When you buy a large jar of peanut butter or make too much at home, you might worry about it spoiling. Can you freeze it? This is a common question. We have the answer.
Can You Freeze Peanut Butter?
Storage Containers for Peanut Butter
The right container is important. It prevents freezer burn. Choose an airtight, moisture-proof container. Use one labeled freezer-safe. Glass jars with tight lids work well. They do not absorb smells. You can see the contents. Plastic containers are also good. They must be BPA-free and freezer-safe. They are light and hard to break.
Do not use thin bags or cardboard. They let in air. Freezer burn causes dry, white patches. The food is still safe but tastes stale. For small portions, use an ice cube tray. Spoon peanut butter into the slots. Freeze until solid. Then put the cubes in a freezer bag. You can use one cube for a smoothie. This avoids thawing a whole jar. Always use a clean, dry container.
How to Properly Freeze Peanut Butter?
Freezing peanut butter is easy. It takes about ten minutes. First, stir natural peanut butter if it has separated. This ensures it thaws evenly. An unopened jar does not need stirring. Just check the lid is tight.
Next, put the peanut butter in your container. If using the original jar, leave a half-inch space at the top. The peanut butter will expand when frozen. This space stops the jar from breaking. Seal the lid very tightly. Write the current date on the container with a marker. This tracks storage time. Place the jar in the back of the freezer. The temperature there is most stable. Do not put it in the door. The door temperature changes too much.
Natural peanut butter spoils faster. It has no preservatives. Processed peanut butter lasts longer. But it can still go bad. An unopened jar will eventually spoil. Freezing stops this process. It keeps peanut butter at zero degrees Fahrenheit. This greatly extends its freshness.
How Long Does Peanut Butter Last?
Shelf life depends on storage. An unopened jar lasts six to nine months in the pantry. The commercial cans are well sealed, which protects the quality due to the use of peanut butter filling machine. After opening, shelf life shortens. Processed peanut butter lasts two to three months in the pantry. Seal the lid tightly after each use. Natural peanut butter should be refrigerated. It then lasts one to two months.
Frozen peanut butter lasts up to six months. It may be safe after that, but quality declines. The taste may weaken. The texture might change. For best quality, use it within three to six months. Use older jars first. Always check the smell and taste before using it.
How to Thaw Peanut Butter?
Frozen Peanut Butter Recipes
Frozen peanut butter is useful for recipes. Peanut butter energy balls are easy. Mix one cup of thawed peanut butter with one and a half cups of oats. Add two tablespoons of honey. Add a quarter cup of chocolate chips and a pinch of salt. Roll the mix into small balls. Freeze them for thirty minutes. They are good for snacks or lunches.
Peanut butter banana "nice cream" is another recipe. Freeze three or four sliced bananas. Put the frozen bananas in a food processor. Blend until creamy. Add two to three tablespoons of thawed peanut butter. Add a splash of milk. Blend again. Add extras like peanuts or cocoa powder. Eat it immediately or freeze it for one hour. It is a healthy dessert.