Better Butters: Cashew Butter
I have another great nut butter recipe for you in my Better Butters Series! Homemade nut butter makes great personal holiday gifts that are a healthy alternative to all the cookies and other sweets around this time of year. Today I’ll share my recipe for cashew butter, some of my favorite ways to enjoy it, and why it is a healthy choice.
Store-bought varieties
Like with other nut butter varieties, it’s best to look for cashew butter with only one ingredient: cashews! Many brands add oil to give the butter a smoother texture.
Jars of cashew butter tend to be more expensive than some other nut butter varieties, so I recommend making your own if you have the time!
Nutrition
According to the USDA, 2 tbsp of cashew butter made without added sugar, oil, or salt contains:
188 calories
16 grams fat
9 grams carb
1 gram fiber
6 grams protein
Health benefits
There are several reasons why cashew butter is a healthy choice:
It contains important minerals, such as magnesium, iron, and selenium.
Most of the fat in cashew butter comes from healthy unsaturated fat.
The healthy fat and protein in cashew butter make it a satisfying snack that will keep you full.
It is low in carbs, so a great option for people with diabetes.
One thing to note is that cashew butter, along with other nut butter, is high in calories, so it is important to be mindful of your portion size, especially if you want to lose weight.
Equipment
I use this Cuisinart food processor to make all kinds of nut butter and it works great!
Cashew Butter
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw unsalted cashews
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit/150 degrees Celsius.
- Spread cashews in one layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until fragrant. Watch them carefully to make sure they don't burn.
- Allow cashews to cool completely.
- Place cashews in food processor and pulse on high. The cashews will first turn into a flour. You’ll need to stop and scrape the sides often. Be patient!
- Continue pulsing on high until the cashews turn into a smooth and creamy butter. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Once smooth and at your desired consistency, scoop into a jar.
- Allow to cool, then store in the fridge.
Storage
Store homemade cashew butter in the fridge. It will usually stay fresh for 3-4 weeks. I like to let it warm up for 20-30 minutes on the counter before eating.
My favorite ways to eat cashew butter
It can be eaten any way that you like! I personally like to eat it with sliced apple or straight off the spoon with a few dark chocolate chips. These are two of my favorite recipes that are made with cashew butter:
Both of these recipes are dairy- and gluten-free!
Cashew butter is a great way to satisfy your craving for something sweet and it’s a great last-minute gift idea. I hope you’ll try making it at home!
