If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent more time than you care to admit scraping the last bits of peanut butter from the bottom of the jar. And sure, you can make a sandwich or smoothie with those bits of peanut butter, but why stop there? Thanks to a clever idea from Instagrammer @stevenfingar that almost-empty jar can be transformed into something far more exciting—a rich, creamy shaken peanut butter latte that gives a delicious new meaning to the phrase, “Waste not, want not.”
Steven’s Instagram feed is peppered with all kinds of ideas that revolve around creating a yummy drink using an almost-empty jar: a peanut butter and jelly espresso martini using a peanut butter jar, a berry and basil cocktail using a blueberry jam jar and a pickle martini using the bottom of a jar of pickles. But that’s just the beginning. In addition to coffee and cocktails, users on social media are using almost-empty peanut butter jars to save time (and dishes!) to make everything from peanut sauce to overnight oats. Genius!
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Ingredients for a Shaken Peanut Butter Latte
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
For the latte, you’re going to need a shot of espresso, your milk of choice (I used oat milk), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and whatever leftover peanut butter is in your jar (mine had less than a tablespoon). This can be any kind of creamy peanut butter (sweetened or unsweetened). Steven also used unsalted pb, so I did too.
How to Make a Shaken Peanut Butter Latte
Brew up a shot of espresso. In the video, they doubled the recipe, but I made a single serving. Pour the espresso in the peanut butter jar. Add the milk (I used about 3/4 cup) and vanilla. Screw on the lid and shake until the coffee is frothy and the peanut butter is fully incorporated in the drink, which should take a solid minute or so. Pour over ice and enjoy.
My Honest Thoughts About the Shaken Peanut Butter Latte
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
I am forever looking for that fancy coffee-shop vibe at home and this “dregs at the end of the jar” drink surprisingly did just that. Flavor-wise, it’s a total win (except at the bottom, but I’ll get to that later). The peanut butter adds a subtle nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the boldness of the espresso and the touch of vanilla. It’s like a peanut butter cup had a baby with your favorite cold brew. And you really don’t need much to fool yourself into thinking you’re drinking an $8 latte at home. Heck, you don’t even need a clean shaker or glass to make this in.
As I was shaking this one up, I was dreaming about all the other versions I could make in jars: almond butter, Nutella or even marshmallow Fluff (that one has to happen)!
Now, let’s talk about the bottom of the glass. I made the rookie mistake of letting my drink sit too long while writing up the recipe. Not only did the ice melt, but the leftover peanut butter settled into a not-so-pleasant peanut sludge that required a straw to tackle. That said, this latte is so good, I’m sure you won’t make the same mistake—you’ll go nuts for every last drop before it even has the chance to settle—I’m sure of it.
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