Delicious Almond Butter to Elevate Your Meals
Ahoy there, my fellow food enthusiasts! As a nutritionist and food blogger, it brings me great pleasure to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: homemade almond butter. This recipe is not only deliciously creamy and nutty, but it’s also incredibly healthy as it is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly.
Now, you may be thinking, why make almond butter at home when you can easily buy it at the grocery store? Well mateys, let me tell you, there’s nothing like the taste of freshly made almond butter straight out of your own kitchen. Not to mention, store-bought almond butter can often be loaded with preservatives and added sugars – definitely not an ideal choice for those looking to lead a healthy lifestyle.
So what are you waiting for? Come aboard and let’s set sail on this delectable adventure of making our very own healthy homemade almond butter. I guarantee that by the end of this ride, you’ll be hooked on this creamy nut butter just as much as I am!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My goodness, you won’t believe the magic that happens in your mouth when you try this homemade almond butter recipe! One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is because it’s dairy-free, perfect for those who cannot tolerate lactose or just want to live a healthier lifestyle.
But let me tell you, there are many more reasons why you need to whip up some of this deliciousness. First off, it’s incredibly simple to make with only a handful of ingredients – raw almonds, sea salt, and coconut oil or olive oil. You won’t find any preservatives or artificial flavors here – this is natural, healthy homemade almond butter at its finest.
Plus, this almond butter recipe is keto and gluten-free. So whether you’re on a low carb diet or avoiding gluten for health reasons, this recipe ticks all the boxes. And if that’s not enough, you can also customize your almond butter by adding other ingredients such as maple syrup, vanilla extract or even chocolate chips for an extra treat.
Not only is this almond butter great on toast or crackers for a quick snack, but it can also be used in many recipes such as smoothie bowls or as the base for delicious cookies or brownies. And let me tell you, I’ve tried making peanut butter cups with this almond butter – they are simply divine!
So take it from me – a nutritionist cum food blogger – this homemade almond butter is the real deal. Healthy, easy-to-make and versatile in so many ways. Try it out and discover why everyone loves it!
Ingredient List
Before starting to make this dairy-free almond butter, it is important to gather all of the necessary ingredients. The list is short and simple, with many of the components either pantry staples or commonly found items.
The ingredients needed to make dairy-free almond butter are:
- 2 cups raw almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond milk (unsweetened and unflavored)
All of the ingredients for this recipe can be found at your local grocery store or health food store. When purchasing the almonds, be sure to select raw almonds, not roasted or salted. Raw almonds will provide the best flavor and texture for the homemade almond butter. For those seeking a more neutral taste, this recipe can also be made using any other type of nut, such as cashews or peanuts.
The addition of coconut oil gives the almond butter a creamy consistency while also providing healthy fats. The vanilla extract and maple syrup work together to sweeten up the nutty flavor profile. In addition, adding unsweetened almond milk further contributes to the creaminess of this vegan nut butter.
Now that you have all of your ingredients prepared, it’s time to dive into making your very own homemade almond butter!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to make our homemade almond butter!
Step 1: Make Almond Flour
We’ll start by making almond flour. Take 2 cups of raw almonds and place them in your food processor. Pulse for a minute or two until the almonds are finely ground. Don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with almond butter before you’re ready!
Step 2: Add Oil
Now, it’s time to add oil to the mix. You can use any type of oil you like – I prefer using coconut oil as it adds a natural sweetness to the almond butter. Add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the food processor.
Step 3: Add Salt and Sweetener
Next, it’s time to add some flavor to the almond butter. Add a pinch of sea salt for taste and if you want to sweeten things up, add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or more if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Step 4: Blend
Turn on the food processor and blend until the ingredients form a thick paste. Stop and scrape down the edges from time to time so everything gets mixed well.
Step 5: Add Vanilla Extract and Almond Milk
At this point, you can stop here and your almond butter will be delicious as is. But, if you want to take things a step further, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk for creaminess.
Step 6: Blend Some More
Turn on the food processor again and blend until you get the desired consistency. If your almond butter looks too thick, add more almond milk until it reaches your preferred creamy texture.
And there you have it – your very own homemade almond butter! It’s delicious as a spread on toast, mixed in smoothie bowls, or used as an ingredient in various recipes.
Tips:
- If you want to make a bigger batch, simply double the recipe.
- Roasting the almonds before making almond flour will give your almond butter a delicious roasted flavor.
- For a crunchy texture, add a handful of chopped almonds at the end and pulse for a few seconds.
Substitutions and Variations
Ahoy, my fellow culinary adventurers! If you’re looking to add some adventurous twists to your homemade almond butter, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some fun substitutions and variations to try:
– Nutty Alternatives: Don’t have almonds on hand? No worries – try making this recipe with raw cashews, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts instead. Each nut will bring a unique flavor and texture to the mix, adding new depths to your nut butter experience.
– Oil Options: While I prefer using coconut oil for this recipe’s healthy fat source, you can also use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other neutral-tasting oil. Just keep in mind that oil will change the flavor profile of your nut butter slightly.
– Sweeteners and Flavors: Looking for a different flavor profile? Try using honey instead of maple syrup or add a spoonful of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. You can also add cinnamon, pumpkin spice or chai spice to spice things up.
– Add-Ins: One of the joys of homemade nut butter is the fact that you can add-in as many or as few ingredients as your heart desires. Try adding dried fruit bits such as dates or raisins for a natural sweetness kick. Incorporating chia seeds or flaxseed meal will make your almond butter more nutritious and high-fibre.
– Spice it up: Not all people like sweet almond butter! Want something savoury? Add some herbs like rosemary or fresh garlic when blending for an exciting twist!
There’s no end to the number of variations you can create with this recipe – feel free to experiment with different nuts and flavors until you find your favorite combination. Fair winds on your culinary journey!
Serving and Pairing
Now, we’ve made our homemade almond butter, let’s talk about how to enjoy it. One way to enjoy it is by spreading it on a slice of toast or bagel for a quick breakfast or snack. It’s delicious with a variety of jams, fruits and pureed berries too. Additionally, this almond butter can be used as a dip for celery sticks or apple slices for a healthy midday snack.
The creamy and rich texture of the almond butter pairs well with whole-grain bread, flaky croissants, crackers, and biscuits. Moreover, for those who love smoothie bowls, topping them with this almond butter would give their breakfast an added nutty flavor and protein boost.
This recipe is versatile and perfect to be paired with dishes that are gluten-free and vegan-friendly, like roasted veggies or stir-fried noodles. It can also add depth of flavor to smoothies and oatmeal.
If you have a sweet tooth, try incorporating this dairy-free almond butter into your desserts! The nutty flavor pairs well with dark chocolate in recipes like peanut butter cups or chocolate chip cookies!
Overall, the possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and pairing this homemade almond butter. With its wholesome ingredients and creamy texture, you’ll find endless uses for it in both sweet and savory dishes.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made your healthy homemade almond butter, we need to make sure it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. This recipe makes about 2 cups of almond butter, so if you’re not planning on using it all soon, you’ll need to store it properly.
Before storing your almond butter, allow it to cool down completely. Then, transfer the almond butter into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Almond butter can last for up to one month in the fridge, but it is best to consume it within two weeks to maintain optimal freshness.
If you need to keep the almond butter stored for a longer period, you can also freeze it instead. To freeze almond butter, store it in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer. Frozen almond butter can last up to six months.
When reheating your almond butter, there is no need to defrost it first. Simply take out the desired amount of frozen almond butter and let it thaw out naturally at room temperature before spreading or cooking with it.
You can also get creative with this recipe by adding extra ingredients like maple syrup or cocoa powder for even more flavor options. Almond butter will not only add a delicious taste but also nutrients and healthy fats to your diet. Use the almond butter on toast or as a topping on smoothie bowls for an added crunch.
In conclusion, you can easily make-ahead and store this dairy-free almond butter recipe for later use without compromising its flavor and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let me share with you some of my tips and tricks to make sure your almond butter turns out perfectly every time!
First and foremost, it is essential to have all of your ingredients at room temperature before beginning the process. This will ensure that the oils in the almonds blend more easily and create a creamier texture.
Secondly, be sure to use raw almonds. Roasted almonds can have a different flavor and texture that may not work as well for this recipe. If you cannot find raw almonds, simply roast them yourself in the oven before starting the recipe.
Next, mix in small amounts of additional ingredients (such as maple syrup or vanilla extract) slowly and taste test along the way. It can be easy to go overboard with these add-ins, and they can quickly overwhelm the taste of the almond butter if too much is added.
When blending in a food processor, be patient! It may take several minutes for the almonds to break down into a smooth and creamy consistency. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl periodically to ensure even blending.
If it seems like your almond butter is not coming together properly or if it is too thick, try adding a small amount of coconut oil or almond milk to help thin it out.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions! Try using different types of nuts or adding in your favorite spices for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious and healthy homemade almond butter that will leave everyone coming back for seconds!
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned how to make this delicious almond butter recipe, you might still have some questions in mind. Fear not! In this section, we’ve rounded up a list of frequently asked questions and provided detailed answers to help you troubleshoot any issues or doubts you may have. So without further ado, let’s dive into the FAQ section.
Is almond butter dairy free?
For individuals with a milk allergy, Almond Butter is a suitable option as it does not contain any milk.
What can I do with almond butter?
Want to add some flavor and healthy fats to your breakfast routine? Look no further than almond butter! This versatile spread can be used in so many ways, from topping your pancakes or French toast to stirring into your morning bowl of oatmeal. One of my favorite ideas is to make a sweet and spicy frosting by mixing almond butter with honey and cinnamon – perfect for muffins and cupcakes. And for a savory twist, try a sandwich with almond butter, crunchy sprouts, and sliced red onion. The possibilities are endless!
Can almond butter replace dairy butter?
Almond butter is an excellent replacement for various types of fats, including peanut butter and dairy butter when it comes to baking. Its natural sweetness is an excellent complement to most of the baked goods, and you might even be able to cut down on the amount of sugar you use in the recipe.
Why is my almond butter not getting creamy?
To make the almond butter spread smooth and delectable, it’s recommended to roast the almonds for 10 minutes only, as it lets the natural oils seep out and makes blending easier. However, in case you choose not to roast them, just add 2 tablespoons of oil to assist in the creamy texture.
Bottom Line
Well friends, I hope you enjoyed making this delicious and healthy homemade almond butter recipe just as much as I did! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile and allows for substitutions and variations to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, or simply love the nutty flavor of almonds, this recipe has got you covered.
By using natural ingredients like raw almonds, coconut oil or milk, maple syrup or honey, and a pinch of sea salt or vanilla extract, you’ll make a healthy homemade version of almond butter without preservatives or artificial flavors. You can use it to spread on toast, blend into smoothies bowls or dips, drizzle over pancakes, oatmeal or ice cream. Or simply eat it straight from the jar with a spoon!
And if you have any leftover almond butter, which will be hard to believe once you try it but still possible, you can store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks in the fridge (or longer in the freezer) so that nothing goes to waste.
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to make some mouth-watering almond butter! Share your creations with me in the comments below or tag me on social media @NutritionistFoodie on Instagram. I’d love to see what you come up with.
Remember: Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless. It’s all about finding balance and enjoying real-food ingredients that nourish your body and soul. Cheers to healthy homemade eating!
Almond Butter - Dairy Free Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon unrefined vegetable oil
Instructions
- Combine the almonds and salt in a food processor until the nuts are finely ground.
- Add the oil and continue processing until the almond butter reaches your desired degree of smoothness, adding more oil if necessary.
- For chunky butter, stir in 1/4 cup chopped almonds.
- Store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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