Learn how to make cashew butter at home with just 1 ingredient! This recipe produces a smooth nut butter without the use of chemicals or refined sugars. My easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions will ensure a perfectly smooth cashew butter.
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When possible, I prefer to make things from scratch. But also, I am not a fan of long drawn out recipes, unless it is a special occasion or big holiday. To me, it just makes sense to make cashew nut butter at home.
📖Why My Recipe Works
- You don't have to soak the cashews so it is ready in under 30 minutes.
- I tested the recipe with different types of equipment. I found that it does matter! You need a food processor or high-speed blender like a Vitamix. My personal preference is to use the food processor because the wide-shaped bowl makes scraping down the sides easier.
Using roasted cashews vs raw cashews
You need whole cashews or cashew pieces. Make sure they are unsalted cashews!
Yes, you can skip the roasting process but you will need to add oil to get a smooth consistency. You can use any neutral flavor oil you like, including coconut oil (melted), avocado oil, or olive oil.
💭 Cashew Butter Variations
You can also create sweet or savory variations of your cashew butter. Here are some of our favorite variations, but feel free to create your own!
Sweet Cashew Butter Flavors
- maple syrup or honey
- cinnamon
- ginger
- pumpkin pie spice
- vanilla extract
- cocoa powder
Savory Cashew Butter Flavors
- thyme and pink peppercorns
- chipotle powder
- sriracha
- sea salt
⏲️How to Make Homemade Cashew Butter
This recipe is a simple two-step process. The biggest challenge for home cooks is they often give up before they get to the creamy stage.
Roast the Raw Cashews
Roast the cashews to warm the oils. They should be slightly golden brown, like the picture below.
Be sure to cool the cashews for a few minutes before adding them to the food processor.
Blend the Raw Cashews
Blend on low for 5-8 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
The cashews will go through several phases, but keep the faith. They will eventually get buttery and smooth. In the photos below, you can see the progression over 8 minutes of processing.
If your food processor starts to overheat, stop and let it rest for 10 minutes before continuing. Overheating can affect the motor. You can also try processing in shorter intervals with breaks in between.
You can add oil and salt in the last few minutes of processing if desired.
⏲️How to Make Smoked Cashew Butter
- Unlike with my regular cashew butter, you will need to start with raw cashews that have been soaked for at least one hour.
- Drain them and lay them out on a towel. While they don't need to dry completely, you don't want to see big water drops.
- Line a wire basket with foil poked with holes through (use a skewer) and add the nuts.
- Smoking times vary based on your preference and the type of wood (I used applewood). I typically smoke cashews for 35 to 40 minutes for a lighter smoked taste. you can go up to 60 minutes.
- Once smoked, allow to cool for 10 minutes and proceed with the recipe above.
Smoked cashews will produce a thicker butter than the typical cashew butter. You can add any neutral oil to thin out the consistency.
If your cashew butter turns out too smoky, you can add additional raw cashews (not soaked) to reduce the impact of the smoke flavor.
🥗How to Use Homemade Cashew Butter
This creamy cashew butter is the perfect substitute for peanut butter in all your favorite recipes, from buckeyes to peanut sauce. But my favorite is a sandwich with our sugar-free strawberry fruit spread.
I use cashew butter in my cashew cookies, copycat Trader Joe's cashew dressing, and for my kale and apple slaw.
As a spread on toast, pancakes, or homemade waffles. Swirled into overnight oats or oatmeal. You can even get crazy and use it on a fancy burger. Wild, I know!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Be sure to flip the cashews during roasting to prevent burning or hot spots.
- Roasting cashews enhances their flavor; just be cautious not to over-toast them.
- Add extra oil only if needed.
More From Scratch Recipes
Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more? Get more flavorful recipes!
📖 Recipe Card
Easy Cashew Butter from Scratch
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw, unsalted cashews
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt optional
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325ºF (163ºC) and line a rimmed baking pan with parchment paper (optional). Spread the cashews out in a single layer.2 cups raw, unsalted cashews
- Roast the cashews for 10 to 15 minutes, turning them over halfway through. The cashews are ready when they are slightly golden brown and smell nutty. Remove the cashews from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes or so.
- Transfer the warm, not hot, cashews to a large food processor. Process on high for 10 to 15 minutes scraping down the bowl every couple of minutes. The exact time will depend on the power of your food processor.
- The cashew butter is ready when it is smooth. If you want smoother butter after 15 minutes, you can add coconut oil. With the food processor motor running, add the melted coconut oil and continue processing the cashew butter for an additional 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency.¼ teaspoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Video
Notes
- This recipe can be made with 2 to 5 cups of raw cashews.
- You can use this base recipe to make any nut butter including almond butter and pecan butter. Or use a mix of nuts for a unique flavor.
- I recommend lining the baking sheet so no oils from the pan get onto the cashews when roasting
- Transfer the freshly made cashew butter into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.
- This recipe was originally for smoked cashew butter. See the post for detailed instructions for that recipe variation.
Equipment
Nutrition
Common Recipe Questions
How long should I process to make crunchy cashew butter?
To make chunky cashew butter process as normal to get the cashew butter smooth and creamy. Then stir in a ½ cup of chopped cashews to make it chunky.
Can I freeze homemade cashew butter?
For longer storage, nut butter can be frozen for up to 6 months. Allow frozen cashew butter to thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Adrianne says
Yes please! This looks and sounds fabulous. I love that you want to throw everything on the smoker when you get the chance, it is sort of like me and the bbq!! I will look forward to trying this recipe.
Ellen says
I think I like the idea of a thicker cashew butter! This sounds delicious!
Suzy says
Oooh love that smoky touch! Thanks for sharing.
Pam Greer says
Oh, we would love this!! Need to remember to make this the next time we are smoking something!
Jenna says
I'm a huge fan of nut butters, but I've never tried cashew butter! YUM. Going to buy some cashews in bulk and try this weekend.
Throckhorn McGillicutty says
tasted great!