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® 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's favorite sandwich.
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.
