Can You Mix Nutella and Peanut Butter?
Two of the most beloved spreads today, Nutella and peanut butter, are perfect complements for each other. Nutella is cherished for its silky, chocolate-hazelnut flavor, while peanut butter is prized for its nutty, salty-sweet taste and creamy texture. At first glance, combining these two powerhouse spreads would create peanut butter cup perfection. However, looks can be deceiving. While both spaces are scrumptious and preferred by kids and adults alike, mixing Nutella and peanut butter results in a less-than-appetizing blend. The oils and textures don’t properly combine into one smooth, delicious fusion. Instead, problems arise when you try to integrate the chewy peanut butter with the soft, creamy Nutella. Despite seeming like a match made in flavor heaven, the result of mixing these two spreads leaves much to be desired. Though Nutella and peanut butter are each wonderful in their own right, sometimes combinations that look good on paper don’t work out well. This intriguing yet surprising clash between two favorite foods warrants a deeper investigation.
Recap in Brief
While it may seem like a good idea, in theory, to combine the rich hazelnut-chocolate flavors of Nutella with the nutty, salty-sweet taste of peanut butter, the reality is that these two spreads do not mix well. The oily consistency of peanut butter causes the Nutella to become runny and lose its spreadable texture. Likewise, the Nutella overwhelms the peanut butter flavor. The chocolate competes with the nuttiness of the peanuts. While you can stir them together, the result is a gooey, oddly textured mess that doesn’t highlight the best qualities of either spread. You’re better off enjoying each separately for the optimal taste and texture.
Nutella and Peanut Butter Recipes
Nutella and peanut butter are highly versatile ingredients that can be used in various sweet and savory dishes. Each spread shines when appropriately used in recipes that complement their unique flavors and textures. Here are some of the most popular and delicious recipes that skillfully incorporate Nutella and peanut butter.
Nutella Recipes
Nutella’s creamy, chocolate-hazelnut flavor pairs wonderfully with many fruits and sweets. Here are some top recipes for enjoying this popular spread:
Nutella Stuffed Pancakes
This breakfast recipe involves spreading Nutella on one pancake and topping it with another before cooking. The melted Nutella becomes an irresistible molten center (Epicurious).
Nutella Milkshake
Blending Nutella, milk, and ice cream makes for a thick, decadent milkshake with a hint of hazelnut (RecipeTinEats).
Nutella Hot Chocolate
Adding a dollop of Nutella to steaming milk and cocoa powder creates an indulgent layered hot chocolate (GimmeSomeOven).
Peanut Butter Recipes
Peanut butter’s nutty, salty-sweet flavor enhances both sweet and savory dishes. These recipes showcase peanut butter’s versatility:
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Dip
Creamy peanut butter blended with powdered sugar and vanilla makes for a scoopable “dip” that tastes just like raw cookie dough (DessertNowDinnerLater).
Peanut Noodle Salad Bowls
Tossing hot pasta in a Thai peanut dressing makes a flavorful main course salad (MinimalistBaker).
Peanut Butter Fudge
Heating sweetened condensed milk with peanut butter, vanilla, and chocolate chips produces a rich, candy-like fudge (TasteOfHome).
While Nutella and peanut butter shouldn’t be blended, they each make fantastic recipes independently. From sweet to savory dishes, these spreads introduce irresistible flavors and textures when appropriately used. Next time you bake or cook, consider substituting or incorporating Nutella or peanut butter.
Nutritional information
Nutella and peanut butter are popular spreads with nutritional value and potential health drawbacks. Evaluating and comparing their ingredients, calories, and overall health impacts can help consumers make informed decisions.
Nutritional Profile of Nutella
Nutella is a sweetened hazelnut cocoa spread. One two-tablespoon serving contains 200 calories, including:
- 11g fat (3.5g saturated)
- 21g sugar
- 2g protein
The main benefits of Nutella come from the hazelnuts, which provide vitamin E, magnesium, and monounsaturated fats. However, high sugar and saturated fat can negatively impact health, especially in excess (Healthline).
Nutritional Profile of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a spread made from ground, roasted peanuts. One two-tablespoon serving contains 190 calories, including:
- 16g fat (3g saturated)
- 3g sugar
- 8g protein
Peanut butter provides more protein than Nutella and vitamin E, magnesium, niacin, and manganese. It also contains primarily unsaturated fats. But beware of conventional brands with hydrogenated oils, excess salt, and sugar (Healthline).
Comparison
Nutella and peanut butter have similar calorie counts. Peanut butter has more protein and less sugar, while Nutella provides more micronutrients from hazelnuts. However, peanut butter can have fewer additives. Still, both should be enjoyed in moderation.
When comparing Nutella and peanut butter, neither is nutritionally perfect. However, they can be incorporated into a healthy diet if consumed occasionally and in small portions. Be mindful of sugar, salt, and saturated fat contents when choosing a brand. And pair with nutrient-rich foods to offset any drawbacks.
Alternatives to Мixing Nutella and Peanut Butter Together
While Nutella and peanut butter are both delicious spreads, combining them results in poor texture and diluted flavors. However, there are creative ways to enjoy these nut-based spreads without mixing them together.
Tips for Complementing Nutella and Peanut Butter
Here are tips for pairing these spreads without blending them:
- Spread them separately on bread or fruit. Enjoy the unique taste of each.
- Drizzle or swirl Nutella over peanut butter on toast for visual appeal.
- Layer Nutella, then peanut butter in parfaits or trifles for distinct flavors in each bite.
- Dip banana slices or apple wedges first in Nutella, then peanut butter for sauce contrast.
- Stuff dates, strawberries, or other fruit with either Nutella or peanut butter for sweet pops of flavor.
Steps for Nutella and Peanut Butter-Swirled Spread
Make a beautiful swirled spread:
- Spread peanut butter in the bowl.
- Dollop Nutella is randomly on top.
- Swirl spreads gently using a knife, leaving some visible peanut butter.
- Spread on bread, fruit, or graham crackers.
Other Ways to Use Nutella and Peanut Butter
There are endless possibilities for incorporating these spreads individually:
- Add Nutella to cake frosting or melt it as a dessert fondue.
- Use peanut butter in cookies, pancakes, or smoothies.
- Swap either spread for chocolate or nuts in recipes.
- Stuff French toast or waffles with Nutella or peanut butter alone.
- Blend into milkshakes or lattes for flavored drinks.
While Nutella and peanut butter shouldn’t be blended, they can star in recipes separately or be used creatively without mixing. With some imagination, you can find delicious ways to enjoy these nutty spreads’ unique flavors.
FAQ
What happens when you mix Nutella and peanut butter together?
Mixing Nutella and peanut butter together results in a thick, gloppy, oily mess. The oil from the peanut butter loosens up the Nutella, making it runny and causing it to lose its normal spreadable consistency. Nutella’s chocolate and hazelnut flavors also completely overwhelm the peanut flavor, so you lose the peanut butter’s tasty nuttiness when combined. The texture is odd and paste-like, with the oil separating out from the rest of the mixture. Overall, it does not make for a delicious or palate-pleasing blend.
Is it okay to mix Nutella and peanut butter?
It’s not recommended. While you can technically stir Nutella and peanut butter together, the end result is less than optimal. The differing spreads need to combine correctly and instead create an unappetizing, greasy mixture that contains none of the best qualities of either original feed. The flavors clash instead of complementing each other. Nutella overpowers the peanut butter taste, and the peanut butter oil ruins Nutella’s ordinarily smooth, silky texture. You lose the chewy peanut chunks in proper peanut butter. Neither spread showcases its appropriate texture or full flavor when blended.
What happens if you combine Nutella and peanut butter?
Combining Nutella and peanut butter is an experiment doomed to fail. When you try to blend the two together, the oils in the peanut butter cause the Nutella to liquefy into a runny, greasy mess. The Nutella’s smooth, creamy texture is completely lost. Likewise, the dominant hazelnut-chocolate flavors in Nutella overtake the nutty peanut flavor. So you lose the taste you expect from good peanut butter. On top of that, the peanut chunks end up soggy instead of properly chewy. The end result is a weirdly textured, unappetizing blend that highlights none of the best qualities of either original spread.
Should you mix Nutella and peanut butter in the same sandwich?
No, Nutella and peanut butter should not be mixed together between the same slices of bread in a sandwich. While they both taste great on their own on a sandwich, combining them results in a weird mish-mash of flavors and textures. The Nutella overwhelms the subtle peanut butter taste, lending too much sweetness and chocolate flavor. Meanwhile, the peanut butter’s oil seeps into the bread, creating a soggy mess. The smooth Nutella and crunchy peanut butter textures clash. Overall, your sandwich ends up a wet, oddly textured disappointment with conflicting flavors. For the best flavor and texture experience, use Nutella or peanut butter as the spread in a sandwich, but don’t blend them.
What’s the best way to eat Nutella and peanut butter?
The best way to eat Nutella and peanut butter is to enjoy them separately. Spread either one alone on bread or fruit for a snack or sandwich. Or dip apples or pretzels into the Nutella or peanut butter for the intended flavor. You can also drizzle or dollop the spreads separately onto desserts like ice cream or crepes. Combining the two does not improve them. Nutella offers a silky chocolate-hazelnut flavor, while peanut butter provides nutty, salty-sweetness. Those profiles work much better solo. Blending them muddies their textures and dilutes their intended tastes. Savor the peanut butter and Nutella individually to highlight their unique flavors and textures for optimal enjoyment.
Related Video: This is what I eat instead of Nutella all the time.
Conclusion
While Nutella and peanut butter are delicious spreads that many enjoy, combining these powerhouse flavors is not advisable. The differing textures and oils in each space cause them to become an unappetizing, gloppy mixture when stirred together. Additionally, their signature tastes – Nutella’s hazelnut chocolate and peanut butter’s nutty saltiness – end up competing instead of complementing. Though it may seem like a good idea to remix these two favorites, the end result leaves much to be desired. It’s best to keep Nutella and peanut butter separated for optimal texture and flavor. Each works much better solo as a spread rather than blended together in one jar.