Butter
In the fridge: One of the simplest ways to thaw peanut butter is by letting it chill in the fridge.
Just remove your frozen peanut butter from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator.
For larger chunks of peanut butter, give it at least 24 hours to thaw completely.
Smaller portions, like ice cube-sized servings, will need to thaw overnight in the fridge.
On the counter: Classic peanut butter brands like Jif, Skippy, and Peter Pan can be easily thawed on your kitchen counter.
Simply let them sit at room temperature, and they’ll be good to go.
But first, be sure your peanut butter is safe to be stored at room temperature and doesn’t require refrigeration.
In cold water: If you’re in a bit of a hurry, you can try the cold water technique.
Place your peanut butter in an air-tight container or seal it securely in a plastic bag.
Then, immerse it in a bowl of cold water.
Remember to change the water every 30 minutes until your peanut butter is completely defrosted.
In the microwave: When you need your peanut butter fix ASAP, you can resort to the trusty microwave.
This works best with traditional peanut butter like Skippy, Peter Pan, or Jif.
To microwave your peanut butter, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 30 seconds at a time.
Be sure to give it a good stir in between sessions.
Does Peanut Butter Freeze Well?
The short answer is yes, peanut butter freezes pretty well!
Freezing peanut butter won’t affect its flavor, but it may slightly alter its texture.
Some brands and types of peanut butter may become a bit thicker and less creamy after freezing.
However, a good stir should help restore its original consistency.
So, if you find yourself with too much peanut butter or just want to extend its shelf life, freezing is a great option.
Can You Refreeze Peanut Butter?
If you’ve thawed your peanut butter in the fridge, it’s totally fine to refreeze it.
Pro tip: Consider your portion sizes before sending your peanut butter off to the freezer.
By doing so, you can easily grab the right serving you need whenever a peanut butter craving strikes.
Alternate Ways to Store Peanut Butter
If freezing peanut butter isn’t your jam, there are other ways to store and preserve it. Here are a few options:
Pantry storage: Unopened jars can be stored in a cool, dark place like your pantry or cupboard for up to a year.
Once opened, most commercial peanut butter can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 months.
Store natural or organic peanut butter in the refrigerator after opening. This is because they contain fewer preservatives.
Refrigeration: Storing opened jars of peanut butter in the refrigerator can help extend their shelf life.
As I mentioned before, this is especially important for natural or organic peanut butter.
Keep in mind that refrigeration can cause peanut butter to become thicker and less spreadable.
So, you may need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using it.
Make peanut butter treats: Try making peanut butter treats like cookies, energy bites, or smoothies.
These tasty creations can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, which is a great way to use up your peanut butter supply.
Peanut Butter Recipes You’ll Love
Peanut Butter Milkshake
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
