Oil can form on top of peanut butter if it has been naturally made or if it is kept in a warm environment. You can simply stir it back in, pour the excess oil off or gently heat it to help the ingredients to mix together.
This article will explore 5 easy things you can do if oil forms on the top of your peanut butter.
What to do if oil forms on top of your peanut butter
Check out the top 3 things you can do if your peanut butter has formed a pool of oil on top.
1. Stir the oil back in
Many natural peanut butter varieties can seperate over time. When the peanuts are crushed to make the peanut butter the oil will seperate from the solid materials. This will hold together when it is first made but can settle out on the top over time.
Simply stirring the peanut butter will help to mix the oil back in and evenly distribute it throughout the peanut butter to create a smoother texture.
2. Microwave
If you are having trouble mixing the oil back into the peanut butter, heating the peanut butter for 15-20 seconds in the microwave can help to soften it and make it easier to mix. It is best to transfer this to a microwave safe dish rather than putting the peanut butter jar straight int eh microwave.
Make sure you check and stir the peanut butter after 20 seconds. You can pop it back in for another 20 seconds if the peanut butter is still too solid to stir. This will help the oil to incorporate back into the solid material and make it smooth.
3. Water bath
If you want to stir the oil back into the peanut butter but it has become too hard then soften it in a water bath. Pop the peanut butter jar with the lid on in a dish of warm water. Make sure the water only comes half way up the jar.
Leave the jar to warm for 10 minutes then gently stir the oil back in.
4. Pour the excess oil off
If you don’t want the oil mixed in with your peanut butter, you can pour it off into a separate container and discard it. Some natural peanut butter varieties can have a large amount of oil on top which makes the peanut butter runny rather than thick.
If there is too much oil for your liking just get rid of some. If you do accidentally pour off too much, you can always add a small amount of peanut, canola or sunflower oil back in.
5. Use a food processor or blender
If you are having trouble mixing the oil back into your peanut butter then use a food processor. Using a food processor or blender can help to evenly distribute the oil throughout the peanut butter and create a smooth consistency.
How to prevent oil from forming on top of your peanut butter
Check out these easy ways to prevent oil from separating and forming on top of your peanut butter
Refrigerate your peanut butter
Keeping your peanut butter in the refrigerator can help prevent the oil from separating. Keeping the peanut butter cool will help to hold the ingredients together and you will have less oil form on top.
Add a stabilizer
Many companies add extra ingredients to their peanut butter stop it from separating and you can too. You can add a stabilizer such as powdered sugar, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder to your peanut butter to help prevent the oil from separating. Just mix in half a teaspoon to start with and add more if you need.
Add more peanuts
Adding a few more peanuts to your peanut butter can help to absorb some of the excess oil and create a thicker texture. Simply crush your peanuts into a powder in a food processor and mix them through. If you like a chunky peanut butter, leave the pieces a little larger.
Store your peanut butter upside down
Storing your peanut butter jar upside down will help to prevent it from separating. This helps to reduce the peanut butter’s exposure to air and helps to keep it together. For an even better option, keep it upside down in the fridge.
Buy a no-stir peanut butter
Some peanut butter brands now offer “no-stir” options that don’t require stirring and have a smoother consistency. Many brands have perfected the recipe for peanut butter that won’t separate. This will mean you can keep it in your cupboard without a pool of oil forming on top.
What to do with oil on top of peanut butter | Summary
If oil forms on top of your peanut butter you can stir it in, pour it out or warm it up to make it easier to bring back together. If you like a really thick peanut butter you can get rid of the oil but if you prefer it to be soft, then stir it back in. Warm up the jar in a water bath to make it easier to stir if the peanut butter has become hard.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.