You should not microwave peanut butter in the jar it came in because the glass is thin and could break. Plastic peanut butter containers should not be put in the microwave either as the plastic could melt.
Peanut butter can be microwaved if it is transferred to a microwave safe dish. You could also put the jar in a warm water bath to slowly heat the peanut butter to soften it.
This article will explore the top reasons why you should avoid microwaving peanut butter in the jar and some easy ways to heat it up safely.
What happens if you microwave peanut butter in the jar
This is what could happen if you microwave peanut butter in the glass or plastic jar it came in.
1. The ingredients will separate
Peanut butter is a combination of crushed peanuts, oil, salt and sometimes sugar. If the peanut butter is microaved for too long, the nuts and oil can separate with the oil pooling at the top.
2. A plastic jar could melt
Many peanut butter companies are now using plastic containers instead of glass. This plastic is thin and is not microwave safe. The container could melt, bend and make a mess of your microwave.
3. The metal cover could spark
Many peanut butter jars have a plastic and metal cover that has been placed over the top of the jar to seal it. The metal can spark or flame in the microwave.
4. The plastic from the lid could melt
Many peanut butter jars have a plastic lid that will leave a plastic ring around the jar when removed. This plastic ring could melt in the microwave even if the jar is glass.
4 Ways to heat up a jar of peanut butter
If you are keen to heat up your peanut butter to drizzle on icecream or desserts, check out these easy ways.
1. Water bath
A water bath is the easiest way to heat up a jar of peanut butter. Fill a bowl with hot water from the tap so that it goes half way up the side of the peanut butter jar.
Place the jar in the bowl of hot water with the lid on and leave it there for 2-3 minutes. Take the jar out of the hot water, remove the lid and give it a stir. Repeat this process until the peanut butter is soft enough.
2. Add oil
Another easy way to loosen and warm up peanut butter is to add warm oil. Use a mild flavored oil like sunflower or canola and gently warm it up in the micrwave. You can pop a the oil in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds.
You can then take 1 tablespoon of the warm oil at a time and mix it through the peanut butter. This will gently loosen the peanut butter making it more liquid. Repeat this process until the peanut butter is at pouring consistency.
3. Microwave safe dish
Another easy way to heat peanut butter is to move it to a microwave safe dish. This could be a ceramic, plastic or glass option. Spoon the peanut butter out of the jar and heat for 30 seconds at a time. Stir the peanut butter until it is warm enough to serve.
4. Stove-top
Another simple way to warm up peanut butter is to do this on the stove. Move your peanut butter into a saucepan and add a few teaspoons of oil. Put the heat on low and gently stir the peanut butter. Keep your eye on it to avoid it sticking or burning on the bottom.
Can you microwave a jar of peanut butter? | Summary
It is best not to put a jar of peanut butter in the microwave as the plastic could bend or the glass could break. If you want to heat up the peanut butter just scoop it out and pop it in a microwave safe bowl. Add a dash of oil to stop it from drying out and to help it to pour.
Add your heated peanut butter to ice-cream, yogurt, noodles or any dessert.
Happy cooking.
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.