How to Make Almond Butter

Learn how to make almond butter in two simple steps. Tasty and versatile, it can be served with fruits, used as a spread on toast, added to smoothies or baked goods, or used as a substitute for other nut butters in recipes.

I love nut and seed butters! I always keep a variety of options at home and incorporate them into my daily routine. Personally, I think that almond butter is one of the tastiest varieties, and what’s great is that it’s versatile enough to be used in so many different ways.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the simple steps of making almond butter at home, using just one ingredient and a blender or food processor. With a little patience, you’ll have creamy, homemade almond butter in no time!

Jump to:

• What is almond butter
• Ingredient notes
• How to make almond butter
• Recipe video
• Tips & recipe notes
• Variations & additions
• Serving suggestions
• Storage tips
• FAQs
• Recipe

What is almond butter

Almond butter is a spread made from ground almonds. It is similar to other nut butters, such as hazelnut, Brazil nut, cashew, or peanut butter.

It is quite tasty and can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in recipes.

What does almond butter taste like?

Homemade almond butter has a rich, creamy texture and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor, that is mild and pleasant.

Almond butter nutrition & health benefits

Almond butter can be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It also has been linked to several health benefits, including improved heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and better blood sugar control.

Ingredient notes

You only need raw almonds to make this nut butter at home! You can also add other ingredients to make it even more flavorful. Later in this post, I’ll suggest some of them.

Raw almonds are easily available in most grocery stores. Buy organic almonds if it’s important to you.

How to make almond butter

There are two simple steps to make your own almond butter at home.

Step 1: Roast the almonds

Spread the almonds out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven and roast the nuts for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly.

After about 10 minutes, check the nuts to see if they are lightly browned and fragrant. If they are not done yet, continue roasting them for a few more minutes. Once the almonds are roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

You can actually make almond butter using either raw or roasted almonds, depending on your personal preference. Raw almond butter has a milder, more subtle flavor than roasted almond butter, which has more intense, nutty flavor.

Roasting the almonds can also help to release some of their natural oils, which can make the blending process easier. It’s my preferred way to make this nut butter.

Step 2: Process / blend until creamy

A food processor or high-speed blender are the most common and versatile tools for making nut butters, and you can use whichever one you have.

• A food processor is my go-to equipment for making nut butters (mine is from KitchenAid). It’s powerful enough to grind the nuts into a smooth paste, and it typically has a large capacity, so you can make a big batch of nut butter at once.
• A high-speed blender, such as a Vitamix or Blendtec, has a powerful motor that can handle tough blending tasks, including grinding nuts into butter. Its high-speed blades can create a smooth and creamy texture. However, I don’t recommend using a regular blender for this task!

Get your food processor or blender ready and add roasted almonds to it. Blend them until you get a smooth and creamy texture, which might take a few minutes.

As you can see in the photos, at first the nuts will break down into a fine powder. When this happens, hit pause on your blender or food processor and grab a spatula to scrape down the sides. Then, keep blending. The natural oils in those almonds will work their magic and transform them into a smooth and creamy almond butter.

Note: If the almond butter is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil to make it smoother. However, if you roast the almonds before blending, you may not need to add any oil as the roasting process can make the almond butter more runny.

Recipe video

Watch how to make this recipe:

Tips & recipe notes

• Don’t rush the blending process: Making nut butter can take some time, especially if you’re using a low-power blender or food processor. Be patient and blend your almonds for several minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor as needed.
• Add salt to taste: Salt can help to bring out the nutty flavor of your almond butter. Start with small amounts and add more as needed.
• Stir before using: Natural nut butters tend to separate, with the oil rising to the top. Be sure to stir the nut butter thoroughly before each use to ensure a consistent texture and flavor.
• Don’t soak the almonds: It is also important to note that for this recipe, you should not soak the almonds unless you can dehydrate them before blending. Excess moisture makes it very hard for them to turn into a creamy butter.
• Make it crunchy: To make a crunchy almond butter, simply add in whole or chopped almonds to your desired level of crunchiness. You can use a spoon or spatula to mix it by hand, or pulse it in a food processor until the almonds are chopped and mixed in.
• Mix things up: You can also blend almonds with other nuts like cashews and hazelnuts to create a delicious mixed nut butter. Just roast the preferred nut along with almonds and follow the same process.

Variations & additions

Adding more ingredients to your homemade almond butter is a great way to change up the taste and create new and exciting flavor combinations. Here are some ideas for adding flavors to almond butter:

• Sweeteners: Adding a sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can add a touch of sweetness. In addition, low calorie sweeteners such as xylitol and monk fruit might also work well for those who are looking to reduce their calorie intake or avoid using traditional sugar.
• Spices: Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add warmth and depth of flavor to nut butters.
• Vanilla extract: A few drops of vanilla extract can add a sweet and fragrant flavor to nut butters.
• Cocoa powder: Adding cocoa powder to your almond butter can create a rich and chocolaty flavor. You can also use cacao powder.
• Coconut: Shredded coconut adds a great texture to nut butters. Pulse the coconut in a food processor or blender until it’s finely chopped, then add it to the almond butter mixture and blend well.
• Dried fruit: Adding chopped dried fruit like raisins, dates, or apricots adds a sweet and fruity flavor to nut butters. To do so, you can finely chop the dried fruit of your choice, then add it to the almond butter mixture and blend until you achieve your desired consistency.
• Seeds: Hemp, chia, and flaxseeds are all great sources of nutrients such as protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They can be easily added to your almond butter for a nutrient boost.

When adding flavors to almond butter, it’s important to start with small amounts and add more to taste. Blend the nut butter mixture well after each addition to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Serving suggestions

Almond butter can be used in many ways, just like any other nut butter! Here are a few ideas:

• Spread it on toast, bagels, crackers, or rice cakes for a delicious snack.
• Stir it into oatmeal, overnight oats, or yogurt for added flavor and healthy fats.
• Add it to smoothies or shakes to make them more filling and satisfying.
• Use it as a dip for fruits and veggies. It pairs well with apple slices, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.
• Make energy balls or bars for a healthy snack that are easy to take on the go.
• Mix it into baked goods like muffins, quick breads, brownies, and cookies. It adds moisture and flavor.
• Use it as a substitute for peanut butter or other nut butters in recipes like sauces and dressings.

It’s important to note that almond butter is high in calories and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

These are my favorite recipes using almond butter:

Storage tips

Once ready, transfer the almond butter to an airtight container with a secure lid to prevent moisture and air from getting in. Mason jars or glass containers with rubber gasket seals are great options.

You can store it at room temperature in a cool, dry area that’s out of direct sunlight and heat sources for up to a month.

To maintain freshness and prevent spoilage, refrigerate it for up to 3 months.

You can also freeze for longer storage. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Pro tip: added liquids, such as vanilla extract and maple syrup, can reduce the shelf life.

FAQs

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