Creamy Cashew Butter

Making homemade cashew butter is a delightfully easy and luxurious process! This creamy spread is perfect for topping toast, mixing into oatmeal, or filling dates. A 12-cup food processor (or a 10-cup one) works well, but a large, high-powered blender can also get the job done.

Preparation time: 10 min
Cooking time: 10 min
Resting time: N/A
Total time: 20 min
Serves: about 2 cups

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (16 ounces) raw unsalted cashews
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
• 1 tablespoon oil (such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, or use coconut oil for a hint of coconut flavor)
• Honey or maple syrup, optional

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the cashews evenly on a round or square cake pan, or a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Roast the nuts for 3 minutes, then shake the pan and roast for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the nuts are lightly browned and aromatic (be careful, as they can burn quickly). Allow the cashews to cool until they are safe to handle.
3. For crunchy cashew butter, set aside 1/3 cup of the roasted cashews. Place them in a food processor and pulse 3 to 4 times, or until they are chopped into very small pieces. Transfer the chopped nuts to a bowl and reserve them for later.
4. Add the remaining roasted cashews to the bowl of the food processor. Process for 1 minute, then scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
5. Add the oil and process for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cashew butter is shiny and smooth. The processing time may vary depending on the brand or variety of nuts used. The cashews will go from whole nuts to a fine powder, then to a clumpy mixture, and finally to a creamy, smooth substance. Stopping to scrape or break up any large clumps will help speed up the process.
6. Once the cashew butter is smooth and creamy, add the salt, cinnamon, and vanilla. Process for 10 to 20 seconds, then taste. Add more salt, cinnamon, or vanilla if desired. For sweetness, add a teaspoon or more of honey or maple syrup and process for another 5 to 10 seconds to incorporate.
7. If making crunchy cashew butter, stir in the reserved chopped cashews. Store the cashew butter in a sealed container.

Notes:
To enhance the flavor of your homemade cashew butter, consider toasting the cashews before blending them. This can be done by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Let them cool before blending. This extra step can add a rich, nutty flavor to your cashew butter.

Nutritional Info:
Calories: 155
Carbs: 9g
Protein 4g
Fat 13g

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