How Much Peanut Butter to Substitute for Butter
Works for baking, sauteing, and slow cook. Peanut Butter brings a noticeably different flavor than Butter.
How much peanut butter equals one cup of butter and reduce sugar by 1 tablespoon?
Use 3/4 cup peanut butter per cup butter and reduce sugar by 1 tablespoon.
Health notes
Compared with Butter, Peanut Butter has: less calories (588 vs 717 per 100g in Butter), less fat (49.5g vs 81.1g per 100g in Butter), less saturated fat (9.5g vs 50.5g per 100g in Butter), more protein (21.9g vs 0.9g per 100g in Butter), and more carbs (24g vs 0.1g per 100g in Butter).
Using peanut butter as a butter substitute in baking
3/4 cup per cup butter. Adds moisture and nutty depth. Works in brownies, cookies, quick breads; skip laminated dough.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
1:1 swap works; peanut butter won't brown. Use for finishing or gentle heat only.
- Slow Cook
1:1; stir in at the end to avoid scorching. Adds richness and body.
- Raw Cold
1:1 in spreads, dips, and dressings. Thin with oil or water as needed.
- Drinks
2-3 tablespoons per cup liquid. Blend smooth; adds creaminess and protein.
Methods to avoid (3)
- Frying
Not recommended: peanut butter burns and separates at high heat.
- Grilling
Not recommended: peanut butter won't hold on grates.
- Steaming
Not recommended: peanut butter won't emulsify in steam.
FAQ
- How much peanut butter equals one cup of butter and reduce sugar by 1 tablespoon?
Use 3/4 cup peanut butter per cup butter and reduce sugar by 1 tablespoon.
- Can I substitute peanut butter for Butter in baking?
Yes. 3/4 cup per cup butter. Adds moisture and nutty depth. Works in brownies, cookies, quick breads; skip laminated dough. Not recommended: peanut butter burns and separates at high heat.
- How much peanut butter to use as a butter substitute?
Sweet, nutty peanut replaces butter's subtle richness. Pair with chocolate or banana to enhance.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Peanut Butter for Butter?
Peanut butter brings a noticeably different flavor than butter.
- How does texture change when substituting Peanut Butter for Butter?
Peanut butter denser, moister crumb with less spread. Paler color, minimal browning. Chewy, tender texture.
- What else should I know about substituting Peanut Butter for Butter?
For brownies, cookies, and quick breads. Expect a denser, moister crumb with less browning and a chewier texture. Skip frying, grilling, and laminated dough. Peanut butter won't cream with sugar or caramelize. Use natural peanut butter and stir well before measuring.
- What still works when substituting Peanut Butter for Butter?
Peanut butter still works as a fat, binder, moisture, and flavor carrier.
- What won't work when substituting Peanut Butter for Butter?
Peanut butter won't work as a emulsifier and tenderizer.
- How well does Peanut Butter match Butter?
Peanut butter is okay on structure, stretch on heat, and stretch on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Peanut Butter for Butter?
Peanut butter is slightly lower in calories, and has about x2 fewer fat and x5 fewer sat. fat, and about x26 more protein.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Peanut Butter for Butter?
The flavor shifts toward more sweet, more bitter, and more umami notes.