Raw Recipe: Almond Butter
Making nut butters can be a little tricky. I used to think that I had to do them in my Vitamix, which would drive me batty with all the scraping down that was required. Other times, I would have a fail, only because I quit too early. I didn’t realize how much time it takes, and the process that the nuts have to go through. But if you have a little patience, you can make nut butters that are fabulous. You will never want to buy them again! Almond butter is a good one to start with.
I used my Kitchen Aid 12 cup food processor. It is a strong processor. The bottom warms up a little bit but if you are using an older processor, or a processor with a much weaker motor, common sense needs to prevail.
After 2 minutes it will look like this.
After 4 minutes it will look like this.
After 6 minutes it will look like this.
Around 8 minutes, the almond mixture will ball up. Just let it keep going.
At 10 minutes it has begun to redistribute, but it is not done yet. You want to wait until the oils get released.
At 12 minutes the almonds have released their oil and the butter is ready! If you want to add honey or salt, stir it in by hand.
*Chef’s Note: If using soaked, dehydrated (dried) almonds, you may need to add a little oil. This recipe requires the use of completely dry almonds.
Almond Butter
MAKES 1 1/4 CUPS ALMOND BUTTER
- 2 cups Almonds
- 1 tablespoon Raw Honey (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt (optional)
- Place almonds in food processor. Process for 8-12 minutes. You will need to scrape down the sides in the beginning. If you choose to use the honey and salt, stir in by hand after the butter is made as it will seize the mixture if you try to add it before.
*Chef’s Note: If using soaked, dehydrated (dried) almonds, you may need to add a little oil. This recipe requires the use of completely dry almonds.
Katie wrote on February 7, 2010
Finally! A nut butter recipe that gives me hope that it IS possible to make homemade but butters in a food processor! Thank you for posting this!!! 🙂
Ashlei wrote on February 6, 2010
Great recipe! I’ll need to give this a try! 🙂
Tressey wrote on February 6, 2010
Thanks looks wonderfully delicious. How long will it keep before getting rancid or bad tasting?
Tanya wrote on February 6, 2010
Yay! I’ve wanted to make almond butter but was too scared to, LOL! I only have a little 3 cup food processor, but I might try it anyway. What is the honey or salt for? Is it one or the other? What do most almond butters have, if it’s more than just almonds? I’ve never even seen it before!
Susan wrote on February 6, 2010
The honey and salt is only for taste, if you wish.
Leah wrote on February 6, 2010
I hope this isn’t a stupid question. I’m transitioning to vegan and am a bit of a newbie. I made my own nut butter last night for the first time. I used it for your cacao walnut fudge recipe, which was fantastic! Was I supposed to soak the almonds first? I did not. 🙂
Susan wrote on February 6, 2010
The recipes will specifically call for soaked nuts if you need to use them. I do soak and dehydrate my nuts to release the enzyme inhibitors. But some recipes need the nuts to be wet and that will be specified.
Antony wrote on February 6, 2010
Thanks for making it seem so simple! I’ve got a big jar of almond butter in the fridge at the moment but when it runs out I’m definitely trying this 🙂
Ronn wrote on February 6, 2010
I can’t wait to try this. Have never wanted to attempt making nut butters in my Vitamix, so I’m really happy to have these instructions for doing it with a food processor!
This might be a stupid question, but is there any reason why this couldn’t be done with other nuts as well, like walnuts, pecans, cashews? I’m just wondering if the oil content of various nuts might make a difference.
Thanks again!
Susan wrote on February 6, 2010
I know you can make it out of cashews, can’t imagine why some of the other ones wouldn’t work. I am going to try a few more. Will let you know.
Heathy wrote on February 6, 2010
This is so awesome! I didn’t know you could do it in a food processor like that! Ive only done it in the vita mix. Thanks so much!
Annie wrote on February 6, 2010
I’ve been wanting to try to make this for some time now, but was afraid that the churning of the nuts in my processor might break it! But, you make it look so easy, so I will give it a try! I love almond butter!