Yes, peanut butter can be frozen! With the right process you can safely freeze any type of peanut butter and extend it’s shelf life for months.
In this article you will learn how to freeze peanut butter (all types) and how to safely thaw it. This process works no matter how much peanut butter you intend to freeze.
This is great for when you stocked up on peanut during a great sale or just like stocking up ahead of time.
Freezing Different Types of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter comes in numerous different types, and there are considerations to keep in mind with each type of peanut butter.
Natural Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter is made of whole peanut with just a bit of salt added.
Natural peanut butter freezes well and lasts for over a year when frozen using the following process.
Because natural peanut butter contains a high oil content, you will find separation when frozen. This is not an issue and just means you will stir it once it is thawed.
Smooth Peanut Butter: This is one of the most popular types of peanut butter. It has a lower oil content than natural peanut butter and it also freezes very well.
You will have little to no separation when thawing.
Chunky Peanut Butter: Crunchy peanut butter contains pieces of peanuts in it. While chunky peanut butter does freeze well, the whole peanut pieces can form ice crystals on them.
Be on the look out for freezer burn before thawing crunchy peanut butter.
Peanut Spread: Due to being comprised of less than 90% peanuts, peanut spread is not technically peanut butter. But it can be frozen using the method below.
Thaw peanut spread the same way you would peanut butter.
Yes, You Can Freeze Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can be frozen in any portion size you choose. I find it best to freeze it in portions that will be readily consumed once thawed. This will help you avoid wasting any peanut butter as it is not recommended to re-freeze it.
Use ice cube trays for portioning out small peanut butter amounts. This is a great method if peanut butter will be used for baking or making sandwhiches.
Each compartment of a standard ice cube tray will hold approximately 1.5 tablespoons of peanut butter.
You can also use a freezer safe container or just freeze your peanut butter in it’s original container (as long as it’s not glass).
Once your peanut butter has been put in it’s container, seal it tight. If using ice cube trays, seal trays in freezer safe bags.
Write the date you froze you peanut butter on each container.
Now place peanut butter in your freezer. It is best to use a chest freezer, but if using a regular freezer place peanut butter in back of freezer.
This will help prevent thawing each time you open your freezer.
How Long Can Peanut Butter Be Frozen?
Peanut butter will last in the freezer for up to 1 year.
Keep in mind that the flavor will deteriorate over time so the sooner you use your peanut butter the better it will taste.
Tips For Freezing Peanut Butter
Peanut butter has a high oil content (which varies depending on type of peanut butter) and the oil will separate when frozen.
This is not an issue, so don’t be alarmed when you thaw your peanut butter and there is a layer of oil on the top.
Simply stir your peanut butter until the oil has been recombined and then use your peanut butter as intender.
Natural peanut butter will have the most separation as it has the highest oil content. But you will still see some oil at the top of creamy and crunchy peanut butter varieties.
Think about how you will use your peanut butter and portion it accordingly before freezing. Proper portioning goes a long way in reducing food waste, and that is always a good thing.
Once portioned, use a freezer container that best fits your portion sizes. This will ensure the best freezing results and reduce the risk of freezer burn.
Do not freeze peanut butter in glass unless it is freezer safe glass. Glass can break easily when frozen so avoid using any containers not intended to be in the freezer.
A proper container will allow your peanut to retain more flavor over time, so do not skimp on your freezer containers.
Peanut butter can be frozen in it’s original plastic container.
Follow the freezing method above and these simple tips and your peanut butter will last you months.
How to Thaw Frozen Peanut Butter
Place your container of frozen peanut butter in the fridge and allow it to thaw. The amount of time it will take to thaw depends on how large of portions were frozen.
Peanut butter frozen in ice cube trays will thaw in 3-4 hours. While a full jar of peanut butter will take 12-14 hours to thaw in the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze A Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich?
Yes! You can freeze a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
To freeze peanut butter and jelly sandwiches simply prepare them and place them individually in a freezer safe bag.
Place them in your freezer, near the back.
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich will last in the freezer for up to 3 weeks.
Can Peanut Butter Cookie Dough be Frozen?
Yes, peanut butter cookie dough can be frozen.
First roll your cookie dough into a log. Then wrap it in plastic wrap and place into a freezer safe bag. Write the date on your bag.
Place in back of freezer until ready to thaw and use.
Cookie dough can safely be frozen for up to six months.
To thaw, place cookie dough in your refrigerator at least 5 hours before using.
Does peanut butter harden in the freezer?
Yes, peanut butter does harden when frozen.
Oil will separate from the rest of your peanut butter, and be rock hard until thawed.
Why does peanut butter not freeze?
Peanut butter does freeze. For peanut butter to be frozen properly it is important to follow the freezing steps outlined at the top of this article.
Should peanut butter be refrigerated after opening?
Peanut butter does not need to be refrigerated after opening. Peanut butter will stay good when stored at room temperature.
Be sure to store in a dry place out of direct sunlight.
Can you freeze peanut butter for smoothies?
Yes you can. When freezing peanut butter to be used for smoothies, freeze in portions that will be used.
You can also freeze a peanut butter smoothie. Put your smoothie in a freezer safe container and when ready to thaw simply place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.
Can you freeze peanut butter balls?
Yes, peanut butter balls can be frozen. Wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap and then place peanut butter balls in a freezer safe bag or container. Date your container and then place in the freezer until ready to use.
Peanut butter balls should be thawed in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before using.