Make your own creamy cashew butter at home in only five minutes! Homemade cashew butter is easy to make and so tasty.
Nuts are excellent for our health! They are a great source of plant based protein, healthy fats, and a variety of minerals. Studies have shown that regular consumption of nuts can protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Other benefits include increased satiety, lower cholesterol, and even increased weight loss when eaten in the right portions.
But aren’t nuts high in fat?
Nuts get a bad rap for their high fat content. While they contain a significant amount of fat per serving, it is the type of fat that benefits heart health. Nuts are rich in both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are considered the “good fats”. Both are known to decrease LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglyceride levels. They are also lower in saturated fat compared to meat protein, which tend to raise cholesterol and risk of heart disease.
Many people stay away from nuts because they fear gaining weight. Despite their high calorie content, studies show regularly eating nuts might help people keep off excess weight, especially when nuts are substituted for less healthy foods. Because they are nutrient dense, the fat and protein help us fell full for longer and help better control our appetite.
However, this doesn’t mean you should eat unlimited quantities. Overeating any food can result in weight gain. Be sure to portion out nuts or nut butter. Each nut varies in serving size but typically a serving is 1/3 cup or a small handful (should fit in the palm of your hand). In addition, a serving size of nut butter is 2 Tablespoons.
What to look for when buying nut butters
Unfortunately, many of the jarred nut butters contain added ingredients that make them less healthy when compared to their homemade counterparts. Read the labels and avoid unnecessary additives like hydrogenated or palm oil, added sugar, or trans-fat. Also, avoid reduced fat nut butters, which tend to add more sugar to replace the flavor lost when fat is removed. The best nut butters are natural and have a short ingredient list consisting of only nuts, salt, and/or oil. Or, an even better alternative: make your own at home!
Making homemade cashew butter
I’ve been making homemade peanut butter for years. To be honest, no store bought variety compares. Recently I came across a recipe I wanted to make that called for a cashew butter or a neutral flavor butter. When I went to the store I was shocked by the price of the tiny jar (~$16). Since I always have cashews at home I decided to make it for a fraction of the price. Cashews may cost a little more up front, but you get twice as much as you would from buying a jar at the store.
The only ingredient I used was roasted, unsalted cashew nuts. If you buy raw cashew nuts I suggest roasting them in a 350 degree oven for 5-10 minutes until lightly toasted (but be sure they don’t burn). Roasted nuts release their oils quicker then raw ones, which will make it easier to blend into a creamy consistency.
Equipment needed
The only equipment needed is a high powered blender that can handle crushing nuts for at least five minutes. I used a Vitamix, but the Ninja brand should work as well. If you don’t have a high speed blender, you can make it in a food processor, which will take slightly longer. The blending process takes time, so have some patience.
While blending, the nuts will initially look crushed, then like a meal, then a dough, and will finally turn into a creamy butter. Time will vary depending upon how powerful your blender is, but it really only took me about 5 minutes to get it creamy.
Delicious cashew butter
The flavor of homemade cashew butter is extra nutty, creamy, and super fresh. I was able to blend my cashew butter with no added oil. If you have difficulty getting it to your desired consistency, feel free to add a neutral flavored oil or coconut oil to help it blend. I also chose not to add salt or other flavors to mine because I plan to use it a lot in my baking. Also, because cashews are naturally sweet, I left out any sweetener. To add extra flavor incorporate honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, coconut flakes, vanilla extract, or cocoa powder.
Cashew butter has a mild flavor so it can easily be used in a variety of ways. Use this creamy cashew butter as a spread, in smoothies, sauces, desserts, as a dip, or eat with a spoon. Keep it stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months (though I highly doubt it will last that long!).
Creamy Cashew Butter
Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted unsalted cashews
- Optional add ins: honey, maple syrup, vanilla, cocoa powder, agave syrup, salt, cinnamon, oil of choice
Instructions
- Add the cashews to a high speed blender, or food processor, and blend on low until all the nuts are crushed. Gradually turn the speed higher and blend for at least five minutes until desired creamy consistency.
- Transfer to a jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
There is nothing quite like making your own homemade creamy cashew butter. It is quick, easy, and so delicious! Check out some other snack ideas:
Creamy Cashew Butter
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