How to Make Homemade Nut Butter

Pulse it. Pulse it real good! (Any Salt-N-Pepa fans reading this?) Turn traditional snack nuts into a delicious spread at your next holiday gathering with the help of one nifty kitchen gadget — a food processor. Simply pulse, process and wa-la!

A food processor tops my list for essential kitchen gadgets (besides a veggie spiralizer and citrus juicer). It’s perfect for homemade pesto, hummus and two of my favorite homemade nut butters (recipes below) that anyone can easily blend up and enjoy! While Hy-Vee’s bulk section has grind-your-own peanut and almond butters, get creative and go beyond the classics. Mix and match nuts and flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, honey, pumpkin spice, chocolate and/or maple and customize to your liking.

Simply add any nut (or seed) you desire to the base of the processor, then pulse. Watch the nuts go from whole, to meal, to clumps, and finally to the perfect creamy concoction you’ve been dreaming of. (Note: This process can take a few minutes.) Spread nut butter on apple slices, whole-grain waffles, or simply enjoy a spoonful for a perfect sticky snack. For a long time, nuts were shunned by dieters because they were high in fat, but we now know that nuts are loaded with healthy fats and also can help with weight loss. Nuts are a nutritional powerhouse providing plant-based protein and fiber to help us feel satisfied and stabilize our blood sugar. These two essential nutrients are crucial especially during the hectic holidays!

Looking for an easy app or late-night snack idea? Hop on the viral TikTok food trend and create a nut butter board (a healthier spin on the butter board trend). Spread nut butter over the center of your board using a rubber spatula, flat knife or spoon, making decorative waves. Scatter sturdy slices of fruit (I recommend apple and pear slices), along with graham cracker squares around the perimeter.

The hardest part? Picking which nut to try blending first. Pistachio? Macadamia? Cashew? Whatever you choose, go nuts! Enjoying your healthy, customized, eat-by-the-spoonful nut butters made right at home.

Pistachio Nut Butter
Serves 12

All you need:
2 cups roasted and salted pistachio nuts
¼ cup avocado oil
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

All you do:

1. Place pistachios in food processor. Cover and pulse 10 times. Continue processing 8 to 10 minutes or until finely chopped, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides. With processor running, slowly pour in avocado oil and vanilla. Continue processing 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth and creamy.
2. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Pecan Nut Butter
Serves 12

All you need:
12 oz Hy-Vee pecan pieces
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
½ tsp kosher salt

All you do:

1. Place pecan pieces in food processor. Cover and pulse 10 times until finely chopped. Add maple syrup and salt. Cover and process for 10 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides until smooth and creamy.
2. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Source

 Hungry for more? Hy-Vee’s team of registered dietitians are now on Facebook and Instagram! Follow us @HyVeeDietitians or visit our Hy-Vee Dietitian website to find more information about upcoming classes, new recipes and current food trends!

 *The blog articles, recipes and recommendations found on this site are not intended as medical advice and should not replace consulting with your medical provider. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.