Better Butters: Pecan Butter

Jump to recipe

Are you looking for a last-minute homemade Christmas gift? Then look no further than one of my Better Butter recipes! Today I’ll share my easy recipe for pecan butter; making your own at home is simple and free of added salt, sugar, and oils. Read on for the recipe and for some tasty ways to incorporate pecan butter into your diet.

Nutrition

According to the USDA, 2 tablespoons of pecan butter made without added sugar, oil, or salt contains:

• 220 calories

• 23 grams of fat

• 4 grams of carbohydrate

• 3 grams of fiber

• 3 grams of protein

Health Benefits

Pecans are a great source of healthy unsaturated fat and fiber while also being low in carbohydrates, making them a great snack for people with diabetes or for those that want to lose weight. They also contain some important minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Due to the high fat and calorie content, however, it is recommended to limit your portion to 1/4 cup nuts or 2 tablespoons of nut butter.

Pecan Butter

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw pecans, whole or chopped into pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit/175 degrees Celsius.
2. Spread pecans in one layer on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 7 minutes or until fragrant. Watch them carefully to make sure they don't burn.
4. Allow pecans to cool completely.
5. Place pecans in food processor and pulse on high. The pecans will first turn into a flour. You may need to stop and scrape the sides. Be patient!
6. Continue pulsing on high until the pecans turn into a smooth and creamy butter. This can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes.
7. Once smooth and at your desired consistency, scoop into a jar.
8. Allow to cool, then store in the fridge for 3-4 weeks.

Notes

Pecan butter is delicious on its own, but feel free to add any or all of the ingredients listed below:

• A dash of salt

• 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1-2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1-2 tsp brown sugar

My favorite ways to eat pecan butter

Pecan butter is delicious on its own; I like to eat it straight off the spoon! Some other ways I like to enjoy it are:

• Spread on whole grain toast, waffles, pancakes, or crackers

• Paired with an apple or banana

• Baked into muffins or cookies

• Mixed into plain yogurt

Are you ready to try making your own pecan butter? Let me know what your favorite ways to eat it are and stay tuned for future nut butter recipes!