For those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, finding satisfying and delicious treats can sometimes be a challenge. Peanut butter, a beloved ingredient for many, can be incorporated into keto recipes with the help of peanut butter powder. This article explores the versatility of peanut butter powder in keto-friendly recipes, offering options from sweet treats to everyday snacks.
Understanding Peanut Butter Powder
Peanut butter powder, such as PB2 or PBfit, is made by pressing roasted peanuts to remove a significant portion of the oils and fats, then grinding the remaining solids into a fine powder. This process results in a product with approximately 85% less fat than traditional peanut butter, making it a lower-calorie alternative while still delivering the signature peanut butter flavor.
Benefits of Using Peanut Butter Powder
- Reduced Fat and Calories: Peanut butter powder offers a way to enjoy the taste of peanut butter with fewer calories and less fat, aligning with the goals of a ketogenic diet.
- Versatility: It can be easily rehydrated by mixing with water, almond milk, or other liquids, or used in its dry form for baking, smoothies, and snacks.
- Protein Boost: Peanut butter powder is a good source of protein, which can be beneficial for satiety and muscle maintenance on a keto diet.
Keto Peanut Butter Powder Recipes
Peanut butter powder can be used in a variety of recipes. It is especially useful in recipes like smoothies, frostings, or cookie dough, where you still want the flavor but not the calories. Here are some ideas for using peanut butter powder in your keto meal plan.
Keto Peanut Butter Buckeyes
This Easy Low Carb Keto Peanut Butter Buckeyes Recipe is a delightful and keto-friendly variation of the classic buckeye treat. Buckeyes remind many people of childhood holidays, and this recipe allows you to savor those memories while sticking to your dietary goals. These buckeyes taste like peanut butter cups, satisfying your sweet tooth without the added sugar.
Ingredients:
- Natural Peanut Butter (unsweetened)
- Powdered Peanut Butter (such as PB Fit)
- Sugar-Free Sweetener (such as granulated Swerve, Stevia, or Splenda)
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips
- Coconut Oil (optional, for melting chocolate)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, and powdered sweetener until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, placing them on a parchment paper lined tray. You can use a tablespoon to measure for consistency.
- Insert toothpicks into each peanut butter ball, creating a handle for dipping.
- Place the tray in the freezer and let the peanut butter balls chill for at least 30 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the sugar-free dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them using a double boiler on the stovetop.
- Take the peanut butter balls out of the freezer. Holding onto the toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top uncovered to resemble a buckeye nut.
- Place the dipped buckeyes back on the parchment-lined tray and return them to the freezer for another 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
- Store in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
No-Bake Keto Peanut Butter Bars
These easy keto peanut butter bars are the ultimate low carb treat! These are ridiculously easy to make. If peanut butter is your kryptonite, these keto peanut butter bars are bound to make you weak in the knees.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients:
- Melted butter
- Melted peanut butter
- Sweetener
- Vanilla
- Salt
- Peanut flour
- Chopped chocolate
- Butter
Instructions:
- Line an 8x8 or 9x9 pan with wax paper or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, melted peanut butter, sweetener, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir in peanut flour until dough comes together (it will be like a dough, not like a batter).
- Press dough firmly and evenly into prepared baking pan. (To really get it even, cover it with more wax paper or parchment paper and use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to press).
- Set a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, and add the chopped chocolate and butter.
- Stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour over bars and use a knife or offset spatula to spread to the edges.
Quick Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
These quick and easy keto peanut butter cookies are ultra soft, chewy, and absolutely impossible to resist! With just a few basic ingredients, and no flour or sugar required, they might just become your new favorite cookie recipe! Since the recipe is egg free, you can eat the raw cookie dough while you bake, and if you’d prefer no bake peanut butter cookies, it’s fine to skip the baking step completely.
Ingredients:
- Nut butter
- Milk of choice
- Salt
- Sweetener
- Baking soda
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a mixing bowl, stir dry ingredients very well to ensure that the salt, sweetener, and baking soda are evenly incorporated.
- Stir in the nut butter and milk of choice to form a dough.
- Roll into cookie dough balls, place on the prepared baking sheet, and press down with a spoon or fork.
- Bake on the oven’s center rack for 10 minutes. The cookies should still be underbaked and delicate when you remove the tray from the oven.
- Leftover cookies can be stored in a plastic container for soft and chewy cookies or in a glass container for crispy cookies.
Other Keto Peanut Butter Powder Ideas
- Peanut Butter Smoothies: Add a scoop of peanut butter powder to your favorite keto smoothie for a protein and flavor boost.
- Peanut Butter Frosting: Create a keto-friendly frosting by combining peanut butter powder with cream cheese, sweetener, and a touch of almond milk.
- Peanut Butter Dips: Mix peanut butter powder with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a delicious and healthy dip for vegetables or keto-friendly crackers.
- Peanut Butter Fat Bombs: Incorporate peanut butter powder into fat bomb recipes for a tasty and satisfying snack.
Tips for Using Peanut Butter Powder in Keto Recipes
- Choose the Right Product: Look for peanut butter powders without added sugars or unnecessary ingredients.
- Adjust Consistency: When rehydrating, start with a small amount of liquid and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add cocoa powder, cinnamon, or other spices to enhance the flavor of your peanut butter powder recipes.
- Store Properly: Keep peanut butter powder in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping and maintain freshness.
Common Questions
Can I use any type of peanut butter for these low carb peanut butter balls?
It's recommended to use natural peanut butter without added sugars.
Is it necessary to use a low-carb sweetener?
Yes, to keep the recipe low-carb and keto-friendly, it's essential to use a sweetener with low or zero carbs.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for coating?
While the recipe suggests sugar-free dark chocolate chips, you can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as unsweetened chocolate or dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
Can I make these buckeyes ahead of time?
Yes, these buckeyes can be made ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, and they should stay fresh for several days.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
How do I store leftover buckeyes?
Store the buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Can I use peanut butter powder instead of regular peanut butter?
Yes, especially in smoothies, (sometimes) in frostings, and baked goods.
Is powdered peanut butter good in smoothies?
Absolutely!
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