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Looking for some creative recipes with peanut butter? This collection of healthy peanut butter recipes are created by a registered dietitian and are all SO easy to make. You’ll find everything from peanut butter balls + snacks, savoury dinners with peanut sauce, peanut butter smoothies, and more!

Pinterest graphic for a roundup of healthy recipes with peanut butter.

Peanut Butter Nutrition Benefits

Peanut butter is best known as a source of heart-healthy, monounsaturated fats. These fats provide a number of health benefits – from helping to slow digestion (keeping you full + satisfied), to managing blood sugars, and helping your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients from the rest of your meal.

While the high fat content of peanut butter makes it a calorically-dense food, it is not something I ever shy away from! Minimally-processed or whole foods that are both calorically-dense AND nutrient-dense (like peanut butter) play an important role in our diets. We need calories to provide the energy for every single process in our body, and for getting through our daily activities. These foods actually help to keep us full for longer, which may in turn lead to less over-eating in the long run.

Beyond fats, peanut butter is also a source of plant-based protein, providing 8 grans of protein in a standard 2 tablespoon serving.

While peanut butter may not be a complete protein, it still contributes to your protein intake! Just be sure to pair it with other sources of protein in your diet, too 😉

Many people don’t realize that peanut butter is also a source of dietary fiber. It provides about 2 grams of fiber in that 2 tablespoon serving as well – which is about 7% of your daily fiber needs.

From a micronutrients, peanut butter is a good source of different vitamins + minerals. In a 2 tablespoon serving, peanut butter provides:

  • vitamin B3 (about 28% of the daily value)
  • manganese (about 21% of the DV)
  • vitamin E (about 20% of the DV)
  • copper (about 18% of the DV)
  • magnesium (about 12% of the DV)
  • vitamin B6 (about 10% of the DV)
  • folate (about 6% of the DV)

Peanut butter also contains vitamin B5, iron, potassium, zinc and selenium in smaller amounts.

Tips For Purchasing Peanut Butter

Not all commercially-available brands of peanut butter are created equally, however. Many of them can contain added sugars, oils, or emulsifiers.

When purchasing peanut butter, I always recommend checking out the ingredients list on the back of the jar. Aim for peanut butters that are made only with peanuts (and maybe a little salt, if desired).

While there are SO many great local and/or smaller brands out there, some of my widely-available (and affordable) favourites include the Kirkland brand at Costco, the unsweetened peanut butter from 365 by Whole Foods, and the Valencia peanut butter from Trader Joe’s.

Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut butter is the perfect base for these healthy, no-bake snacks. You can make them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for when the craving hits.

1) No-Bake Peanut Butter “Cookie Dough” Balls

No-bake peanut butter cookie dough balls in a white bowl.
These no-bake peanut butter balls taste like chocolate chip cookie dough! They're so easy to make (no equipment needed) and filled with nutritious ingredients. Perfect for a make-ahead snack!
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2) Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Balls

Closeup overhead photo of 8 chocolate covered peanut butter rice crispy balls on top of a white plate and wooden cutting board.
These chocolate covered peanut butter rice crispy balls are such a delicious, healthy treat! This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and no-bake. Enjoy!
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***BONUS: While the recipe title calls for almond butter, you could easily swap that for peanut butter in these almond butter oatmeal balls!

Other Peanut Butter Snacks

Beyond energy balls, peanut butter is a key ingredient in these snack ideas below. As a source of protein and healthy fats, peanut butter helps to make these snacks more filling and satisfying. This helps to actually keep you full and energized between meals!

3) Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites

Chocolate dipped peanut butter pretzel bites in a bowl.
These chocolate-covered peanut butter pretzel bites are a delicious, sweet and salty snack idea! Only 5 ingredients, these bites are made with almond flour instead of powdered sugar for a more nutritious option. Recipe can easily be made gluten-free!
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4) Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Bowl

Overhead photo of a bowl of greek yogurt, peanut butter, cinnamon, and honey.
This peanut butter greek yogurt bowl is one the EASIEST healthy breakfast, snack, or dip ideas! It's packed with quality protein and heart-healthy fats to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Feel free to add toppings as desired!
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5) No-Bake Trail Mix Granola Bars

overhead photo of 8 homemade no-bake trail mix granola bars on a wood cutting board with white parchment on top
These no-bake trail mix granola bars are delicious and packed with nutrition! Made with plenty of oats, nuts, and seeds, this recipe is perfect for a meal prep snack. Recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and high in fiber.
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6) Baked Apple Nachos

overhead shot of black skillet with baked apple nachos
These baked apple nachos are such an easy, fun, and tasty snack idea that the whole family will love. Recipe is quick, healthy, and delicious!
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Recipes With Peanut Sauce

Moving on to savory peanut butter recipes, below are all the recipes from my site that use peanut butter as part of a sauce. It’s the perfect addition to a stir-fry or a rice/noodle bowl!

7) Miso Peanut Sauce

Straight on photo of miso peanut sauce being poured onto a plate of tofu.
This easy homemade miso peanut sauce recipe uses only 6 simple ingredients and tastes SO delicious! It's an all-purpose sauce that can be served with a variety of meals. Recipe is both vegan and gluten-free.
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8) Tempeh Stir-Fry With Miso Peanut Sauce

overhead photo of a white bowl filled with brown rice and a tempeh vegetable stir fry topped with miso peanut sauce on a pink backdrop
This tempeh and vegetable stir-fry is topped with a creamy miso peanut sauce for a delicious and nutritionally-balanced meal. Serve with rice or noodles!
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9) Noodle Bowl With Spicy Peanut Sauce

overhead shot of light blue bowl with soba noodles, tofu, vegetables, and peanut sauce and blue dish towel
This vegan noodle bowl is made with the BEST spicy peanut sauce. It's packed with vegetables, fibre, and healthy fats – perfect for a weeknight dinner!
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10) Mackerel Rice Bowl With Peanut Sauce

This Asian-Inspired rice bowl combines canned mackerel with ginger garlic bok choy, and is drizzled with peanut sauce for a delicious and nutritionally-balanced meal.
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Peanut Butter Smoothies

Peanut butter will forever be one of my go-to smoothie ingredients. It helps to make them thick, creamy, and filling! Some of the recipes below may list almond butter as an ingredient, but peanut butter is a super easy swap.

11) Apple Banana Smoothie

Apple banana smoothie in a glass.
This apple banana smoothie recipe is paired with warming flavours, like peanut butter and cinnamon! Made without yogurt, this is a vegan breakfast smoothie option. Easy, healthy, and delicious!
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12) Chocolate Banana Smoothie

overhead shot of 2 glasses with thick chocolate smoothie, straws, and bananas
This healthy breakfast smoothie is made with spinach, peanut butter, chia, hemp seeds, and almond milk. Dietitian-designed, it’s full of nutritious ingredients for a filling breakfast. Vegan, gluten-free, and can be made-ahead!
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13) Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie

straight on photo of two glass jars of oatmeal smoothie on a wood cutting board
This strawberry oatmeal smoothie is a healthy, filling breakfast that tastes like a strawberry milkshake! The addition of oats packs in a ton of nutrition benefits. Recipe is gluten-free and can easily be customized to use different fruits.
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14) Creamy Green Smoothie

side view of two glasses of green smoothies with metal straws and baby spinach
This Simple Creamy Green Smoothie recipe is made with spinach, avocado, banana, chia, and hemp seeds. It's high in protein and healthy fats for a super satisfying breakfast. Gluten-free with vegan option available!
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***BONUS RECIPES: While these smoothie recipes call for different nut or seed butters, they can SO easily be swapped for peanut butter and taste equally as delicious:

  1. Sweet Potato & Apple Smoothie
  2. Banana Chai Smoothie
  3. Blueberry Tahini Smoothie
  4. Cherry Smoothie With Yogurt

More Breakfasts With Peanut Butter

Beyond smoothies, below are some breakfast recipes made with peanut butter. I’ve also included a handful of breakfast recipes that use peanut butter as a TOPPING, because that’s truly one of my favourite ways to use it in the morning 🙂

15) Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal

Overhead photo of a white baking dish filled with a peanut butter banana baked oatmeal.
This easy peanut butter banana baked oatmeal is made with chocolate chips and walnuts. It basically tastes like you're eating a healthier banana bread for breakfast – so delicious! Recipe is both vegan and gluten-free.
Get the recipe

16) Nutritious Breakfast Cookies

overhead shot of baking dish with white parchment paper and 9 pumpkin oatmeal breakfast cookies on top
Readers love these too-rated healthy breakfast cookies! They're soft, chewy, and so easy. Made with nutritious ingredients like oats, pumpkin, almond butter, nuts, and seeds – they're such a delicious, healthy treat you can enjoy for breakfast or at any time of the day. Recipe is gluten-free, flour-free, vegan, and freezer-friendly.
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**PEANUT BUTTER AS A BREAKFAST TOPPING: While these recipes below don’t explicitly call for peanut butter, I will personally top them with peanut butter 100% of the time ;). Peanut butter adds a nice source of healthy fat to things like overnight oats, porridges, or pancakes!

  1. Blueberry Steel Cut Oatmeal
  2. Chocolate Orange Oatmeal
  3. Zucchini Bread Steel Cut Oatmeal
  4. Ginger Baked Pear Oatmeal
  5. Blueberry Lemon Overnight Oats
  6. Overnight Oats With Frozen Fruit
  7. Quinoa Breakfast Porridge
  8. Banana Oat Pancakes
  9. Sourdough French Toast
Overnight oats with frozen fruit, peanut butter, and pumpkin seeds in a glass jar.

More ingredient roundups to explore:

And there you have it –  15+ Easy, Healthy Peanut Butter Recipes to cook and enjoy. I so hope you found some inspiration from this list!

If you make any of these recipes, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. You can also subscribe to my email list to never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!

Get the Recipe: Easy, Healthy Peanut Butter Recipes: No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

These no-bake peanut butter balls taste like chocolate chip cookie dough! They're so easy to make (no equipment needed) and filled with nutritious ingredients. Perfect for a make-ahead snack!
No-bake peanut butter cookie dough balls in a white bowl.
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until well-combined.
  • In a separate large bowl, mix together almond flour, chocolate chips, and sea salt. Be sure to break up any clumps in the almond flour.
  • Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, then stir to combine well until the mixture resembles cookie dough.
  • Scoop about 1-2 Tbsps of mixture into your hands and roll into balls. Place onto lined baking sheet and repeat until all mixture is used up. Depending on the size of your energy balls, this recipe as written will make about 12 balls.
  • Place in the freezer for a minimum of 2 hours to harden. Be sure to allow balls to thaw for a few minutes before eating. See notes for additional storage tips!

Notes

*TYPE OF CHOCOLATE CHIPS: You can use unsweetened chocolate chips if you want to lower the sugar content and don’t mind the taste of very dark chocolate. Otherwise, use semi-sweet ones. The amount of honey per ball isn’t too much so they shouldn’t be too sweet!
*TEXTURE: The texture of these balls is meant to be a bit softer (like cookie dough)!
  • If you find the texture of these balls is too soft that they don’t hold together, you can add a touch more almond flour.
  • If it’s too crumbly, add a touch more peanut butter or honey. It should work as written, but sometimes it’s hard to get totally accurate measurements when we use measuring cups! 
 
*STORAGE:
  • If you think you’ll eat these peanut butter balls within a week, you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
  • If you’d like to keep these energy balls for longer than a week, you can store them in a freezer-safe container in the freezer. Simply thaw the balls for a few minutes before you enjoy them (or else they will be too hard to bite into)!
 
*RECIPE MODIFICATIONS:
  • Peanut butter can be swapped for unsweetened creamy almond butter. The flavour profile will be different, but equally as delicious 🙂
  • While I love the flavour of honey with these, you can try swapping the honey for maple syrup if desired (or if vegan!) If you find they’re not quite sticking together as well, try adding a touch more almond flour.

Nutrition

As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.

Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.

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Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @walderwellness on Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.