Peanut Butter Dip Recipe

This quick dessert dip combines peanut butter and butter with sugars for a creamy treat perfect for dipping fruits, pretzels or cookies.

Featured in Finger Foods and Party Snacks.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:30:55 GMT
A bowl of creamy dip is surrounded by apple slices and pretzels on a wooden platter. Pin it
A bowl of creamy dip is surrounded by apple slices and pretzels on a wooden platter. | zestplate.com

I'm obsessed with this creamy peanut butter dip and I know you will be too. The moment I started making this in my kitchen it became an instant family favorite. Each spoonful is perfectly sweet and smooth, making it impossible to resist dipping just one more apple slice or pretzel. I love how I can throw this together with simple pantry ingredients whenever the craving hits. Trust me, once you try this you'll want to keep a batch in your fridge at all times.

What Makes This Dip So Special

My family goes crazy for this dip and I totally get why. The brown sugar adds this perfect caramel sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich peanut butter. Sometimes I catch my kids sneaking spoonfuls straight from the bowl! What I really love is how versatile it is. We spread it on apple slices for after-school snacks and serve it with vanilla wafers when friends come over. The best part? I can whip it up in minutes when unexpected guests drop by.

Simple Ingredients From Your Kitchen

  • Creamy Peanut Butter: Regular works better than natural for this recipe.
  • Cream Cheese: Make sure it's softened to room temperature.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings that perfect caramel sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon makes everything taste amazing.
  • Salt: A tiny pinch brings out all the flavors.
  • Milk: Optional, just if you want it extra creamy.

Let's Make It Together

Start With Room Temperature Ingredients
Let your cream cheese sit out until it's nice and soft. This usually takes about an hour but makes such a difference in getting that perfectly smooth texture we want.
Whip the Base
Grab your electric mixer and beat that cream cheese until it's light and fluffy. This takes about a minute and creates the perfect base for our dip.
Add the Star Ingredient
Mix in your peanut butter until they're best friends. Keep beating until everything looks smooth and creamy.
Make it Sweet and Flavorful
Now add your brown sugar, vanilla, and that tiny pinch of salt. Beat everything together until it's perfectly combined and looks irresistible.
Perfect the Texture
If you want it a bit creamier, add just a splash of milk. Keep tasting until it's exactly how you like it.

My Favorite Dipping Ideas

Over the years I've discovered so many delicious ways to enjoy this dip. My kids love dipping apple slices and graham crackers while I'm partial to celery sticks for that perfect sweet and salty combo. Pretzel sticks add such a satisfying crunch and vanilla wafers make it feel like dessert. Sometimes I slice up bananas or grab some fresh strawberries. Animal crackers are always a hit at playdates and rice cakes work great too. For an extra special treat sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top.

Storage Tips From My Kitchen

This dip keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 5 days just make sure you store it in an airtight container. Take it out a little before serving since it firms up when cold. I wouldn't recommend freezing it though the texture just isn't the same afterward. When I'm hosting I often make it the day before. Just give it a good stir before putting it out and you're good to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why heat peanut butter first?

Makes it easier to mix smoothly.

→ How long does it keep?

Up to a week refrigerated.

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Smooth works best for dipping.

→ What are best dippers?

Apples, pretzels, cookies work well.

→ Can I make ahead?

Yes, store covered in fridge.

→ Should I serve cold?

Let warm slightly for best texture.

Peanut Butter Dip Recipe

A sweet and creamy peanut butter dip that comes together in minutes. Great for parties or snacking.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Fatiha


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 bowl of dip)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 6 tablespoons butter, softened.
02 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter.
03 1 cup powdered sugar.
04 3 tablespoons brown sugar.
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Instructions

Step 01

Place peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave for 1 minute, stirring halfway through, until it becomes thinner and easier to mix.

Step 02

Add the softened butter to the warm peanut butter. Make sure butter is at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.

Step 03

Add powdered sugar and brown sugar to the bowl. The combination of these sugars creates the perfect sweetness and texture.

Step 04

Pour in the vanilla extract. This enhances the overall flavor of the dip.

Step 05

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whip all ingredients together until they start combining, about 30 seconds.

Step 06

Increase mixer speed to high and whip for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and completely smooth.

Step 07

Stop mixing and use a rubber spatula to scrape down sides and bottom of bowl, ensuring no ingredients are stuck.

Step 08

Mix again briefly on medium speed to incorporate any scraped ingredients and ensure perfect smoothness.

Step 09

Spoon the dip into a serving bowl. Serve immediately with your choice of dippers like apples, cookies, pretzels, or brownies.

Step 10

If not serving immediately, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Can be made in just 10 minutes.
  2. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
  3. Stays fresh in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  4. Works well with many different dippers.

Tools You'll Need

  • Microwave-safe bowl.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Rubber spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Peanuts.
  • Dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 315
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
  • Protein: 6 g