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Home » How to » Homemade Almond Butter

Homemade Almond Butter

January 7, 2021 , Updated January 15, 2021 Maria 2 Comments

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A jar of Homemade Almond Butter

When properly processed, the oils found in almonds are magically released and before you know it, you have homemade almond butter.

A spoon and a jar of homemade almond butter

Patience is definitely the secret ingredient when it comes to making almond butter. 

You need about twenty minutes worth and a food processor (or a high-speed blender) to properly grind the almonds into a soft and creamy texture. 

Once the transformation is complete, you can immediately begin enjoying your freshly made nut butter. 

Spread it on a slice of banana bread or banana muffins, or if you prefer, slather it on pancakes or swirl it in your oatmeal breakfast bowl. It also makes for a healthy snack when combining it with fresh fruit, especially apples.

Did you know you can also make gluten-free cookies with it?

As you can see, there are no limits to how you can use this wonderful spread. 

The truth is that you can just have a spoonful or two of this stuff, straight from the jar.

Seriously, you won’t believe how amazing it tastes. 

If you have ever wondered how to make almond butter from scratch, you’ve come to the right place!

This physical transformation begins with whole roasted almonds and as they continue to be processed, they form one big clump. As the natural oils continue to be released, this clump transforms into a creamy paste. Before you know it, you have spreadable nut butter. 

A jar filled to the top with homemade almond butter

How to make almond butter

Place 3 cups (about one pound) of slightly warm roasted almonds in the food processor.

Process nuts at medium-high speed for about 15-20 minutes.

Scrape the sides of the bowl every couple of minutes.

Be patient 🙂

If desired, add a pinch of salt at the end of the process.

Transfer to a sterile mason type jar, and refrigerate.

The transformation of homemade almond butter from whole almons to chopped up almonds to almond butter.

Let’s take a closer look at the process

  1. Begin by pulsing the almonds for a few minutes until you obtain the texture of almond flour. 
  2. Continue to process for a few more minutes. Notice the ground almonds “sticking” to the sides of the bowl. Scrape down the sides.
  3. The ground almonds begin to clump together and move as a mass. This is a direct result of the oils being released. 
  4. After a few more minutes of processing, the mixture begins to take the form of a spread, but it is very grainy. 
  5. Continue to process, stopping if necessary to prevent the food processor from overheating. 
  6. At the end of the process, the texture is smooth and creamy.

Notice how the almond butter has a fluid consistency. This is due to the release of warm almond oil. This is the best time to “pour” the almond butter into sterile mason jars. Allow to come to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator.

Tips

  • Throughout the whole process, allow your food processor to rest every few minutes to prevent the motor from overheating. 
  • Roasting the almonds might seem like an extra step, but you will be rewarded with a burst of flavor. 
  • As all ovens do not heat up the same way, the roasting times for the almonds may vary. 
  • DO NOT PROCESS the almonds if they are still hot as you run the risk of damaging your high-speed blender.
  • When processing warm roasted almonds, the breakdown of the oils occurs more quickly. It is therefore not necessary to add any oil since the almonds release their own oils. 
  • Be patient. Depending on the type of food processor you have, it can take up to 20 minutes for the almonds to transform into smooth, thick and creamy almond butter.
  • Scrape down the almond butter throughout the process ensures an even transformation. 
  • Use a sterile jar and lid to maximize the storage period. 

How to roast almonds

  • Adjust the oven rack to the middle of the oven.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Spread the almonds in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 10 -15 minutes or until fragrant.
  • Move almonds around a few times while they are roasting.
  • When done, transfer to a wire rack and cool down for about 10 minutes. They should still be warm. 

How do I store roasted almond butter?

Once you have achieved the right consistency, transfer to sterile jars and allow to come to room temperature before refrigerating. Almond butter can be refrigerated for up to one month. 

Can I make crunchy almond butter?

Yes! Simply mix in a handful of chopped roasted almonds to your nut butter. 

Can I add condiments like maple syrup and honey?

Unfortunately, the addition of these liquids (including vanilla extract) may cause the almond butter to seize resulting in clumps of nut butter. 

An overhead photo of almond butter in a jar, next to almonds.

Recipe inspiration

Although it was many decades ago, I can still remember how excited I was the first time I made almond butter with my brand new Cuisinart food processor.

This natural transformation still amazes me today. 

Although I no longer have the same appliance, I continue to enjoy making fresh almond butter. 

As you can see from my list of ingredients, I do not add any oil. That’s my personal preference. There are some recipes that will. If desired, go ahead and experiment.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, this is a great weekend project to do with the kids.

Have fun!

THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

And if you are new here, welcome! You may want to sign up for my weekly e-mail newsletter. You can unsubscribe any time you want.

Ciao for now,

Maria 

★★★★★ If you have made this almond butter recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Homemade almond butter

Homemade Almond Butter

When properly processed, the oils found in the almonds are magically released and before you know it, you have homemade almond butter.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Servings: 32 servings
Calories: 77kcal
Author: Maria Vannelli RD

Ingredients

  • 3 cups almonds roasted, with or without skin
  • pinch salt optional

Instructions

  • Place slightly warm roasted almonds in the food processor.
  • Process nuts at medium-high speed for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Scrape the sides of the bowl every couple of minutes.
  • Be patient 🙂
  • If desired, add a pinch of salt at the end of the process.
  • Transfer to a sterile mason type jar, allow to come to room temperature and then refrigerate.
Scroll UP for the STEP by STEP PhotosDon't miss the process shots and videos included in most posts. Simply scroll up the post to find them. Those were created especially for you so that you can make the recipe perfectly every single time you try it.

Notes

  • Throughout the whole process, allow your food processor to rest every few minutes to prevent the motor from overheating. 
  • Roasting the almonds might seem like an extra step, but you will be rewarded with a burst of flavor. 
  • As all ovens do not heat up the same way, the roasting times for the almonds may vary. 
  • DO NOT PROCESS the almonds if they are still hot as you run the risk of damaging your high-speed blender.
  • When processing warm roasted almonds, the breakdown of the oils occurs more quickly. It is therefore not necessary to add any oil since the almonds release their own oils. 
  • Be patient. Depending on the type of food processor you have, it can take up to 20 minutes for the almonds to transform into smooth, thick and creamy almond butter.
  • Scrape down the almond butter throughout the process ensures an even transformation. 
  • Use a sterile jar and lid to maximize the storage period. 
1 serving=1 tablespoon
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @shelovesbiscotti or tag #shelovesbiscotti!

This post was originally published on October 30, 2014, and republished on January 7, 2021, with updated content and photos.

 

 

 

Condiments and Sauces, How to, Vegetarian

About Maria

Maria Vannelli is a registered dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

Comments

  1. Maria says

    January 17, 2018 at 09:27

    5 stars
    how much is one serving? one tablespoon or more?

    Reply
    • Maria says

      January 17, 2018 at 12:18

      Great question Maria! 1 serving of almond butter is the equivalence of 1 tablespoon. I will update the recipe card. Thanks for asking 🙂

      Reply

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I'm Maria: dietitian and full time content creator. Join me as I share traditional Italian recipes from my youth, to modern twists on classics using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

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