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.
Teresa wrote on September 15, 2012
Just FYI, I use my Champion Juicer fitted with the blank rectangular plate for making almond butter. I add a couple tablespoons of olive oil for smoothness as I’m processing. It involves more cleanup than the food processor, but only takes about three minutes of processing and doesn’t overheat the appliance. Yummy!
Susan wrote on September 16, 2012
The Champion Juicer makes very nice nut-butters. Unfortunately, many people do not own one. Cheers!
Andre wrote on September 9, 2012
Iam about to buy a processor to make my own almond butter as i dont find it here in Brazil? WJay model of Kitchenaid do you there? i want to seach on the net to find something here that works. is it 450W, 700W or more? Thanks !!
Susan wrote on September 9, 2012
I use the 12 cup KitchenAid food processor. Cheers!
Andre wrote on September 9, 2012
Dear Susan
Iam about to buy a processor to make my own almond butter as i dont find it here in Brazil? WJay model of Kitchenaid do you there? i want to seach on the net to find something here that works. is it 450W, 700W or more? Thanks !!
elizabeth shipley wrote on September 3, 2012
Could you do the same with sesame seeds for making tahini?
Thanks
Betsy Shipley
Susan wrote on September 3, 2012
No, Tahini requires the addition of oil (and some water in some recipes) in specific quantities. It is a completely different recipe. Cheers!
Kelly wrote on August 23, 2012
Followed your recipe exactly and it turned out perfect! I used an old Black & Decker food processor and it handled it with ease. I had tried it once before in a Vitamix and it didn’t turn out so well – not to mention it was messy to clean up (easy clean up with the food processor)! .
So thank you!! I will never spend 16+ dollars buying raw almond butter again. 😀
Susan wrote on October 22, 2012
It will keep for as long as normal fresh almond butter keeps. I do refrigerate it. Cheers!
bob90 wrote on August 14, 2012
Thank you for your thorough explanation. It makes it possible for a novice to make almond butter.
Joey wrote on August 13, 2012
In your recipe, you say that you used to use a Vitamix, but you did not like all of the scraping. Will a Vitamix work if that is all that I have?
Thank you so much,
Joey
sabina wrote on August 8, 2012
I read the recipe,but is there actully butter in it,i read almond,honey (optional)salt(optional)also could you use the packets of ground almonds instead.
Love to make this but not sure of the ingredients.
Thanks
Susan wrote on August 8, 2012
No, there isn’t any butter in the recipe. You are making almond butter out of almonds. Like you make peanut butter out of peanuts. I don’t know how packets of ground almonds would work but you could try. Cheers!
Joey wrote on July 25, 2012
I read your recipe, and I am very excited to try it. I have been searching for store bought almond butter using soaked or blanched almonds (because of easier digestion) with no luck. Will this recipe work using a Vitamix or does it heat up too much? Thank you for your time!