Peanut Butter Sauce Recipe

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

Directions

1. In a saucepan, heat the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is well incorporated and smooth.
2. Add the milk to the mixture and stir until fully combined.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Mix until smooth.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	106
Total Fat	6g (8% DV)
Saturated Fat	2g (9% DV)
Cholesterol	4mg (1% DV)
Sodium	90mg (4% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	10g (4% DV)
Dietary Fiber	1g (2% DV)
Total Sugars	8g
Protein	3g (7% DV)
Vitamin C	0mg (0% DV)
Calcium	45mg (3% DV)
Iron	0mg (1% DV)
Potassium	115mg (2% DV)

Servings per recipe: 12

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of Peanut Butter Sauce

Peanut butter sauce has its roots in American cuisine, where peanut butter became a household staple in the early 20th century. The sauce likely originated as a simple way to elevate the flavor of a wide range of dishes, from pancakes to ice cream. Peanut butter itself, made from roasted peanuts, was first introduced to the public in the late 1800s. Its use in sauces, however, grew rapidly in the 20th century, as home cooks sought innovative ways to use the ingredient beyond sandwiches.

Regional Features and Variations

While peanut butter sauce is widely enjoyed across the United States, it also has regional variations. In Southern cuisine, for instance, peanut butter is often used in savory sauces paired with meats such as chicken or pork. In contrast, many northern and western regions tend to favor the sweeter applications, using the sauce as a topping for desserts like ice cream, fruit, or pancakes. Additionally, the sauce can be adapted to suit different tastes by varying the sweetness or adding spicy elements like chili flakes, which is common in Thai and African cuisines that incorporate peanut-based sauces in their cooking.

What Makes It Different from Similar Dishes

Peanut butter sauce stands out from similar nut-based sauces due to its smooth, creamy texture and the balance of sweetness and saltiness it provides. Unlike peanut satay or other Asian-style peanut sauces that focus on savory and umami-rich flavors, peanut butter sauce typically emphasizes a sweeter profile. This makes it a versatile topping or dip, distinct from peanut-based sauces used in savory dishes. The addition of sweetened condensed milk in many recipes further differentiates it by adding a rich, sugary base that complements the natural flavor of the peanuts.

Where is It Typically Served?

Peanut butter sauce is most commonly served as a topping for desserts such as ice cream, waffles, and pancakes. It is also used as a dip for fresh fruits, especially bananas and apples. Some enjoy it as an indulgent spread on toast or mixed into smoothies for an extra creamy texture. The versatility of the sauce makes it a popular choice for both sweet and savory dishes, depending on how it is prepared. It's often found in American diners, dessert bars, and family kitchens, making it a staple in many households.

Interesting Facts About Peanut Butter Sauce

1. Peanut butter sauce is not only delicious but also a nutritious option. Packed with protein and healthy fats, it provides an energy boost while satisfying your sweet tooth.
2. Peanut butter has long been celebrated for its heart-healthy properties, thanks to the high content of monounsaturated fats. The addition of peanut butter to the sauce means you're adding a nutritious element to otherwise indulgent dishes.
3. While peanut butter sauce is a relatively modern creation, peanuts themselves have been cultivated for thousands of years, dating back to the Inca and Aztec civilizations in South America. The use of peanuts in sauces can be traced back to African and Asian cooking traditions, where peanuts are frequently incorporated into rich, flavorful sauces.
4. Interestingly, peanut butter became widely popular in the U.S. in the early 1900s, not just as a food but also as a product designed for medical purposes. It was originally promoted as a nutritious food for patients who had difficulty chewing solid food. Today, it is one of the most beloved ingredients worldwide, found in both savory and sweet dishes.

FAQ about Peanut Butter Sauce Recipe

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