When you're trying to tweak your recipes or accommodate dietary restrictions, this number 1 challenge emerges—finding the best almond butter substitute.
You may feel clueless about how to do it, but this is what separates the casual cook from the culinary innovator. If you don't know how to swap ingredients effectively, reaching new heights in your cooking journey could remain elusive.
Choosing a great alternative is no easy task, folks. Consider, for instance, a health-conscious home chef who shared that as soon as she tried using sunflower seed butter instead of almond, her smoothie turned out with an unexpected flavor profile!
Now, she's hesitant to experiment again and worried she'll never master the art of ingredient substitution in her kitchen adventures. No surprise there!
But here's some food for thought…
Jump to:
Understanding Nut Butters
In my kitchen, nut butters are more than just a spread for toast—they are a source of pure delight. Nut butters are essentially a paste made by grinding nuts until they reach a creamy consistency.
Among these, almond butter is a standout. Rich in monounsaturated fats, it’s a heart-healthy choice that also delivers a good dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
But why do people look for substitutes? Well, it could be due to nut allergies, dietary preferences, or simply the desire to mix things up in their culinary routine. Exploring different options opens up a world of new flavors and textures in cooking and baking.
What is Almond Butter?
Let me tell you about one of my pantry staples: almond butter. This marvelous spread is made by grinding almonds—sometimes roasted, sometimes raw—until they transform into a smooth, creamy butter.
Its origins are a bit fuzzy, but almond butter likely became popular in the United States in the early 20th century as a protein-rich alternative to animal products. It’s like having the essence of almonds in a versatile, spreadable form, ready to elevate any dish it graces.
Almond Butter in Culinary Creations
In my culinary adventures, almond butter has proven to be a versatile companion. Its creamy, nutty flavor makes it perfect as a base in various recipes, and its rich texture is unrivaled.
Whether you’re stirring it into oatmeal, blending it into a smoothie, or using it as a base for sauces, it’s a valuable player in a cook's lineup.
Savory Dishes
Don't be fooled—almond butter isn’t just for your morning toast or smoothie. In my savory creations, it’s a secret weapon.
It can act as a thickener for soups and stews, lending them a rich depth. I’ve mixed it into stir-fries for an extra layer of flavor and used it as a base for satay or dipping sauces.
It’s this wonderful bridge that can connect different flavors in a dish while contributing its own nutty, rich character.
Dressings and Desserts
In the realm of dressings, almond butter is a dream.
Mixed with a little bit of garlic, some vinegar or lemon juice, and a touch of honey or agave, it becomes a velvety dressing that brings salads to life. It’s not just salads that almond butter can transform; desserts, too.
I often use it in place of regular butter in cookies and brownies or drizzle it over fruit for a simple and satisfying treat. Its creaminess pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy components of a dish, creating a harmony that dances on the palate.
Best Almond Butter Substitutes
1. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is essentially ground peanuts that have been turned into a smooth and creamy spread. When I need a substitute for almond butter, peanut butter is often my go-to.
Generally, I use it in a 1:1 ratio, meaning if a recipe calls for a cup of almond butter, I’ll use the same amount of peanut butter. Its flavor is slightly sweeter and more robust, which can add a new twist to recipes without altering the consistency.
Best for smoothies, dressings, and baked goods as a direct swap for almond butter.
2. Cashew Butter
Cashew butter is made by grinding cashew nuts into a creamy, rich paste. It’s a bit milder and sweeter than almond butter, which I absolutely adore. I personally think it’s brilliant in recipes that call for a subtle, buttery nut flavor.
When substituting for almond butter, I usually stick with a 1:1 ratio.
Note: The decision between peanut or cashew may not solely rest on taste preference or nutritional profile; cost could be a deciding factor too.
Generally speaking, due to the labor-intensive process involved in harvesting raw cashews into a smooth, spreadable form, this delicious alternative tends to command higher price tags than its counterparts, like peanut or even almond butters.
Best for vegan cheese sauces or creamy salad dressings, as well as desserts where I want a rich, creamy texture without the stronger nutty flavor that almond butter has.
Seed Butters as Substitutes for Almond Butter
3. Sunflower Seed Butter
Sunflower seed butter is a fantastic alternative made from ground sunflower seeds. It’s particularly wonderful for those with nut allergies.
When I substitute sunflower seed butter for almond butter, I typically use the same amount—a 1:1 ratio. It’s less sweet than almond butter, so sometimes I add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance it out.
Best for sandwiches, dressings, or as a base for sauces due to its nutty, slightly earthy flavor.
4. Pumpkin Seed Butter
Pumpkin seed butter, made from ground pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas), is a dark green, rich, and slightly earthy alternative to almond butter. This alternative stands out due to its high omega-3 fatty acids content which makes it incredibly heart-friendly besides being tasty.
I use it in the same quantity as almond butter when substituting—one for one. It’s rich in zinc and other minerals, and it gives a vibrant color to any dish it's part of.
Best for salad dressings or blended into a green smoothie where I’m looking to add a different layer of flavor.
Other Noteworthy Almond Butter Substitutes
5. Soy and Walnut Butters
Soy butter is crafted from roasted soybeans and pressed into a spreadable form. I’ve found it’s an excellent substitute for almond butter when I’m looking for a nut-free option. I use it in a 1:1 ratio for recipes like sandwiches or wraps that need a rich, creamy component.
On the other hand, walnut butter, made from ground walnuts, is more robust and earthy. I use it interchangeably with almond butter, also at a 1:1 ratio. It shines in baked goods, where I’m seeking a deeper, more complex flavor.
6. Pecan and Hazelnut Butters
Pecan butter, with its rich and buttery taste, is another favorite substitute of mine. Like the others, I use it in a 1:1 ratio when substituting for almond butter. In desserts or oatmeal, it brings a delightful, full-bodied richness.
Hazelnut butter, known for its luxurious texture and distinctive flavor, is a superstar in both sweet and savory dishes. Think of spreads, dressings, or even as a base for a vegan cream sauce—just swap it out evenly for almond butter, and you’re in for a treat!
7. Mashed Avocado and Greek Yogurt
Mashed avocado is a unique but brilliant substitute for almond butter. When I’m aiming for a creamier and more savory touch, I often use it.
I generally start with half the amount of avocado as almond butter and adjust to my liking, because it has a much softer texture. It’s my secret for a rich, plant-based sandwich spread or smoothie base.
Now, Greek yogurt is my choice when I want to add creaminess without the nutty flavor. It’s tangier, so I typically use three-quarters of the amount of Greek yogurt as I would almond butter, and it’s fantastic in dressings or marinades where I want a bit of sharpness to cut through other flavors.
Tips When Using Almond Butter Substitutes for Your Recipes
- Start with a 1:1 ratio when substituting, but be ready to adjust. Every nut and seed butter has its own unique texture and flavor profile.
- Taste as you go. Substituting almond butter can change the flavor of your recipe, so make adjustments to other ingredients as necessary.
- Consider the dish you’re making. Some substitutes, like mashed avocado, may work better in savory dishes, while others, like hazelnut butter, may shine in sweet creations.
- Be mindful of allergies. If you’re serving guests, always check for nut or seed allergies before using a substitute.
Almond Butter Substitute FAQs
Yes, but keep in mind that regular butter lacks the protein and fiber found in almond butter. The flavor profile will also be different.
You can use applesauce as a low-fat alternative to almond butter, particularly in baking recipes. However, it won't provide the same nutty flavor or nutritional benefits.
Absolutely! Almond and peanut butters both offer good amounts of heart-healthy fats and protein, although almond has slightly more vitamins and minerals.
Certainly. Almond butter can replace peanut Butter at a 1:1 ratio while offering a similar texture with a subtly different taste profile.
Embarking on a culinary adventure with these healthy and tasty almond butter substitutes can transform your recipes into new, delightful creations.
Whether it's the rich silkiness of cashew butter or the savory creaminess of mashed avocado, each substitute offers its own unique charm. Remember, cooking is about exploration and enjoyment—so feel free to play around until you find your perfect match.
Be sure to check our blog for more ingredient substitutes to inspire your next kitchen endeavor.
If you’ve tried any of these substitutes in your recipes, we'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment sharing how your culinary experiments turned out.
Happy cooking!
​​You Might Also Like:
6 Best Cotija Cheese Substitutes for Every Palate
What Butter Substitute for Cookies Should I Use? Here Are 11 Options
The Adobo Sauce Substitute List You Can Trust
12 Best Chili Oil Substitutes for Great-Tasting Recipes
Recipe
Homemade Almond Butter
Equipment
- Oven
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Food processor or high-powered blender
- Rubber spatula
- Sealed container (like a mason jar) for storage
Ingredients
- 3 cups raw unsalted almonds (16 ounces)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- vanilla extract (optional)
- honey or maple syrup, optional
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Place the almonds on a rimmed baking sheet and roast the nuts in the preheated oven for 3 minutes, then shake the pan to move the almonds around.
- Continue to roast for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the nuts are lightly browned and have a nutty aroma. Be cautious, as they can burn quickly.
- Once roasted, remove the almonds from the oven and let them cool until you can handle them comfortably.
- Add the cooled, roasted almonds to the bowl of a food processor or high-powered blender.
- Process for 1 minute, then stop and scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Continue to process for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the almond butter becomes shiny and smooth.
- If necessary, stop and break up large clumps with the spatula to expedite the process. Note that the exact time may vary depending on the brand/variety of almonds.
- If the almond butter still isn't coming together after processing, add a neutral-tasting oil, 1 teaspoon at a time, to help the mixture come together.
- When the almond butter is smooth and creamy, add fine sea salt. Process for 10 to 20 seconds, then taste the almond butter.
- Adjust to your liking by adding additional salt, vanilla, or a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. If adding a sweetener, start with 1 teaspoon, and then process for another 5 to 10 seconds to ensure it’s well incorporated.
- Transfer the almond butter to a sealed or airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for a few weeks. For longer shelf life, keep it in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For crunchy almond butter, consider setting aside a handful of roasted almonds. After processing, chop these reserved almonds and stir them into the smooth almond butter.
- A 10 or 12-cup food processor is recommended, but a large, high-powered blender should also work effectively.
- Enjoy your freshly made almond butter in sandwiches, smoothies, or as a delightful snack with fruits and crackers!
You can find the video in the post above. If you don't see a video, please check your browser settings.
Leave a Reply