Name: Homemade Almond Butter Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups raw almonds; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ ground cinnamon; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp maple syrup

Indulge in the creamy, nutritious goodness of homemade almond butter. This simple yet delightful recipe will transform raw almonds into a smooth, delectable spread that is a perfect addition to your breakfast or snack time. The best part is - it's homemade, so you control what goes in there. No added preservatives, just pure, healthy almonds.

Photos of Homemade Almond Butter Recipe

While all the ingredients for this recipe are relatively common, you might not have raw almonds on hand. When buying them, ensure they are raw and unsalted as the roasted or salted versions will alter the final taste of your almond butter. You might also want to check the availability of high-quality maple syrup, as it adds a hint of sweetness to balance the nutty flavor of the almond butter.

Ingredients for Homemade Almond Butter

Raw almonds: These are the star of the show. High in protein, fiber and healthy fats, they provide the core nutty, creamy flavor and texture to your almond butter.

Salt: A touch of salt enhances the flavor of the almonds and brings out their natural sweetness.

Ground cinnamon: This adds a hint of warmth and spiciness that complements the nutty flavor of the almonds.

Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor and sweetness to the almond butter.

Maple syrup: For a hint of natural sweetness, maple syrup is ideal. It is a healthier alternative to refined sugars.

One reader, Bud Lovelace says:

This homemade almond butter recipe is a game-changer! The flavor is rich and nutty, and the touch of cinnamon and vanilla adds a delightful twist. It's so easy to make, and the end result is incredibly creamy. I love spreading it on toast or using it in smoothies. Highly recommend!

Bud Lovelace

Essential Techniques for Making Homemade Almond Butter

How to toast almonds: Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.

How to make almond butter creamy: Blend the almonds in a high-speed blender or food processor until creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides as necessary. If the mixture gets too hot, stop and let it cool for a few minutes.

How to add flavorings: Once the almond butter is smooth and creamy, blend in salt, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until evenly dispersed. If adding maple syrup, let the mixture cool, then blend for a few additional minutes to make it creamy again.

How to store almond butter: Let the almond butter cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a mason jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or until any signs of spoilage are noticed.

How To Make Homemade Almond Butter

Roast raw almonds and turn them into this thick, creamy mixture with the help of a blender. You definitely couldn’t wait to spread!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3cupsraw almonds
¼tspsalt
¼ground cinnamon,optional
½tspvanilla extract,optional
2tbspmaple syrup,or honey, optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread the almonds across a large, rimmed baking sheet and toast the almonds for 10 minutes, stirring halfway.
Let the almonds cool until they’re just warm, about 10 minutes.
Transfer the almonds to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides as necessary.
The almonds will go from flour-like clumps to a ball against the side of the food processor; keep scraping down the sides and breaking up the ball. Finally, it will turn lusciously creamy.
If the mixture gets too hot along the way, stop and let it cool for a few minutes.
Once the almond butter is very smooth and creamy, blend in any add-ons of choice until evenly dispersed. If adding maple syrup, let the mixture cool, and then blend a few additional minutes, to make it creamy again.
Let the almond butter cool to room temperature, then transfer the mixture to a mason jar and screw on the lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or until you see or smell any signs of spoilage.

Recipe Notes

Add cinnamon for a hint of spice, and vanilla and/or maple syrup for almond butter that tastes more special than store-bought.

Nutrition

Calories: 1297.78kcal
Fat: 107.12g
Saturated Fat: 8.16g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Monounsaturated Fat: 67.68g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 26.45g
Carbohydrates: 60.03g
Fiber: 26.99g
Sugar: 21.56g
Protein: 45.39g
Sodium: 295.36mg
Calcium: 600.96mg
Potassium: 1617.70mg
Iron: 8.01mg
Vitamin A: 0.05µg
Vitamin C: 0.01mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Almond Butter Technique

When making your homemade almond butter, it's crucial to be patient during the blending process. The transformation from whole almonds to a creamy butter can take some time, and it's important not to rush this process. If your blender or food processor starts to overheat, give it a break to cool down. This will not only protect your appliance but also ensure that your almond butter has the perfect consistency. Additionally, using a high-speed blender or food processor will yield the best results. The powerful motor can handle the hard almonds and turn them into a smooth and creamy butter. Remember, the key to a perfect almond butter is patience and the right equipment.

Time-Saving Tips for Whipping Up Almond Butter at Home

Prep ahead: Measure out all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use a high-speed blender: A powerful blender will make quick work of turning the almonds into creamy butter.

Skip the toasting: If you're short on time, you can skip the toasting step, although toasting does enhance the flavor.

Add all ingredients at once: Instead of adding ingredients one by one, you can add them all at once to the blender to save time.

Store in bulk: Make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator for future use, saving time in the long run.

Quick clean-up: Clean the blender or food processor immediately after use to prevent the almond butter from hardening and sticking to the equipment.

Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Almond Butter Recipe

raw almonds - Substitute with raw cashews: Cashews have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a great alternative for almond butter.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different flavor profile and may enhance the overall taste of the almond butter.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the almond butter, similar to the flavor profile of cinnamon.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can complement the nutty flavor of the almonds and enhance the overall almond taste in the butter.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can add natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor to the almond butter, similar to the sweetness provided by maple syrup.

How to Beautifully Present Your Almond Butter Creation

Elevate the almond butter: Present the almond butter in a small, delicate dish or jar, accompanied by a small spoon. This will give the impression of a luxurious and indulgent treat.
Garnish with sliced almonds: Sprinkle a few sliced almonds on top of the almond butter to add a touch of elegance and texture to the presentation.
Accompany with fresh fruit: Serve the almond butter alongside a selection of fresh fruit, such as sliced apples, pears, or berries, arranged in an artful manner to provide a pop of color and freshness.
Drizzle with honey: Before serving, delicately drizzle a small amount of honey over the almond butter to enhance the flavor and add a beautiful, glossy finish.
Serve with artisanal crackers: Place a few carefully selected artisanal crackers on the side of the almond butter to provide a delightful crunch and complement the creamy texture of the butter.

Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Almond Butter

Once the almond butter has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a clean, airtight container such as a mason jar. Make sure to leave some headspace at the top of the jar to allow for expansion if you plan to freeze it.
Tightly seal the jar with a lid to prevent air and moisture from entering, which can cause the almond butter to spoil more quickly.
Label the jar with the date of preparation so you can keep track of how long it has been stored.
Store the homemade almond butter in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The cooler temperature will help preserve its freshness and prevent it from going rancid.
If you want to store the almond butter for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 6 months:
- Transfer the almond butter to a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion.
- Seal the container tightly with a lid and label it with the date of preparation.
- Place the container in the freezer.
- When you're ready to use the frozen almond butter, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Give the thawed almond butter a good stir before using, as some separation may occur during the freezing and thawing process.
Always use a clean utensil when scooping out the almond butter to avoid introducing any bacteria that could cause spoilage.
If you notice any signs of mold, a strange odor, or an off-taste, discard the almond butter immediately, as it has likely gone bad.

Surprising Fact About Homemade Almond Butter

Almond butter is a great source of healthy fats and protein, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. It is also a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential for overall health and well-being.

Is Making Almond Butter at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this homemade almond butter recipe is quite high. Almonds are a nutritious and versatile ingredient, and making your own almond butter allows you to control the quality and quantity of the ingredients. While the initial investment in almonds may seem high, the homemade version is more economical in the long run compared to store-bought options. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-12, depending on the cost of almonds in your area. Overall Verdict: 9.

Is Homemade Almond Butter Healthy or Unhealthy?

This homemade almond butter recipe is a nutritious and wholesome choice. Almonds are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, protein, vitamin E, and minerals like magnesium and potassium. The addition of cinnamon and vanilla extract enhances the flavor without adding any unhealthy ingredients. However, the maple syrup, although natural, does contribute to the overall sugar content of the recipe.

To make this almond butter even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce or omit the maple syrup to minimize added sugars. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a small amount of natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract.
Experiment with adding other healthy ingredients such as chia seeds, flax seeds, or unsweetened cocoa powder for an extra nutritional boost and flavor variety.
Use raw, organic almonds to ensure the highest quality and avoid any potential pesticide residues.
Control portion sizes, as even healthy fats can contribute to excess calorie intake if consumed in large quantities.

Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Almond Butter Recipe

The homemade almond butter recipe is a delightful and versatile addition to any pantry. The combination of toasted almonds, a hint of cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup creates a rich and creamy spread that is perfect for spreading on toast, adding to smoothies, or using as a dip for fresh fruit. The addition of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, making this almond butter a standout. It's a simple and satisfying recipe that allows for customization to suit individual preferences. Enjoy the process of making this almond butter and savor the delicious results.

Enhance Your Homemade Almond Butter Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving the homemade almond butter with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful combination.

Grilled Chicken: Pair the homemade almond butter with some juicy grilled chicken for a delicious and protein-packed meal.

Fruit Salad: For a sweet and refreshing option, serve the homemade almond butter alongside a colorful fruit salad.

Butternut Squash Soup: Warm up with a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup, complemented by a dollop of homemade almond butter for added richness.

Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Almond Butter

Homemade Tomato Soup: This creamy and comforting tomato soup is perfect for a cozy night in. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: This flavorful and juicy grilled chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon herb marinade. It's perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner.

Berry Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy and delicious chia seed pudding is made with fresh berries and coconut milk. It's a great make-ahead breakfast or snack option.

Why trust this Homemade Almond Butter Recipe:

This homemade almond butter recipe offers a delicious and nutritious alternative to store-bought options. By using only raw almonds, salt, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup, this recipe ensures a pure and wholesome spread. The toasting process enhances the almonds' natural flavors, while the addition of maple syrup provides a touch of sweetness. With step-by-step instructions and the option to customize the consistency and flavor, this recipe guarantees a creamy, flavorful almond butter that users can trust and enjoy.

Want to share your experience making this homemade almond butter recipe or discuss variations and tips? Join the conversation in the Baking and Desserts forum section.

FAQ:

How long does homemade almond butter last?

Homemade almond butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It's important to keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or appearance.

Can I skip the maple syrup in this recipe?

Absolutely! The maple syrup is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a less sweet almond butter. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

What can I use almond butter for?

Almond butter is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. You can spread it on toast, use it as a dip for fruits or vegetables, add it to smoothies, or even use it in baking recipes.

Can I use roasted almonds instead of raw almonds?

Yes, you can use roasted almonds if you prefer. Just be mindful of the additional roasting time when toasting the almonds in the oven, as they may require less time to achieve the desired level of toasting.

Is it necessary to add vanilla extract and cinnamon?

The vanilla extract and cinnamon add a lovely flavor to the almond butter, but they are optional. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.