Happy National Peanut Butter Day! We may be partial, but can think of no better way to celebrate than with a creamy, dreamy peanut butter meltaway. This sweet and salty combination is hard to beat!
For
many confectioners, the peanut butter meltaway is a popular mainstay in their
product line. If you have lots of customers who love your peanut butter meltaways,
chances are they will perk up when you add a twist to this classic. We're not suggesting you change your recipe, but simply sharing inspiration to add to your collection of peanut butter confections.
Roasted
Peanuts
This
may seem obvious. Just as there are jars of creamy peanut butter and crunchy peanut
butter at the grocery store, why couldn’t there be creamy and crunchy varieties
of peanut butter meltaways? If you already make your peanut butter meltaways
with chunks of peanuts, consider adding a smooth variety to your product
lineup.
Crispy
Rice Cereal
Candy
makers have been adding crispy rice cereal to their peanut butter balls for decades.
Consider this variation a nod to yesteryear or, better yet, blow their minds by
experimenting with chunks of Rice Krispies Treats® (yes, with marshmallow)
added to your recipe.
Graham
Crackers
Adding
graham cracker crumbs will create a firmer texture and a different, yet familiar,
flavor variation. Some say this addition makes peanut butter meltaways taste
more like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups®.
Sea
Salt
Add
course-ground sea salt to your peanut butter center for crunch and sprinkle on
top to achieve crave-worthy saltiness, plus it just looks good!
Flour
Salt
RCI
member and Chocolate Boot Camp© instructor, Randy Hofberger, uses
fine flour salt in his recipe for peanut butter meltaways. In case you're not familiar with this ingredient, flour salt has been
pulverized to achieve an ultra-fine, powdery consistency. This ingredient will
enhance the peanut flavor while maintaining a super smooth, velvety texture.
Photo credit: Callebaut
Feuilletine
Flakes
These
crispy little wafers are sure to elevate your peanut butter meltaways. They can also
be used for a simple, yet sophisticated garnish.
Banana
Chips
Adding
chunks of dried banana chips to your meltaways will deliver both crunch and
flavor. If you’re really adventurous, experiment with adding banana chips and crispy
bacon bits as an homage to Elvis Presley.
Marshmallow
Let
your inner child lead the way! This could be a layer of marshmallow, marshmallow
fluff or mini marshmallows…better yet, Lucky Charms® mini marshmallows.
Vanilla
+ Almond Extract
Boost
the nuttiness of your recipe by adding a splash of almond extract, along with the
vanilla.
Quinoa
The
addition of puffed crispy quinoa will bring with it a satisfying crunch, plus a
halo of health benefits. Consider ways to make this option even more appealing
to health-conscious consumers, such as reducing the sugar and covering in dark
chocolate.
We
hope this week’s post helps spark your creativity and allows you to go a little
nuts with new variations to your peanut butter meltaway recipe.
Crave more? Click here to
subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight
to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer
to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and
marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for
even more sweet inspiration.
Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business.