The Delightful Peanut Butter Latte: A New Trend Worth Trying
While some seek thrills in the spine-chilling realm of horror films, others might dive into the culinary curiosities found on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Many of these trendy food concepts appear dubious, while some border on absurdity. Occasionally, however, a dish emerges that surpasses expectations. Recently, the peanut butter latte has caught attention, and to my surprise, it truly delivers on flavor.
It’s understandable to be skeptical about combining peanut butter with coffee. The thick consistency of peanut butter contrasts sharply with the liquid nature of espresso—can they really create a harmonious blend? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. Although peanut butter is quite dense, its high fat and oil content allows it to liquefy when warmed. Furthermore, coffee often features a nutty profile, making peanut butter an excellent companion to the right espresso varieties.
Below are some suggestions to help you make your own delicious peanut butter latte.
Crafting Your Perfect Peanut Butter Latte
Initially, the question was whether to choose creamy or chunky peanut butter, and whether to go for a hot or cold latte. After some thought, a smooth, sweet and salty Skippy was my pick alongside a natural, peanuts-only option—Brad’s Organic. Both options ensured a smoother consistency, as chunky peanut butter in a latte seemed less than ideal.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann
Each peanut butter variant received a tablespoon into its own mug, followed by a double shot of steaming espresso. Alone, they didn’t mix thoroughly, so some manual effort was required to combine the ingredients. Initially, whisking was attempted, which was adequate, but a handheld milk frother proved far more effective, resulting in a smooth blend without any lingering peanut butter residue. Following this, around six ounces of foamed milk was added to each cup, completing the latte with an attempt at basic latte art you can admire above.
The resulting beverages were delightful—creamy with a luxurious texture. It was initially assumed that the Skippy version would shine due to its inherent sweetness and saltiness, but surprisingly, Brad’s Organic emerged as the favorite. The Skippy latte bore a hefty saltiness that required additional milk and honey to balance, while the Brad’s provided a clean peanut flavor that was enjoyable on its own, or sweetened as per preference.
Serve It Warm for Best Results
On a less favorable note, serving this blended delicacy over ice diminishes its texture. A chilled version, though appealing, unfortunately leads to separation—cold temperatures cause saturated fats to solidify. As a result, clumping occurs, resembling curdled milk and spoiling the experience.
Thus, the warm peanut butter latte remains the champion of flavor and texture. For those who dream of drinking their beloved peanut butter, this creation fulfills that wish perfectly.
