Unsalted Almond Butter
Creamy, rich, and ridiculously easy to make at home! This single-ingredient unsalted almond butter is perfect for spreading on toast, adding to smoothies, or just enjoying by the spoonful. Control the texture and flavor, with no added oils or sugars.
For 13 servings
Roast the almonds.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
TIPRoasting the almonds is key to releasing their natural oils, which helps create a creamy butter.Cool the almonds slightly.
Remove the almonds from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. They should be warm to the touch, but not piping hot, before you start blending.
Begin processing the almonds.
- Transfer the warm, roasted almonds to the bowl of a high-powered food processor.
- Secure the lid and begin processing on high speed.
- The almonds will first break down into a coarse, crumbly meal. This takes about 1-2 minutes.
Continue processing through the pasty stage.
Keep the processor running. The almond meal will start to clump together and form a thick, stiff ball. You'll need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl every few minutes to ensure everything is evenly blended. This stage can take 5-8 minutes.
TIPDon't be discouraged if it looks dry and pasty. This is a normal part of the process before the oils release.Blend until smooth and creamy.
Continue processing past the 'ball' stage. The magic will happen as the oils fully release, transforming the thick paste into a smooth, liquidy, and creamy almond butter. This final stage can take another 5-10 minutes. Keep blending until it reaches your desired consistency.
Store the almond butter.
Transfer the fresh almond butter to a clean, airtight glass jar. It will be warm and slightly runnier than store-bought versions. It will thicken as it cools. Store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
TIPNatural oil separation may occur. Just give it a good stir before using.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Patience is key. The process can take up to 20 minutes depending on your food processor. Don't give up!
- 2Use warm almonds. Blending them while still warm from the oven helps the oils release much faster.
- 3Scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl frequently to ensure a smooth and even consistency.
- 4Give your food processor a break if it starts to overheat. Pause for a few minutes before continuing.
- 5For a super-smooth butter, let the processor run for a few extra minutes after it first looks creamy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
For a touch of natural sweetness without refined sugar, blend in 1-2 soft, pitted dates during the last minute of processing.
quickQuick
Use store-bought roasted, unsalted almonds to skip the oven step entirely. Just make sure they are warm before blending for best results.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon powder during the final blending stage for a flavor kids will love.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Rich in monounsaturated fats, which help to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and raise good cholesterol levels (HDL), supporting cardiovascular health.
Excellent Source of Vitamin E
Almonds are one of the best natural sources of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from oxidative damage.
Good Source of Protein and Fiber
Provides a good amount of plant-based protein for muscle repair and fiber for digestive health, helping you feel full and satisfied.
Rich in Magnesium
Contains a significant amount of magnesium, a mineral crucial for blood sugar control, blood pressure regulation, and nerve function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's very healthy. It's an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health. It also provides plant-based protein, fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium. Since this version has no added salt, sugar, or oils, it's a pure, whole-food product.