Learn how to make cashew butter in two simple steps. It is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways, such as spread on toast or fruit, added to smoothies, as a dip for fruits and vegetables, or incorporated into baked goods and many other recipes.
I love cashew butter! It is one of my favorite nut butter and I always have it on hand. Not only is it incredibly creamy and indulgent, but it also pairs perfectly with a ton of different foods – it’s a true kitchen staple!
In this post, I’ll show you how to make cashew butter from scratch. It’s so easy! With this simple recipe, you can enjoy it anytime you want.
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What is cashew butter
Cashew butter is a spread made from ground cashew nuts. It has a rich, nutty flavor and a creamy texture that is similar to other nut butters like almond butter and peanut butter.
It’s also a very popular ingredient in many vegan and gluten-free recipes, and it can be used in smoothies, dressings, and desserts.
Cashew butter nutrition & health benefits
Cashew butter is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, and copper, which can support heart health, aid in weight management, and promote healthy bones and muscles.
Ingredient notes
You only need raw cashews 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.
Cashews are a commonly found ingredient at most grocery stores, but I like to purchase them from my local Costco as they offer an option with great value for money.
If it’s important to you, you can also opt to use sprouted cashews.
How to make cashew butter
There are two simple steps to make your own cashew nut butter at home.
Step 1: Roast the cashews (optional)
You can actually make cashew butter using either raw or roasted cashews, depending on your personal preference. Raw cashews will yield a milder, buttery flavor, while roasted cashews will result in a more intense, nutty flavor.
Roasting the cashews can also help to release some of their natural oils, which can make the blending process easier. It’s my preferred way to make cashew butter.
You just need to spread the cashews 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 cashews to see if they are lightly browned and fragrant. If they are not done yet, continue roasting them for a few more minutes. Once they 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 cashew 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 cashewsto 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 cashews will work their magic and transform them into a smooth and creamy cashew butter.
Note: If the cashew butter is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil to make it smoother.
Recipe video
Watch how to make this recipe:
Tips & recipe notes
- Don’t rush the blending process: Making cashew butter can take some time, especially if you’re using a low-power blender or food processor. Be patient and blend your cashews for several minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor as needed.
- Don’t soak the cashews: It is also important to note that for this recipe, you should not soak the cashews. If you do so, you’ll end up with cashew cream instead of cashew butter!
- Add salt to taste: Salt can help to bring out the nutty flavor of your cashew 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.
- Make it crunchy: To make a crunchy cashew butter, simply add in whole or chopped hazelnuts 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 cashews with other nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or Brazil nuts to create a delicious mixed nut butter. Just roast the preferred nut along with cashews 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 cashew butter:
- Cocoa powder: Adding cocoa powder to your nut butter can create a rich and chocolaty flavor. You can also use cacao powder. Chocolate cashew butter is so delicious!
- Spices: Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add warmth and depth of flavor to nut butters.
- 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.
- Sweeteners: Adding a sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can help to balance out the nutty 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.
- Vanilla extract: A few drops of vanilla extract can add a sweet and fragrant flavor to nut butters.
- 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 cashew butter and blend until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Freeze-dried fruits: Adding crushed freeze-dried fruits such as strawberries to cashew butter can give it a fruity, tangy flavor. You just need to turn them into a powder before adding it to your cashew butter. I love using freeze-dried strawberries to make a delicious and good-looking strawberry cashew butter.
Note: When adding flavors to cashew 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
Cashew butter can be used in many ways, just like any other nut butter! Here are some ideas:
- Spread it on toast, crackers, or rice cakes for a delicious snack.
- Stir it into oatmeal, overnight oats, or yogurt for added healthy fats.
- Use it as a base for homemade granola bars or energy balls.
- Add it to smoothies or shakes to make them more filling and satisfying.
- Blend it with water to make a super quick cashew milk.
- Use it as a dip for veggies and fruits like apples, bananas, and strawberries.
- Mix it into baked goods like muffins, brownies, or cookies.
- Use it as a substitute for peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butters in sauces, dressings, or soups.
And I’ll have to admit, my absolutely favorite way to enjoy cashew butter is by spreading a bit of it on a piece of dark chocolate. So good!
It’s important to note that cashew 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 cashew butter:
Storage tips
Once ready, transfer the cashew 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 it for longer storage. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Note: added liquids, such as vanilla extract and maple syrup, can reduce the shelf life.
FAQs
No. Even though some people describe it as having a “buttery” taste, it’s not the same as actual butter, since it’s made from ground cashews and not dairy products. It has a rich, creamy, and slightly nutty taste.
Cashew butter can be a healthy addition to your diet as it is a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential minerals.
They are similar but not exactly the same. Both are made from ground cashews, but there are some differences in the production process that result in different textures and uses. Cashew paste is thicker than cashew butter, which has a smooth, spreadable texture.
The main difference between cashew butter and cashew cream is the texture and consistency. Cashew butter is made by grinding roasted cashews into a smooth, creamy spread, similar to other nut butters. Cashew cream, on the other hand, is made by blending soaked raw cashews with water to create a smooth and creamy texture, which is similar to dairy cream.
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