Hi friends! I wanted to start by letting you know that I am opening the next round of my 6 week weight loss course starting March 21st. If you in need of some nutrition coaching and weight loss help and would like to work with a Registered Dietitian, I would love for you to join me! You can read all about the details and sign up HERE. I love working with motivated women who want to make changes to their lifestyle. As a Dietitian, I will help you make lasting changes, not steer you down the path of crazy, restrictive diets. You will also enjoy the support of others in the group as daily interaction is recommended. And if you refer a friend you will get $20 off!
Let me know if you have any questions! Now on to today’s post….
I know nut butter is one of the most convenient things to buy from the store, but sometimes I have a hard time finding the truly natural ones that are basically just ground nuts (and/or salt). Most of the ones that say natural still have some hydrogenated oils and sugar. Just check the ingredient list to make sure. It’s not the end of the world if this is the type you buy, but for the best quality go with ones that are just ground nuts.
Today I will show you how easy it is to make at home and you can use any type of nuts you like! When my parents were visiting we wanted to show them how easy it was to make natural peanut butter, but we were out of peanuts. My husband just used half of our unsalted mixed nut jar (almonds, Brazil nuts, pistachios, cashews and pecans), and then half of the plain cashews and I really liked the combo! The cashew flavor definitely stood out the most, but it was a tasty mix.
We paired it with some homemade bread I made with my new bread machine and I loved the hint of cinnamon that the bread offered. So next time I made the nut butter I just added some cinnamon to it. So good. It’s very subtle so feel free to add more.
[Tweet “Super simple homemade Cinnamon Nut Butter via @nutritiouseats #peanutfree “]
All you do is process the nuts! It’s really that simple.
Starting to grind, not looking much like nut butter.
Starting to ball together…
A couple minutes later, you have smooth and creamy nut butter!
I really love the mix of nuts here, but you can make changes as needed depending on what you have.
Nuts are super nutritious and if you are not currently eating them on a regular basis, you should consider starting! Not only are they high in fat and fiber which means a small amount is very satisfying, the type of fat that they are rich in is heart-healthy. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals. And yes, they are calorie dense. A small 1/4 cup portion has close to 200 calories, but studies have shown that eating a serving or two on a daily basis does not lead to weight gain.
I am a creamy nut butter lover, but if you prefer crunchy, just stir in some chopped nuts at the end. Enjoy!
- 1 cup unsalted mixed nuts
- 1 cup unsalted cashews
- pinch of salt
- ½ to 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Add nuts, salt and cinnamon to a food small high speed blender or food processor, blend nuts together until a ball starts to form. If needed stop the blender or food processor to scrape down the sides. Continue to blend for 1-2 minutes, depending on your machine (for a food processor it can take longer), or until nuts are smooth and creamy. If crunchy nut butter is desired, stir in a handful of chopped nuts at the end. Store in an air tight jar in the refrigerator.
I used the "Twister Jar" with my Blendtec blender as it has a convenient lid that helps scrape down the sides while the blender runs. If you are using a food processor, just make sure you stop the machine to scrape down the sides with a spoon, as needed.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Nothing not to love there!! Load in the extra cashews!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted..Chocolate Peanut Butter Power Balls
Melanie says
Thanks Rebecca! I agree, cashews = best texture <3
AiPing | Curious Nut says
I always make my own nut butter after purchasing my Vitamix. So easy, SO DELICIOUS… and not to mention so much more economical. Love it. Yum!
AiPing | Curious Nut recently posted..Spicy Kimchi Pork Belly Fried Rice
Melanie says
I know, these good quality blenders make it too easy!
Dana says
This look fantastic! I’ve yet to make any sort of nut butter, but I’m very inclined to do so now.
Melanie says
Seriously the easiest thing to make ever. lol. Thank you!
Charla @ That Girl Cooks Healthy says
WOW! I’m partial to some cinnamon infused nut butter, actually I love lots of nuts in the pantry right now, just begging to be whipped into nut butter.
Melanie says
Thanks Charla!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
I have to go to bed but this has got me feeling hungry! Looks delicious!
rachel @ athletic avocado says
love that you used a variety of nuts in here and cinnamon of course! So simple and delish!
rachel @ athletic avocado recently posted..Banana Snickerdoodle Donut Muffins {Paleo, GF + Vegan Option!}
Kathryn Grace says
Thank you for this. We make homemade nut butters once a week, and I’ve often thought of throwing handfuls of different nuts into my food processor and seeing what I’d get. I love the idea of adding cinnamon. Shared as my pick for Recipe of the Day on YayYay’s Kitchen Facebook page, Twitter, Google+ and the like. So glad to have found you and your blog!
Barbara witemeyer says
A good idea if you have lots of ends of different nuts to use up, Melanie. Then you can buy in fresh ones without feeling guilty.