Nut butter is by far one of my favorite foods of all time. I know I’m not alone in saying this. While I’ve eaten my fair share of store-bought nut butter (talking about you, Jif), the preservatives and price of this really simple recipe have always felt a bit unnecessary to me. Instead, let’s make it at home using all fresh, simple ingredients that are really inexpensive.
Today on the blog, I want to chat all about how to make the perfect nut butter recipe at home. Regardless whether you prefer almond, peanut, or even cashews, this recipe is the perfect basis for making a creamy and delicious nut butter without a fuss.
What Is Nut Butter?
Nut butter is a creamy spread made by blending nuts into a smooth paste. It’s similar to peanut butter, but you can use any nuts you like, such as almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts. Nut butter is versatile and nutritious, perfect for spreading on toast, adding to smoothies, or using in baking. It’s a great source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins.
Why Make It At Home?
Making nut butter at home is easy and rewarding. You get to control the ingredients, ensuring there are no unnecessary additives or preservatives. Plus, you can customize the flavor and texture to your liking. It’s often more cost-effective than store-bought versions and the fresh taste is unbeatable.
Why Add Oil Into Your Nut Butter?
Adding oil to your nut butter helps achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Some nuts are naturally drier and need a bit of extra moisture to blend well. A small amount of neutral oil, like sunflower, coconut, or avocado oil, makes the blending process easier and gives the final product a silky texture. It also helps in extending the shelf life of your homemade nut butter.
If you’re concerned about adding oil, you absolutely do not have to. It’s all about personal preference. Above all, just use oil if you need to adjust the texture of your butters to make it perfect.
Flavor Additions To Consider
Enhance your nut butter with various flavor additions. Sweeten it with a touch of honey or maple syrup, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth. For a more unique twist, try adding a bit of vanilla extract or cocoa powder. You can also mix in seeds, like chia or flax, for extra nutrition. Experimenting with flavors allows you to create a nut butter that’s uniquely yours.
4 Ingredient Nut Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews, or a combination of both)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1-2 tbsp coconut or avocado oil (optional)
- sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, or vanilla extract) add as much or little as you want
Instructions
- Start with dry, roasted nuts. If your nuts are raw, you can roast them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Let them cool before proceeding.
- Place the nuts and salt in a food processor. If desired, add any optional sweeteners or flavorings at this stage.
- Process the nuts: Turn on the food processor and let it run continuously. Initially, the nuts will break down into a fine meal. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Continue processing: As you process further, the nuts will release their natural oils and start to clump together. This process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the type of nuts and the desired consistency.
- Optional: Add oil if needed. I usually never have to add any oil. But if the nut butter seems too dry or isn't coming together, you can add a tablespoon or two of oil to help smooth it out. Process again until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust: At this point, you can taste the nut butter and adjust the flavorings or sweetness to your preference. Add more sweeteners or flavorings if desired and process briefly to incorporate.
- Transfer to a jar: Once you're satisfied with the consistency and flavor, transfer the nut butter to a clean, airtight jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life. Note: The processing time may vary depending on the power and quality of your food processor. Be patient and stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. The nut butter will become creamier the longer you process it.
Nut Butter Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews, or a combination of both)
- 1 large pinch of salt
- 1-2 tablespoons of coconut or avocado oil (optional)
- Optional: sweetener of your choice (honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, or vanilla extract)
Instructions:
- Start with dry, roasted nuts. If your nuts are raw, you can roast them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Let them cool before proceeding.
- Place the nuts and salt in a food processor. If desired, add any optional sweeteners or flavorings at this stage.
- Process the nuts: Turn on the food processor and let it run continuously. Initially, the nuts will break down into a fine meal. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Continue processing: As you process further, the nuts will release their natural oils and start to clump together. This process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the type of nuts and the desired consistency.
- Optional: Add oil if needed. I usually never have to add any oil. But if the nut butter seems too dry or isn’t coming together, you can add a tablespoon or two of oil to help smooth it out. Process again until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust: At this point, you can taste the nut butter and adjust the flavorings or sweetness to your preference. Add more sweeteners or flavorings if desired and process briefly to incorporate.
- Transfer to a jar: Once you’re satisfied with the consistency and flavor, transfer the nut butter to a clean, airtight jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life. Note: The processing time may vary depending on the power and quality of your food processor. Be patient and stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. The nut butter will become creamier the longer you process it.
Curious To Find More Easy Homemade Recipes?
Once you start making homemade and healthy recipes, I promise there’s no going back. If you’re looking to start making the switch to more whole foods and meals in home, I want to help! My recipe book, Staples Made Simple, will give you a complete guide on how to make everyday recipes that are good for the body and the soul.
Have you ever made your own nut butter at home before? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest recipes on the blog, check out my recent posts: