8 Snacks You Can Make with Peanut Butter

By: Foodlets

Photo by: Jackie Alpers ©2014,Television FoodNetwork, G.P.All Rights Reserved

Jackie Alpers, 2014,Television FoodNetwork, G.P.All Rights Reserved

Is there an ingredient that’s more universally loved among kids than peanut butter? Add that it’s affordable, easy to find and packed with protein, and you’ll be turning to these eight simple ideas constantly, including a few big-batch recipes you’ll thank yourself for making ahead of time. (And of course, anyone with peanut allergies could easily substitute any other nut butter.)

Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Leave it to Giada De Laurentiis to come up with a homemade granola bar swirled with brown sugar, honey and melted butter, and kissed with slivered almonds and mini chocolate chips.

Turtles Stuffed with Peanut Butter

That’s right, there’s a delicious pop of peanut butter stashed underneath this crunchy turtle’s shell.

PEANUT BUTTER SPLIT SMOOTHIE, Ellie Krieger, Food Network, Banana, Nonfat Milk,
Nonfat Yogurt, Peanut Butter

PEANUT BUTTER SPLIT SMOOTHIE, Ellie Krieger, Food Network, Banana, Nonfat Milk, Nonfat Yogurt, Peanut Butter

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

PEANUT BUTTER SPLIT SMOOTHIE, Ellie Krieger, Food Network, Banana, Nonfat Milk, Nonfat Yogurt, Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter Split Smoothie

The beloved combo of peanut butter and banana stars in this quick-fix smoothie.

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All rights Reserved

No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars

This is the make-ahead snack bar of your dreams: Start with a chocolate crust, add the rich and creamy filling only a combination of cream cheese, peanut butter and Greek yogurt can produce, then sprinkle with roasted peanuts.

Photo by: Picasa

Picasa

No-Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Energy Cookies

Using only a handful of mostly nutritious ingredients — whole oats, peanut butter, flax seed, honey and a few chocolate chips — you can whip up a batch of these no-bake cookies without ever involving the oven.

PB&J Sushi

Got a rolling pin? Flatten out a regular piece of sandwich bread, then slather on the peanut butter plus jam. Roll it up and slice away.

FN_FN Kitchens Crunchy Peanut Butter Thins.tif

FN_FN Kitchens Crunchy Peanut Butter Thins.tif

FN_FN Kitchens Crunchy Peanut Butter Thins.tif

©2012, Television Food NEtwork, G.P. All Rights Reserved

2012, Television Food NEtwork, G.P. All Rights Reserved

FN_FN Kitchens Crunchy Peanut Butter Thins.tif

Crunchy Peanut Butter Thins

“These crunchy little cookies are a satisfying alternative to regular peanut butter cookies,” the chefs in Food Network Kitchen explain of these healthy bites.

Peanut Butter Dip with Fresh Apple Slices

It’s a new take on a classic combination: peanut butter and apples. Dip those sweet slices into this silky peanut butter — and, best of all, take it on the road any time you like!

Charity Curley Mathews is the mother of four small kids who eat snacks every day, a contributor to InStyle and eHow Food, and the founder of Foodlets.com. Foodlets is about making only one dinner. About fresh food and simple shortcuts. About teaching kids to love good food, and enjoying it together — most of the time. Follow Foodlets on Instagram and you’ll never miss a recipe or tip.

Next Up

Does Peanut Butter Go Bad?

Peanut butter is a staple for sandwiches, sweet treats, and snacking, but does it expire? Here are the facts.

Should You Refrigerate Peanut Butter?

How quickly can you make it through your jar?

Is Peanut Butter Good for You?

Find out whether or not you should... go nuts.

Which Is Better for You: Almond Butter or Peanut Butter?

We break down the differences between the two popular nut butters.

Your Weekend Cooldown: Frozen Peanut Butter Bites

If the summer heat has you bogged down, take refuge in this easy-to-make frozen dessert.

8 Thanksgiving Meatloaf Recipes to Make This Year

Turkey meatloaf is an inexpensive alternative to roasting a whole bird.

8 Snack Subscription Boxes You Can Sign Up For Online

Get new snacks sent right to your door on a regular basis.

8 Brands That Will Let You Customize Your Go-To Snack

Add a personal touch to your favorite cookies, crackers and more.