Some people can’t control themselves when it comes to chocolate but my problem happens to lie with nut butters. Every time I make them or buy a jar I down that creamy goodness in about 5 days. FOR REALS.
I usually just spoon it right out of the jar and into my mouth. Seriously cannot help it. I’ve actually thought about starting my own nut butter company. You never know.
Ever since Trader Joe’s decided to increase the price of their almond butters I’ve been crafting my own at home. My kitty Milly is now deathly afraid of the food processor; I’m also quite certain my neighbors think I’m doing some sort of home maintenance or drilling every time I run it. Obviously must find one that’s a little bit quieter. Heh.
This version is based off of something I wish that I’d see more of in stores: Cinnamon Raisin Almond Butter! I thought of it because I LOVE LOVE LOVE a good toasted cinnamon raisin bagel spread with almond butter. Mmmmm YES.
If you’re new to the almond butter game. My goodness, where have you been? Just kidding! But I’m here to introduce you to something that might just become your new favorite thing. Making your own nut butter is actually quite easy and the best part is that you get to control the taste and texture.
So, how do you make homemade almond butter?
1. First you’ll roast your almonds in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes. They’ll become all roasty-toasty and your house will smell like heaven.
2. Next you’ll allow the almonds to cool for a bit then add them to the bowl of a food processor and process.
3. You’ll have to stop the processor every once in a while because the almonds will creep up the sides. So just scoop them back to the bottom and continue to process.
4. The almond butter formation will go from little bits of almonds to big clumps and then eventually to a smooth and creamy consistency. This should take about 20 minutes. BUT SO WORTH IT.
5. Once the almond butter is finally creamy, you can add a touch of vanilla, cinnamon and salt in and process again. Lastly you’ll add in raisins and pulse just a few times to break them up a bit.
SCRUMPTIOUS. Go ahead and taste test. Or dive face first into it.
Finally, I want to leave you with some tips for making your own almond butter because it’s not always easy (but it’s always delicious):
1. Have patience. Even if you don’t think it will come together, give yourself a little more time and wait it out. It takes me about 20 minutes and I have a pretty strong food processor. Keep scraping the nuts down the side of the food processor every minute or two.
2. Roast your almonds! Roasting almonds adds a nice sweetness and great nutty flavor.
3. Not creamy enough for you? Try adding a teaspoon or two of coconut oil.
4. Want a little crunch? Once your finished processing, stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped roasted almonds.
5. Add in a touch of spice! Vanilla beans, a little splash of vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg or cardamom goes a long way in adding flavor to the almond butter.
My favorite way to serve this almond butter is spread on bananas or apples for a healthy afternoon snack. It’s also delicious in oatmeal. If you make this recipe be sure to post it to instagram and use the hashtag #ambitiouskitchen so I can see your creation!
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If you like this healthy nut butter recipe, you’ll love:
flourless Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Cookies
10 Homemade Nut Butter Recipes You Need to Make
Breakfast Baked Sweet Potatoes with Almond Butter, Banana & Chia
Almond Butter, Strawberry & Banana Overnight Oats with Chia
Raspberry, Almond Butter & Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Raisin Almond Butter
Ingredients
- 16 oz raw almonds (about 3 1/4 cups)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup raisins
- optional: 1-2 teaspoons coconut oil, if necessary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. On large baking sheet spread out almonds and roast in oven for 10-12 minutes until slightly brown. Be very careful not to burn the nuts! Cool for 10 minutes.
- Transfer almonds to the bowl of a food processor and process for 10-15 minutes, scraping down the sides as necessary (about every 2 minutes). At this point the almonds should start to clump together. Continue to process until you reach the desired consistency. I always process until my almond butter is liquid like. If after 20-25 minutes the almond butter is not creamy add in a teaspoon or two of coconut oil. You can also do this if you want super creamy almond butter!
- Next add in vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Process again for 30 seconds. Taste and add more salt if necessary.
- Next add in raisins and pulse a few times to break up the raisins a bit.
- Transfer to tubberware or mason jar and store at room temperature or in fridge. If you store at room temp, simply give the almond butter a stir before you use it.
This looks awesome! I’ve never made homemade nut butter but have always wanted to try. I love the addition of cinnamon and raisin. Thanks for sharing!
I love this recipe. Half almonds, half walnuts works well too. Satisfies my sweet tooth in a healthy way.
Hi Monique–I’m trying to calculate Weight Watchers points for this yummy almond butter. Can you give me the fat content for the nutritional info chart above?
thanks–love this!
Oh my gosh – sorry! I don’t know why it isn’t listed. It is 15g per 2 tablespoons.
No worries. That’s 5 points for anyone interested! .
This is a great recipe! Love that you thought to add raisins!!!
Hiiiiiii! I love all your recipes! My boyfriend and I are basically obsessed with all types of but butter but it’s so expensive! Even at TJs! I want to try to make this recipe and surprise him with it! Peanut butters don’t last more than a week with him! If I make this and NOT put it in the fridge, how long can it keep for?
It is best to store in the fridge after making it. When nut butters are made without preservatives they do have a chance of spoiling. I always keep mine out though for a few days in an airtight mason jar and I haven’t had any problems.
Looks SO good! Clearly need to make this ASAP!
WOW this is one delicious nut butter! My mom would go nuts for this. So, is it safe to leave your food processor on that long? And how long does homemade nut butter keep?
Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 months!
This looks so indulgent, and way better than store bought. I definitely need to get a new food processor! I have same noise problem here:) until then, have you ever tried Justin’s Maple Almond butter? It’s my go to!
This looks great! Love this “new” flavor option that I hadn’t thought of! Also love seeing your tips at the end – thanks so much!
I used to have a similar problem with my old food processor – it was as if I was doing construction in my kitchen! Then I bought a Cuisinart 11-cup food processor, and it is virtually noiseless. I make my own almond butter all the time now! I LOVE it.
I need to get that one!
Hi! This looks great. I’m a Trader Joes shopper too, and also a fellow nut butter lover. I was wondering, where do you buy your raw nuts? Trader Joes, or do you have a better suggestion? Also, would this work in my vitamix instead of food processor? Thanks!!
P.S. I’d buy your nut butters 🙂
I do usually purchase mine from Trader Joe’s or whole food in the bulk section. You might also have luck at Costco!
This looks tons better than store bought! I would love this w an apple.
This looks soooo good! I have made my own peanut butter, but never almond or cashew butter. I wish the nuts were not so expensive or I would give it a try! Maybe I will win the lottery… 🙂
I’d always spread almond butter on cinnamon raisin toast. Now I can just throw the toast out. Thanks for the epic tips too- I used to wonder why my mum would lament how lonnnnnnng it took making homemade almond butter!
I’m a nut butter addict too. I just got a jar of cashew butter that I’m excited to try. I’ll have to save this recipe and try making homemade almond butter. Thanks!
Pinning the crap out of this!!!!!!
This looks so perfect!! I love this recipe!
Cinnamon raisin almond butter?! Yes, please! Thanks for the heads up about the time it’ll take – I have a feeling that my dog, like your cat, won’t be terribly pleased!
I have similar nut butter control issues. So, SO good! I’ve never made my own, but have been feeling T. Joe’s price increase pain too. Thanks for the inspiration to go for it and DIY!
This recipe looks so good, I just printed! I feel like we would be good friends, haha. My husband and I love Camelback, we were actually married there, I LOVE yoga, my girl puppy’s name is Milly, and I can’t keep almond butter in the house!! Thanks for all the great recipes!