The "Peanut Butter Molten" at Chili's is a limited-time treat (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).

SEE ALSO: Celebrate “National Peanut Butter Day” 2014

Whether you prefer your peanut butter to be chunky, smooth or all natural, this day is all about paying homage to the tasty spread. Not only is peanut butter the perfect accompaniment to apple slices, celery, bananas, pretzels, crackers, sandwiches, or toast, but it has numerous health benefits. For example, peanut butter is packed with Vitamin E, magnesium and potassium and is also a good source of protein. Studies have shown that consuming one ounce of peanut butter at least five days a week can lower an individual’s risk of diabetes.

Though the origins of peanut butter are unknown, the spread has been popular since the early 1900s and has only become more widespread since. Brands like Jif and Skippy have become common household names, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a staple in numerous kids’ diets. In fact, the United States alone produces about six percent of the world’s crop of peanuts.

How are you planning to celebrate “National Peanut Butter Lovers Day”? If you’re an avid peanut butter connoisseur, here are some citywide stops you might want to consider making today to honor all things peanut butter. 

CHILI’S GRILL & BAR RESTAURANT – “Peanut Butter Molten”

Chili’s is known for their famous “Molten Chocolate Cake,” but sometimes, the eatery offers variations of this dessert for a limited time. One such seasonal flavor is the “Chocolate Peanut Butter Molten Cake.” This twist on the classic Chili’s dessert features a moist chocolate-peanut butter cake filled with rich peanut butter cream and is topped with a scoop of luscious vanilla ice cream. As if that weren’t enough, chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and a hot fudge drizzle complete the dessert. 

For a limited time, Chili’s also featured a twist on its “Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie” with the debut of the “Skillet Peanut Butter Cookie.” This treat featured an oven-baked skillet peanut butter cookie, served with vanilla ice cream and decadent drizzles of caramel sauce. 

TCBY – “Peanut Buttery Fudge Pie”

This decadent treat featured at TCBY includes a swirl of vanilla and chocolate frozen yogurt mingled with ribbons of smooth peanut butter and fudge on a fudge-laden chocolate cookie crust. Toss in bits of peanut butter cups with drizzles of peanut butter and chocolate and it’s a match made in peanut butter heaven. 

T.G.I. FRIDAY’S – “Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie”

The “Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie” included on the dessert menu at T.G.I. Friday’s features a peanut butter graham cracker crust with a peanut butter mousse covered with chocolate ganache and topped with a peanut butter cup and whipped cream. Peanut buttery goodness—combined with the different textures in this masterpiece—can’t get any better than this. 

JOHNNY ROCKETS – “Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake”

The deluxe shakes at Johnny Rockets includes a rich and creamy “Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake” as well as a “Peanut Butter Shake."

PNUT BUTTER BAR – “Pnut Butter Puffs”

An entire food truck dedicated to peanut butter? It sounds too good to be true, but alas, the Pnut Butter Bar definitely pays homage to peanut butter. The sandwiches and hot dogs on the menu include peanut butter in some shape or form — for example, the “Kiss the Pig” sandwich consists of peanut butter, Nutella and bacon; and the “Can Ya’ Dig It Burger” features a Niman Ranch natural beef patty, jam or jelly, peanut butter sauce, a pickle and the customer’s choice of cheese. But one of the truck’s crowning glories has to be its “Pnut Butter Puffs,” which resembles beignets. These pastries are stuffed with peanut butter and jam or peanut butter and Nutella before being deep fried and topped with a drizzle of Hershey’s chocolate, sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with a dollop of whipped cream on top. One bite of these puffs will definitely hit the (sweet) spot. 

MAGNOLIA BAKERY – “Peanut Butter Ice Box Pie”

While Magnolia Bakery is known for its cupcakes and other sweets, the “Peanut Butter Icebox Pie” should not go unmentioned. This Nilla wafer crust contains a sweet layer of peanut butter and caramel whipped cream cheese filling and is finished with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups topping. 

TAVERN – “Snickers Bar”

Though the “Snickers Bar” at Tavern costs $12, consider it money well spent. This beloved dessert consists of vanilla ice cream and salted peanut caramel. It pretty much tastes like a homemade Snickers bar … the perfect blend of sweet with a hint of salt. 

STACKED – “Peanut Butter & Chocolate Shake”

STACKED features customizable appetizers, entrees and desserts … and this of course includes a “Peanut Butter & Chocolate Shake." This dessert includes a rich fusion of chocolate sauce, creamy peanut butter and whipped cream. 

PIE ‘N BURGER – “Peanut Butter Meringue Pie”

While this Pasadena eatery boasts an eclectic menu, don’t get too stuffed with the burgers and sandwiches to skip dessert. Both meringue and fresh fruit pies are available, and one of the most popular is the “Peanut Butter Meringue Pie.” This light, airy dessert will remind you of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup … without the chocolate. 

COOL HAUS – “Peanut Butter” / “Peanut Butter Captain Crunch”

COOL HAUS, with several dessert trucks roaming the country, as well as a storefront, is often considered king when it comes to gourmet ice cream sandwiches. Peanut butter fanatics will be pleased with the company’s “Peanut Butter” cookie—a creamy cookie sprinkled with fresh peanuts and salt—and the famous “Peanut Butter Captain Crunch” cookie, which, as the name implies, infuses bits of Captain Crunch cereal in the sweet cookie. As far as ice cream is concerned, peanut butter lovers should opt for the obvious: “Peanut Butter” ice cream, featuring a creamy blend with a strong peanut butter flavor.

CHUNK-N-CHIP COOKIES – “Peanut Butter Cookies” / “Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream”

Chunk-n-Chip Cookies, known for their “BOO-Yahs”—their artisanal twist on the traditional ice cream sandwich—sports a vast variety of both cookies and ice cream flavors. Among them are “Peanut Butter Cup” ice cream—consisting of generous chunks of chocolate and peanut butter—and sweet “Peanut Butter” cookies. For peanut butter lovers specifically, the “Mumbo Jumbo BOO-Yah”—made with “Peanut Butter Cup” ice cream between two “Brownie” cookies—and the “Nuts for Peanuts BOO-Yah,” made with “Peanut Butter Cup” ice cream between two “Peanut Butter” cookies, are the perfect choices.

The “Peanut Bubba Crunchy French Toast” is designed for the ultimate peanut butter lover (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).

At The Griddle Café, you’ll find every flavor of pancakes under the sun. Although pancakes may be your breakfast go-to, if you have a serious sweet tooth, you’ll have to consider the “Peanut Bubba Crunchy French Toast.” This sinfully sweet delight takes the eatery’s original “Mom’s French Toast” to a new level by dipping it in a peanut butter crunch and then grilling it to perfection. Topped with powdered sugar and whipped cream, this concoction will almost look too good to eat (key word: almost). It’s hands-down one of the best peanut butter-laden breakfast foods you’ll ever come across.

MILK – “Chocolate and Peanut Crunch Ice Cream Cake” / “Super Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies”
Once you set foot into MILK, you simply might be overwhelmed by the variety of sweet treats. This place is heaven on earth for anyone with a serious sweet tooth, as customers can choose from a variety of baked goods plus ice cream plus shakes plus cakes. On the bakery side, peanut butter fanatics will simply love the moist “Super Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies” that are generously infused with chunks of decadent chocolate and peanut butter pieces. If you’re looking for an ice cream cake, the “Chocolate and Peanut Crunch” Ice Cream Cake is your best bet. Composed of a chocolate sponge cake with a layer of vanilla ice cream, a crunchy peanut butter filling and chocolate and caramel ice cream—before being topped off with a chocolate glaze and toasted peanuts—one bite of this decadent dessert simply won’t be enough.

P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO – “Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Sweet Treat”

This mini-sized sweet treat at P.F. Chang’s features milk chocolate, caramel and peanut butter crunch layered on a chocolate brownie-cake, topped with chocolate syrup, caramel sauce and honey-roasted peanuts. 

SWINGERS DINER – “Peanut Butter and Banana Shake”

If you have a late-night sweet craving, take advantage of the hours at Swingers Diner to buy yourself one of their irresistible shakes. A menu best-seller is the “Peanut Butter & Banana Shake." For just $4.95, you’ll get a sweet fix of vanilla ice cream blended with bananas and peanut butter and finished off with whipped cream. 

COLD STONE CREAMERY – “Peanut Butter Cup Perfection” / “Peanut Butter Playground” / “Peanut Butter Pie”

The “Peanut Butter Cup Perfection” flavor at Cold Stone Creamery truly lives up to its name: perfection. This mouthwatering medley consists of rich chocolate ice cream with peanut butter, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups chunks and a decadent fudge ribbon throughout. Looking for a smaller cake? Cold Stone offers petite cakes as well, and the “Peanut Butter Playground”—featuring layers of moist devil’s food cake, peanut butter and chocolate ice cream, chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and a rich fudge ganache on top—is perfect for smaller parties and gatherings. If cake isn’t your thing, opt for the “Peanut Butter Pie” instead. This treat comprises an Oreo pie crust, chocolate ice cream and chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups thrown into the mix … all topped with a rich fudge ganache. 

RUBY’S DINER – “Peanut Butter Cup Shake”

There are numerous varieties of shakes available at Ruby’s Diner. One of the “Deluxe Shakes” includes “Peanut Butter Cup” and “Peanut Butter” is available as well under “Classic Shakes.”

COCO’S BAKERY AND RESTAURANT – “Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie”

One of the newest additions to the wide-ranging variety of pies available at Coco’s Bakery and Restaurant is the delicious and decadent “Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.” This delightful indulgence features chunky peanut butter blended with cream cheese atop a fudgy layer of fresh-baked brownies in a flaky pie crust. This pie is completed with a rich, dark chocolate ganache with fresh whipped cream and sprinkled with chopped peanuts. 

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY – Peanut Butter Cheesecakes

The “Adam’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple” at The Cheesecake Factory is one of the most decadent cheesecakes on the dessert menu. This sweet treat features creamy cheesecake swirled with peanut butter, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Butterfingers and caramel. If you like peanut butter, the “Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake” is another winner to try. This cheesecake-cake hybrid features chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in layers of the Original Cheesecake, interspersed between layers of caramel and moist fudge cake.

These “Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzels” found at Trader Joe’s are highly addictive (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).

One taste of these bite-sized “Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzels” from Trader Joe’s and you might not be able to put the bag down … or, if you do, it will be a serious test of self control and willpower. This is the perfect salty-sweet snack: the salty pretzel exteriors blend nicely with the creamy peanut butter baked inside, and the silky smooth layer of milk chocolate outside the pretzel adds the perfect finishing touch. This treat is truly a triple threat of sweet, salty and chocolate. 

MILK JAR COOKIES – “Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie”

The “Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie” available at Milk Jar Cookie, located in L.A.’s Miracle Mile District, is truly revolutionary. This is no ordinary chocolate cookie topped with peanuts or chocolate chips. This fudgy, moist, soft chocolate cookie is actually filled with a layer of silky smooth peanut butter, making each bite as blissful as it gets. 

FUGETSU-DO – “Peanut Butter Mochi”

Mochi lovers will satisfy their peanut butter cravings any day with Fugetsu-do’s “Peanut Butter Mochi." This renowned Little Tokyo hotspot features a variety of mochi; this specific flavor features mochi surrounding a strongly flavored peanut butter center. 

26 BEACH – “Chocolate Crunch” / The “PB & J” Burger

Sushi hamburgers are all the rage at 26 Beach Restaurant, but this burger joint serves up a variety of artisan burgers … including a “PB & J” Burger. This unique concoction includes Skippy’s Peanut Butter and Knott’s Berry Farm’s Strawberry jam in an eclectic mix. It sounds gross, but customers rave about it. Peanut butter is also included on the dessert menu in the “Chocolate Crunch," featuring Fosselman’s “Dark Chocolate” ice cream covered generously with crushed peanut butter pretzels. This is the perfect end to a savory burger meal.

The “Peanut Butter Chocolate Donut”—known as the “Huell”—is a hot commodity at Stan’s Donuts (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).

Stan’s Donuts is considered a staple of Westwood and its convenient store hours make it possible for UCLA students to access its delightful donuts from early morning til late at night. While Stan’s features a vast array of raised donuts, bars, twists and cake donuts, the store also features gourmet donuts and its own line of peanut butter donuts (yes, at Stan’s, peanut butter donuts have their own category). While the famous “Peanut Butter Pocket” has had many names—in 2013, it was still named “The Huell” after the late Huell Howser, who declared this donut as his favorite—its main ingredients have remained consistent over the years. This delicious donut contains a creamy, rich, peanut butter layer inside, is coated with a milk chocolate exterior and is topped off with milk chocolate chips. If you like a little more “oomph” to your donut, the “Peanut Butter and Fresh Banana” is the way to go. This donut is similar to the “Peanut Butter Pocket,” but contains slices of fresh bananas inside the donut. Finally, the “Peanut Butter and Jelly” is the best of both worlds — creamy peanut butter and fresh jelly blended into the interior of a moist donut. 

SLATER’S 50/50 – “50/50 Bacon Blondie” / “Peanut Butter and Jellousy Burger”

Slater’s 50/50 is well known for its unique burgers—made from 50 percent ground beef and 50 percent bacon—as well as its one-of-a-kind burger ensembles (for those who tried the “Fritos Crunch Burger” and “The Flamin’ Hot,” you know what I mean). The “Peanut Butter & Jellousy Burger” is one of the eatery’s best sellers … and servers won’t hesitate to tell you how delicious this item is. Comprising an all-natural, ground beef patty topped with thick-cut bacon, strawberry jelly and creamy peanut butter inside a honey wheat bun, this is the perfect balance between savory and sweet. For dessert, while many opt for the “50/50’s Famous Bacon Brownie,” the “50/50 Bacon Blondie” is worth a shot if you are looking for a dessert that is not overloaded with chocolate. The “50/50 Bacon Blondie” features two stacked brown sugar-vanilla blondies that simply crumble in your mouth, topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting and pieces of candied bacon, with vanilla ice cream served on the side. 

CAKE MONKEY BAKERY – “Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Cakewich”

Cake Monkey Bakery offers pies, mini layer cakes, sweets and treats galore. Peanut butter fanatics will die for the “Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Cakewich,” which includes a yellow cake sandwich filed with housemade marshmallow and peanut buttercream and is finished with a coat of bittersweet chocolate on its exterior. This spongy sweet is something you won’t want to miss. 

DONUT FRIEND – “Drive Like Jelly” Donut

True, you can customize your own donut at Donut Friend, but those who like peanut butter can simply order the “Drive Like Jelly” donut. Located under the “Favorites” portion of the Donut Friend menu, this one-stop wonder features peanut butter and strawberry jam inside the bakery’s traditional donut and is topped with a light glaze. Of course, if you want more peanut butter (or peanut butter and chocolate or a different peanut butter combination), you’ll probably want to take advantage of the bakery’s unique “DIY” system. 

BASKIN-ROBBINS – “Peanut Butter ‘N Chocolate” Ice Cream and “Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups” Ice Cream

The “Peanut Butter ‘N Chocolate” flavor at Baskin-Robbins features a chocolate ice cream and a chunky ribbon of peanut butter throughout, while “Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup” includes creamy vanilla intertwined with chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

“Peanut Butter Chip” cupcakes are available every Sunday and Tuesday at Sprinkles Cupcakes (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).

There are two great options at Sprinkles Cupcakes for the peanut butter lover — “Peanut Butter Chocolate,” which consists of a chocolate chip-studded peanut butter cake topped with milk chocolate cream cheese frosting and milk chocolate sprinkles (available on Saturdays and Wednesdays), and “Peanut Butter Chip,” which features the same cupcake but is topped with creamy peanut butter frosting and milk chocolate sprinkles (available on Sundays and Tuesdays). These cupcakes, though rich, will truly hit the sweet spot for all peanut butter fanatics. 

DELUSCIOUS COOKIES + MILK – “Peanut Butter” / “Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies”

DeLuscious Cookies + Milk specializes in couture, classic and gluten free cookies. “Peanut Butter”—featuring a thick, chewy peanut butter cookie loaded with freshly roasted peanuts—and “Peanut Butter Chocolate”—consisting of a chewy, thick peanut butter cookie loaded with chunks of Belgian dark, semi-sweet and milk chocolate—are included on the menu of “Classic” flavors. 

GHIRARDELLI SODA FOUNTAIN AND CHOCOLATE SHOP – “The Gold Rush Peanut Butter Hot Fudge Sundae”

The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop has two So Cal locations — one in Hollywood and one in the Disney California Adventure Theme Park. The shops feature an assortment of famous Ghirardelli chocolates, as well as chocolate bars, gift sets and ice cream sundaes. One such sundae is “The Gold Rush Peanut Butter Hot Fudge Sundae,”which features premium vanilla ice cream with melted peanut butter and fresh, homemade hot fudge throughout and is topped with chopped almonds, whipped cream, a cherry and a Ghirardelli milk chocolate square. The layer of peanut butter is woven throughout the entire sundae (no clump of peanut butter exclusively on the top nor the bottom of the sundae) and is truly one of the shop’s best indulgences. 

SONIC – “Peanut Butter Sonic Blast Made with Snickers Bars” / “Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Sonic Blast”

After enjoying a SONIC hot dog, what better way to cool down than with a “Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups SONIC Blast?” This dessert features sweet vanilla ice cream blended with chunks of Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. There are also many varieties of peanut butter shakes available, including: “Peanut Butter Shake,” “Peanut Butter Fudge Shake,” “Peanut Butter Cookie Shake,” “Peanut Butter Banana Shake,” “Peanut Butter & Jelly Shake” and “Peanut Butter & Bacon Shake.”

BRUXIE GOURMET WAFFLE SANDWICHES – “PB & J”

Bruxie Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches specializes in both savory and sweet waffles. Among the items on the “Sweet” portion of the menu is the “PB & J." This entrée features an original Belgian waffle coated with all-natural peanut butter and the customer’s choice of preserves. 

HANDEL’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM & YOGURT – “Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie,” “Chocoholic Peanut Butter Ripple,” “Peanut Butter,” “Peanut Butter and Jelly,” “Peanut Butter Parfait” and “Peanut Brittle”

At Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt, there’s a multitude of gourmet ice cream flavors. Peanut butter lovers will rejoice upon seeing the vast amount of peanut butter options available, including “Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie,” “Chocoholic Peanut Butter Ripple,” “Peanut Butter,” “Peanut Butter and Jelly,” “Peanut Butter Parfait” and “Peanut Brittle.”

SPRINKLES ICE CREAM – “Peanut Butter Pretzel Chip” Cookie

While Sprinkles Ice Cream is famous for its “Red Velvet” ice cream flavor and unique sundaes, its cookies are great treats to take home (or you could even order ice cream cookie sandwiches). Peanut butter lovers will be delighted by the “Peanut Butter Pretzel Chip” cookie, which features a creamy, soft, all-natural peanut butter cookie studded with semisweet Callebaut chocolate chips and salty crushed pretzel twists. This cookie is truly the epitome of a salty-sweet snack. 

DAIRY QUEEN – “Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard Treat”

The “Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard” treat at Dairy Queen won’t leave you wanting for more peanut butter. This dessert features a blend of creamy vanilla soft serve and bits of Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

The “Pudgie Elvis” features light pancakes smothered in creamy peanut butter and adorned with chunks of bananas (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).

One of the most popular entrees featured at this “breakfast all day kinda place” located close to the University of Southern California is called the “Pudgie Elvis.” This short stack honors “The King,” with its peanut butter flavor and banana topping. Sprinkled with powdered sugar, these pancakes are light, fluffy and simply impossible to resist. 

BEVERLY HILLS BROWNIE COMPANY – “Peanut Brittle” 

Beverly Hills Brownie Company pretty much has every brownie flavor under the sun, each of which is created with high quality ingredients that result in great, gourmet flavor. For peanut butter lovers, the “Peanut Brittle” brownie is the perfect choice. The moist brownie is made with dark chocolate and laced with chunky peanut butter and is complete with a piece of See’s Candies peanut brittle baked on top. It’s the best combo of salty, sweet, chewy and crunchy.

SEE’S CANDIES – “Peanut Butter Patties”

Available all year long, these “Peanut Butter Patties”—sold in boxes or in individual pieces—at See’s Candies provide the perfect peanut buttery indulgence. This smooth peanut butter candy is covered in silky milk chocolate and is a best seller at the confectionary. 

COOKIE CASA BAKERY – “Chocolate Peanut Butter” / “Peanut Butter Crack”

These cookies, made with dark chocolate, are chockfull of peanut butter chips and are best sellers at Cookie Casa Bakery. If you’re not in the mood for cookies, “Peanut Butter Crack” will satisfy that craving for a salty-sweet snack. This treat features the bakery’s original “Crack” bar studded with peanut butter chips and salty peanuts. Finally, “Peanut Butter Cupcakes”—vanilla cupcakes topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting—and decadent “Peanut Butter Crack Cupcakes,” featuring the bakery’s “Chocolate Chocolate Chip” cupcakes topped with peanut butter or chocolate frosting, cookie crumbs, a sweet chocolate drizzle and bits of “Peanut Butter Crack” are also available.

“Ryan’s Secret O-Nut” features a decadent medley of chocolate, peanut butter and Nutella (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).

Named after TV personality Ryan Seacrest, this twist on the Cronut located at DK’s Donuts in Santa Monica features a tantalizing trifecta of Nutella, chocolate and peanut butter all wrapped into a flaky “O-Nut.”

Reach Kelli Shiroma here or follow her on Twitter.