Learn how to make Brazil nut butter in two simple steps. Tasty and versatile, it can be served with fruits, used as a spread on toast or crackers, 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.
Being Brazilian, I grew up with easy access to Brazil nuts, so perhaps I’m a bit biased, but I believe that Brazil nut butter is one of the most delicious nut butters out there.
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What is brazil nut butter
Brazil nut butter is a spread made from ground brazil nuts. It is similar to other nut butters, such as almond, cashew, or peanut butter.
It is quite tasty and can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in recipes.
What does Brazil nut butter taste like?
Brazil nuts have a unique taste that is slightly sweet and nutty. They also have a subtle bitterness that can be compared to the taste of dark chocolate or coffee.
Brazil nut butter nutrition & health benefits
Brazil nut 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, and essential minerals such as selenium, which is important for supporting immune function, cognitive health, and thyroid function.
However, it’s recommended to limit your intake to a serving size of about 1 tablespoons per day to avoid consuming too many calories or excess amounts of selenium, which can be toxic at high levels.
Ingredient notes
You only need raw Brazil nuts 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.
Brazil nuts are easily available in most grocery stores. Personally, I prefer buying them from Costco since they offer an organic option with great value for money.
If it’s important to you, you can also opt to use sprouted Brazil nuts.
Full ingredient measurements and detailed instructions are located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. This section covers notes on ingredients and possible substitutions.
How to make brazil nut butter
There are two simple steps to make your own Brazil nut butter at home.
Step 1: Roast the Brazil nuts
Roasting the nuts brings out their natural flavor and adds a delicious nuttiness to any dish.
Spread the Brazil nuts 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 nuts are roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
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 Brazil nuts 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 nuts will work their magic and transform them into a smooth and creamy nut butter.
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 nuts 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 nut 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 nuts: It is also important to note that for this recipe, you should not soak the nuts 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 Brazil nut butter, simply add in whole or chopped Brazil nuts 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 nuts are chopped and mixed in.
- Mix things up: You can also blend Brazil nuts with other nuts like almonds and hazelnuts to create a delicious mixed nut butter. Just roast the preferred nut along with Brazil nuts and follow the same process.
Variations & additions
Adding more ingredients to your homemade nut 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 nut butter:
- Sweeteners: Adding a sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can help to balance out the natural bitterness of Brazil nuts and 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 nut 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 nut 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 nut 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 nut butter for a nutrient boost.
When adding flavors to nut 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
Brazil nut butter can be used in many ways, just like any other nut butter! Here are a few ideas:
- Spread it on toast, 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.
- Mix it into baked goods like muffins or cookies.
- Use it as a substitute for peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butters in recipes like sauces and dressings.
It’s important to note that Brazil nut butter is high in calories, fat, and selenium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Storage tips
Once ready, transfer the nut 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.
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