The best peanut butter recipes span sweet and savory cooking, from no-bake cakes, fudge, and creamy pies to Thai peanut noodles and African peanut stew. This roundup gathers 21 vegan-friendly ideas for breakfast, dinner, dessert, and snacking, all built around that irresistible sweet-and-salty flavor. It blends Gourmandelle originals with a handful of favorites from trusted food blogs worth bookmarking. Scroll through and find your next peanut butter obsession.
How to Cook with Peanut Butter
Choosing the right peanut butter comes down to what you are making: natural, drippy peanut butter blends smoothly into sauces, smoothies, and curries, while thicker no-stir styles hold up better in baked goods and no-bake fillings. For savory dishes, reach for an unsweetened variety so you control the salt and sugar yourself. Always stir natural peanut butter well before measuring, since the oil separates as it sits. If a sauce turns stiff, loosen it with warm water or plant milk a spoonful at a time until it pours.
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Sweet Peanut Butter Desserts
From no-bake cakes and creamy pies to fudge and cupcakes, these desserts turn peanut butter into pure indulgence.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cake
This no-bake peanut butter cake layers a crunchy base with a silky peanut butter filling, so you get rich flavor without turning on the oven. It sets in the fridge and slices into clean, creamy wedges that taste like a giant peanut butter cup. Chill it overnight for the firmest texture, and run your knife under hot water between cuts for tidy edges.
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Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Pie
Inspired by the classic candy, this pie stacks a fluffy peanut butter mousse over a graham crust and finishes with a glossy chocolate ganache. Every bite is soft, creamy, and deeply chocolate-peanut. Freeze the pie for about twenty minutes before adding the ganache so the top layer stays distinct and cuts into neat slices.
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Peanut Butter Pie
Cool, fluffy, and generously peanut buttery, this pie whips up fast and needs only fridge time to set. The creamy filling sits in a crisp crust and pairs beautifully with a swirl of melted chocolate on top. Make it a day ahead so the filling firms up completely, and keep it covered in the fridge until you serve.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Chocolate and peanut butter belong together, and this homemade ice cream proves it with a dense, fudgy base rippled with peanut butter. It scoops soft and tastes like frozen candy without any dairy. Let it sit at room temperature for about five minutes before scooping so it softens to the perfect creamy texture.
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Chocolate Oats Brownies with Peanut Butter
These fudgy brownies fold oats and peanut butter into a rich chocolate batter for a chewy, wholesome bite. The peanut butter keeps them moist and adds that salty-sweet edge everyone loves. Swirl an extra spoonful of peanut butter across the top before baking for a marbled finish and pockets of gooey flavor.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge
This four-ingredient freezer fudge layers smooth peanut butter and melted chocolate into rich, meltingly soft squares that need only your freezer to set. Each piece delivers that classic chocolate-peanut combination in a couple of bites. Line the pan with parchment for easy lifting, and cut the fudge while it is still cold so the edges stay clean and sharp.
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Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Moist chocolate cupcakes meet a fluffy peanut butter frosting in this crowd-pleasing dessert that hides its plant-based nature completely. Each one is soft, rich, and topped with a swirl of nutty sweetness. Let the cupcakes cool fully before frosting so the topping stays smooth and holds its shape, and pipe the frosting for a bakery-style finish.
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Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Ganache
This decadent chocolate cake is crowned with a glossy peanut butter ganache that pours over the top and sets into a luscious layer. It is rich, celebration-worthy, and deeply chocolate-peanut throughout. Let the cake cool completely before glazing so the ganache stays put, and warm the ganache slightly if it thickens too much to pour smoothly.
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No-Bake Peanut Butter Treats and Snacks
Quick, portable, and irresistible, these no-bake bites and cookies satisfy any peanut butter craving.
Secret Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
Soft, chewy, and secretly wholesome, these peanut butter cookies skip the guilt while keeping all the flavor. They melt in your mouth and come together with pantry staples in minutes. Underbake them slightly and let them cool on the tray, since they firm up as they rest and stay tender in the center.
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Homemade Peanut Butter Eggs
These homemade peanut butter eggs wrap a sweet, fudgy peanut butter center in a chocolate shell, and they skip the cream cheese entirely. They taste like the holiday classic but come straight from your own kitchen. Freeze the shaped centers before dipping so they hold their form and the chocolate coats them in a smooth, even layer.
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Vegan Peanut Butter Balls
These no-bake peanut butter balls roll creamy peanut butter and oats into bite-sized snacks, then dunk them in chocolate for a truffle-like finish. They are portable, naturally sweet, and perfect for lunchboxes or an afternoon pick-me-up. Chill the mixture for a few minutes before rolling so it holds together, and freeze the finished balls to keep them firm.
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Vegan Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
These no-bake cookies stir peanut butter, cocoa, and oats into fudgy mounds that set on the counter without any oven time. They are chewy, chocolatey, and ready in well under an hour. Drop the mixture onto parchment while it is still warm and workable, then let the cookies cool completely so they firm up into their signature texture.
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Peanut Butter Breakfasts and Smoothies
Start the day with peanut butter in pancakes, smoothies, and grab-and-go oats.
Vegan Peanut Butter Pancakes
Fluffy peanut butter pancakes start your morning on a sweet, nutty note, and this recipe even shows you how to make peanut butter from scratch. Stack them with sliced banana and a drizzle of extra peanut butter for the ultimate breakfast. Keep the batter slightly thick and cook over medium heat so the insides set before the outsides brown.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Overnight Oats
Busy mornings call for overnight oats, and this version stirs peanut butter and cocoa into the jar for a breakfast that tastes like dessert. It waits in the fridge so you can grab and go. Prep two or three jars at once at the start of the week, and add a splash of plant milk before eating if the oats thicken too much.
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Peanut Butter Smoothie
Thick, creamy, and protein-rich, this peanut butter smoothie blends in minutes for a filling breakfast or post-workout drink. Banana rounds out the peanut flavor and gives it a naturally sweet, milkshake-like body. Freeze the banana in advance for a colder, thicker pour, and add a spoonful of oats if you want it even more substantial.
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Savory Peanut Butter Mains
Peanut butter goes savory in these noodles, stews, salads, and hearty veggie bowls.
Thai Peanut Noodles
This Thai-inspired dish tosses tender noodles in a glossy peanut sauce that is savory, nutty, and just a little sweet. It comes together quickly and works warm or cold, making it a weeknight favorite. Thin the peanut sauce with a little warm water until it coats the noodles evenly, and top with crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
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Vegan African Peanut Stew
Hearty and warming, this African-style peanut stew simmers peanut butter with tomatoes and spices into a thick, comforting bowl. It is rich, satisfying, and perfect for cold evenings when you want something cozy. Let it simmer gently so the flavors deepen, and serve it over rice to soak up every bit of the creamy peanut broth.
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Peanut Butter Cauliflower Bowl with Roasted Carrots
Roasted cauliflower tossed in peanut sauce meets carrots in a spicy glaze for a bowl that is bold, filling, and full of texture. Baking the vegetables deepens their flavor and adds a caramelized edge. Roast the cauliflower and carrots on separate trays so each one crisps properly instead of steaming, then combine just before serving.
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Creamy Peanut Butter and Lentil Curry
This cozy curry stirs peanut butter into a lentil base spiced with warm Indian flavors for a creamy, protein-packed dinner. It is comforting, budget-friendly, and even better the next day. Simmer until the lentils turn soft and the sauce thickens, then finish with a squeeze of lime to brighten the rich peanut flavor.
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Thai Tofu Salad with Peanut Sauce
Crisp vegetables and golden tofu come together in this fresh Thai salad, all brought to life by a creamy peanut sauce that clings to every bite. It is light yet satisfying, balancing sweet, salty, and tangy in one bowl. Press the tofu well before cooking so it crisps instead of steaming, and toss the salad just before serving to keep it crunchy.
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Creamy Peanut Butter Noodles
Ready in minutes, these creamy peanut butter noodles coat tender strands in a rich, savory sauce that tastes far more indulgent than the short ingredient list suggests. It is the ultimate quick weeknight dinner or lazy lunch. Loosen the sauce with a splash of pasta water until it turns silky, and finish with lime and chili for brightness and heat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use peanut butter in savory recipes? Yes, peanut butter shines in savory cooking. It thickens and enriches sauces, stews, and curries, adding nutty depth to dishes like Thai peanut noodles, African peanut stew, and roasted cauliflower bowls. Use an unsweetened, natural variety so the salt and spice stay balanced.
What is the best peanut butter for baking? For baking and no-bake desserts, a thick no-stir peanut butter works best because it holds structure and keeps fillings firm. Natural oil-separated peanut butter can make batters greasy or loose, so if you use it, stir it thoroughly first and expect a slightly softer result.
Are these peanut butter recipes vegan? Most recipes in this roundup are vegan or easily made vegan, using plant milk and dairy-free chocolate. Peanut butter itself is naturally plant-based, so swapping any remaining animal ingredients for vegan versions is usually simple.
How do you make peanut sauce less thick? Thin peanut sauce by whisking in warm water, plant milk, or a splash of coconut milk one spoonful at a time until it reaches a pourable, coating consistency. A little lime juice or soy sauce also loosens it while adding flavor.
Can I make peanut butter at home? Yes, homemade peanut butter takes just roasted peanuts and a food processor. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides, and add a pinch of salt or a little oil for extra creaminess. The pancake recipe in this list walks you through it.
How should I store peanut butter desserts? Keep no-bake cakes, pies, and peanut butter eggs covered in the fridge, where they stay fresh for several days. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw in the fridge before serving. Cookies and brownies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature.
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