Nut butters are so much fun! One of my favorites is almond butter. It is so easy to make, and I really love the flavor. I would say it is even better than peanut butter, though my husband is on the fence with that one.
One thing that cannot be argued is that it has a better nutrient profile than peanut butter and is a safe option for people who cannot have peanuts but still want to include some nut butter in their recipes. It is also keto-friendly and suitable for the paleo and Whole30 diets! Let’s look at how to make it and use it!
What Can Almond Butter Be Used For?
You can use almond butter for so many things. I use it to add healthy fats and vitamin E to my smoothies, I use it for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich alternative, and I’ve even used it as a facial exfoliant on my skin!
Almonds butter is rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, calcium and much more, and making it at home ensures there are no nasty additives from the supermarket varieties.
Do I Need Any Special Equipment To Make Almond Butter At Home?
You will need a high-powered blender or food processor. I use a 700-watt food processor; anything less than that, and the nuts won’t form into butter very well. A Vitamix will also work.
Ingredients To Make Almond Butter At Home
- 3 cups of unpeeled, natural almonds
- Mineral-rich salt to taste (I used Himalayan salt)
- A little neutral oil (optional)
- Any flavorings you want (optional). You can use sweeteners, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or vanilla and make exciting spreads.
How To Make Almond Butter At Home
Step 1: Add 2 cups of raw, unpeeled almonds to a baking tray.
Step 2: Roast at 350 F for 4 minutes.
Step 3: After 3 minutes, remove the almonds and shake the tray, then roast again for another 5-6 minutes until they smell nutty.
Step 4: Transfer the almonds to a bowl and allow them to cool.
Step 5: Add the cooled almonds to a food processor and blend on high for 1 minute.
Step 6: Blend in 1-minute intervals, scraping the sides of the food processor after each minute. Repeat this process until the almonds start to turn into a paste.
Step 7: After a while, the ground almonds will start to form a ball and then a smooth butter as the oils from them are released.
Step 8: You can add in a teaspoon of oil to ‘help it along’ and thin the consistency a little more if you like.
Step 9: Add salt and any other flavorings you want to your almond butter (vanilla, cinnamon, sweeteners, etc.).
Step 10: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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Notes/Tips/Troubleshooting
- The freshness of the almonds matters. Try to find a supplier you can trust because if the nuts are slightly old when you buy them, then your nut butter will not taste great when you make it.
- Be patient. The process of waiting for the ground nuts to turn into a paste can take time. Don’t give up when you think it isn’t working for you!
- As a general rule, the amount of almonds you use should make half the amount of nut butter, but this may vary. So, 2 cups of almonds will make one cup of nut butter.
- If you store it in the fridge, take it out 15 minutes before using it to make it easier to spread.
Nutritional Facts
Per 2 tablespoon serving of almond butter, you can expect to find around:
- 190 calories
- 17 grams of fat (2 grams saturated)
- 7 grams of total carbs
- 3 grams of net carbs (4 grams of fiber)
- 1 gram of sugar (provided no sweeteners are added)
- 7 grams of protein
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FAQs
Yes, you can use any type of nuts to make homemade nut butter. Roasted nuts always taste better, in my opinion! And all the different nut butters will have different flavor profiles. You can also make seed butter, like pumpkin or sunflower seed butter.
You can use any type of sweetener that you prefer. Maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, coconut sugar, stevia and more! I recommend starting with a small amount and adding more as desired.
Yes! Nut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats that can help keep your body feeling fuller for longer while increasing your essential fatty acid intake.
How to Make Homemade Almond Butter (Completely Vegan!)
Ingredients
- 3 cups of unpeeled, natural almonds
- Mineral-rich salt to taste (I used Himalayan salt)
- A little neutral oil (optional)
- Any flavorings you want (optional).
Instructions
Step 1: Add 2 cups of raw, unpeeled almonds to a baking tray.
Step 2: Roast at 350 F for 4 minutes.
Step 3: After 3 minutes, remove the almonds and shake the tray, then roast again for another 5-6 minutes until they smell nutty.
Step 4: Transfer the almonds to a bowl and allow them to cool.
Step 5: Add the cooled almonds to a food processor and blend on high for 1 minute.
Step 6: Blend in 1-minute intervals, scraping the sides of the food processor after each minute. Repeat this process until the almonds start to turn into a paste.
Step 7: After a while, the ground almonds will start to form a ball and then a smooth butter as the oils from them are released.
Step 8: You can add in a teaspoon of oil to ‘help it along’ and thin the consistency a little more if you like.
Step 9: Add salt and any other flavorings you want to your almond butter (vanilla, cinnamon, sweeteners, etc.).
Step 10: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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