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.
Brittney wrote on October 22, 2012
Anyone know how long this keeps for? Should it be refrigerated?
Angel wrote on October 15, 2012
I love almonds. I am interested in other ways to use almonds. I have a few questions:
What is the proper way to store the almond butter? pantry, refrigerator, or both?
How long will it last once stored?
What other ways can you use this almond butter?
Susan wrote on October 14, 2012
As stated in the recipe, if you soak and dehydrate your almonds before hand, you may need to add oil. Cheers!
Barbara wrote on October 14, 2012
Hey Susan,
Great post. I’ve finally decided to do this..now that I’ have some really raw almonds..I have the same food processor and it got really really hot and I had to stop. Did you soak, sprout and dehydrate your almonds before making the almond butter? I did..and my consistency is quite dry and mealy..it never got creamy…am wondering if you all are soaking the nuts first or if that ruins the process? Thanks for a great post.
Kaylene wrote on October 11, 2012
Thanks for this great recipe. I made it in my Thermomix which took about half the time. Initially I ran it on 6-7 to grind the almonds and after about 2 minutes turned it down to about 4-5 to finish it off. I found that the butter was nice and runny and smooth before I added the salt and honey then it became thicker and clumped together after adding the salt and honey – is that how it is or should I keep blending until it becomes smooth again?
Susan wrote on October 11, 2012
In the recipe, I suggest if you want to add honey, you should do so by hand because it can sieze if you add it in the food processor. I am guessing yours seized.
Nat wrote on October 7, 2012
Do you think I could use this same process to make a butter with pecans instead of almonds? And if so should I still do 8-12 minutes? Thanks
mandy wrote on September 30, 2012
Thank you for the recipe. It is so hard to buy almond butter here in england so I thought I would try making my own. Welll one word DELICIOUS…. I’ve started to make almond mik too. Thank you once again x
michael rowland wrote on September 24, 2012
i am in england and a little unsure of exactly the reason for wanting to produce the nut butter. Does it have improved nutritional status than simple almonds. Maybe simple almonds are too simple for you, but i enjoy them and by chewing them thoroughly the saliva in my mouth produces the chemicals to help my stomach digest them.
Susan wrote on September 24, 2012
Michael, because we like it. Cheers!
Carol C wrote on September 21, 2012
Oh my goodness this is the yummiest butter! I have an older model Black & Decker PowerPro processor, but it handled the process very well. Thank you for the photos and the encouragement to keep going. This will make a wonderful gift at any time of the year 🙂
Susan wrote on September 21, 2012
Carol…glad you had success! I love making it this way, too. Cheers!