Putting peanut butter in cereal may seem like an odd choice, but it can actually be a tasty and nutritious breakfast option. The key considerations when adding peanut butter to cereal are finding complementary flavors, getting the right texture, and determining the health impacts.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can put peanut butter in cereal. The creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter can complement cereals like granola, corn flakes, rice krispies, and more. For best results, use creamy peanut butter and add just 1-2 tablespoons per bowl of cereal. The peanut butter will soften and incorporate into the cereal when milk is added. Peanut butter boosts the protein content of cereal and adds healthy fats.
Complementary Flavors
Peanut butter has a distinctive nutty, roasted flavor that can pair well with both sweet and savory cereals. Here are some complementary flavor combinations to consider:
- Granola or muesli – the nuts and oats in granola nicely match the peanut flavor
- Corn flakes or rice krispies – the mild corn and rice flavors let the peanut butter shine
- Wheat cereal flakes – neutral wheat flavors work well with peanut butter
- Cocoa or chocolate cereal – peanut butter enhances the chocolate taste
- Fruit flavored cereal – peanut butter goes well with strawberry, banana, etc.
On the other hand, strongly flavored cereals like Cap’n Crunch or artificial fruit flavors may overpower or clash with the peanut butter. Stick to cereal flavors that complement rather than compete with the peanut butter.
Texture
The texture of the peanut butter and cereal combination is important for an enjoyable eating experience. Here are some tips for getting the texture right:
- Use creamy peanut butter – the smooth, spreadable consistency blends into the cereal best.
- Add just 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter per bowl of cereal to evenly coat.
- Pour milk over the cereal and peanut butter to soften and emulsify.
- Gently stir the mixture to distribute the peanut butter evenly.
- Avoid crunchy peanut butter which can give too much crunch.
The ideal finished texture should be a spoonable cereal with a smooth, creamy peanut butter layer that isn’t overly thick or gluey. The peanut butter softens but still adds richness.
Health Impacts
Adding a serving of peanut butter to your morning cereal can provide some useful health benefits:
- Extra protein – 2 tablespoons of peanut butter has about 8g of protein.
- Healthy fats – peanut butter contains heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
- Vitamins – peanut butter is a good source of vitamins E, B3, B6, and folate.
- Minerals – it provides minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and potassium.
On the downside, peanut butter does add more calories and fat. But in moderation, peanut butter boosts the overall nutrition of many cereals.
Nutrition Comparison
Here is a nutrition comparison of 1 cup of a typical cereal (corn flakes) with and without 1 tablespoon of added peanut butter:
| Nutrient | Corn flakes (1 cup) | Corn flakes with 1 Tbsp peanut butter |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 120 | 190 |
| Protein | 2g | 10g |
| Total Fat | 0.5g | 8g |
| Carbs | 24g | 24g |
| Fiber | 1g | 2g |
As you can see, peanut butter significantly increases the protein and healthy fat content for just 90 extra calories. It also provides a gram of additional fiber.
How to Add Peanut Butter to Cereal
If you want to try combining peanut butter and cereal, follow these simple steps for success:
- Choose a cereal with a flavor that will pair well with peanut butter, like corn flakes or granola.
- Measure out the cereal into your bowl as usual.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of smooth, creamy peanut butter on top of the cereal.
- Pour over cold milk or alternative milk like almond milk.
- Let it sit briefly so the peanut butter begins softening.
- Gently stir to evenly coat the cereal with peanut butter.
- Enjoy your peanut butter cereal creation!
The peanut butter will continue to soften and incorporate as you enjoy your breakfast. Feel free to tweak the amount of peanut butter to suit your taste.
Creative Peanut Butter Cereal Combinations
While peanut butter goes well with basic cereals, you can also get creative with mix-ins and toppings. Here are some fun cereal and peanut butter combinations to try:
Granola Peanut Butter Crunch
- Granola cereal
- Peanut butter
- Chopped peanuts
- Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries
- Drizzle of honey
Peanut Butter Banana Split Cereal
- Corn flakes
- Sliced banana
- Peanut butter
- Chocolate syrup
- Crushed walnuts
Elvis Cereal
- Wheat cereal flakes
- Peanut butter
- Sliced bananas
- Bacon crumbles
Peanut Butter Cup Cereal
- Cocoa cereal
- Peanut butter
- Chocolate chips
- Drizzle of melted chocolate
You can create all kinds of fun flavor combinations by using different cereals, fruits, nuts, spices and sweet toppings. Get creative and enjoy the delicious taste of peanut butter in cereal!
Potential Downsides of Peanut Butter in Cereal
While peanut butter can be a tasty cereal addition, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Allergies – People with peanut and tree nut allergies should avoid peanut butter cereal.
- Choking hazard – Whole nuts or large chunks of peanut butter can be a choking risk for young children. Use creamy peanut butter.
- High calories – Peanut butter is calorie dense, so portion sizes must be kept small.
- Messy – Peanut butter can make utensils and bowls messy if it is not thoroughly blended into the cereal.
- Overpowering flavor – Strong peanut flavor may not suit all palates, especially in young kids.
As long as you account for these factors, peanut butter can be a delicious and nutritious cereal enhancer for most people. But it may not suit everyone’s preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it healthy to put peanut butter in cereal?
In moderation, adding a small amount of peanut butter to cereal can boost its nutritional value. Peanut butter provides extra protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Just be mindful of portion size, as peanut butter is calorie dense.
Does peanut butter go well with sugary cereals?
Extremely sweet cereals may overpower the peanut butter flavor. Stick to cereals with complementary flavors like granola, wheat flakes, corn flakes or Cheerios for best results.
What kind of milk should I use with peanut butter cereal?
Lowfat milk or non-dairy milks work best to soften and emulsify the peanut butter. Skim milk can water down the flavor, while whole milk may be too rich with the added peanut butter.
Should I use chunky or smooth peanut butter in cereal?
Smooth peanut butter blends into the cereal most easily without altering the texture too much. Chunky peanut butter may be overpowering or create an uneven texture.
Can I add other toppings like jam or honey?
Certainly! A drizzle of honey, swirl of jam, or sprinkle of cinnamon can complement the peanut butter nicely. Get creative with mix-ins to customize your ideal peanut butter cereal.
Conclusion
Adding a spoonful of peanut butter directly into your cereal bowl may seem unconventional, but it can be a surprisingly delicious breakfast hack. The key is choosing cereals with complementary flavors, using creamy peanut butter, and adding just the right amount. In moderation, peanut butter boosts the nutrition of cereal by adding extra protein, healthy fats, fiber and vitamins. While not for everyone, peanut butter cereal can be a satiating, energizing start to the day for most peanut butter lovers.