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Cashew Butter

18 min

Spread

Homemade staple

10 ingredients or less

Cashew butter is an easy, rich, and creamy alternative to peanut butter and almond butter. This simple recipe yields a smooth and satisfying spread that’s delicious on toast, stirred into oatmeal, or used in various baking recipes.

Servings

(1 Tbsp per serving)

Total

18 min

Prep

7 min

Cook

11 min

Contains

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Free from

Soy symbol

soy

Peanut symbol

peanut

Sesame symbol

sesame

Gluten symbol

gluten

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C)*. Spread the cashews in a single layer over a baking tray. Roast in the oven on the centre rack for 9 - 11 minutes, or until the cashews are a golden colour. Stir once or twice while roasting.
  2. Transfer the roasted nuts to a high-powered food processor (ideally 900W or more) and blend on high for 5 - 7 minutes, or until smooth**.
  3. Transfer to a mason jar and enjoy!

Notes

  • * We used top and bottom heating (not fan-assisted/convection).
  • ** If your food processor isn't very powerful, blend for an additional 5 minutes to achieve the desired consistency. You can also add a bit of neutral-tasting oil to help the process along. Using a blender is not advised.

Storage

  • Store it in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to 1 month, or in the fridge for up to 3 months.

Let us know what you think

Nutrition info

Focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. For specific nutrition needs due to a medical condition, consult a dietitian or physician. While we strive to provide accurate nutritional information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. See our disclaimer for details.

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Frequently asked questions

What does cashew butter taste like?

Cashew butter is a creamy spread with a mildly sweet yet buttery taste. It's popular in vegan baking and cooking as it has a smoother flavour compared to almond or peanut butter.

How can I change the flavour of cashew butter recipes?

You can change up the flavour of homemade cashew butter by adding ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or a pinch of salt. Some people also enjoy adding a touch of syrup for sweetness or pumpkin spice mix for a hint of fall-inspired flavours.

Can I make nut butter without a food processor?

A food processor is the best appliance for blending drier mixtures, making it ideal for nut butter recipes. While a high-powered blender could be used to make homemade nut butter, a food processor results in a smoother texture. A high-powered blender with some added oil might create a crunchier nut butter. We don't recommend using a basic blender, as the lack of liquid could cause the blender to break.

Why is my cashew spread not getting creamy?

You may need to blend the mixture for an extra 5-10 minutes to reach a creamy consistency, especially if your food processor isn't very strong. Pushing through can make all the difference! You can also add a small amount of neutral vegetable oil to help the process along.

What can I do with cashew butter?

Similar to other nut and seed butters, it's versatile and makes for a lovely addition to sweet and savoury dishes. Our personal favourites include spreading it on crackers or toast for a snack, stirring it into oatmeal or smoothies for creaminess, or enjoying it as a dip for fruits and vegetables. It can also be used in baked goods like cookies, energy balls, or added to sauces and salad dressings for a nutty flavour.

More for the eyes

raw cashews being measured roasting cashews in the oven blending toasted nuts in a food processor blending roasted nuts in a food processor blending cashews in a food processor The nut butter stored in a mason jar ready to enjoy

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Cláudia - Oct. 31, 2024, 9:03 a.m.

Could I make this with the food processor accessory of my hand blender if the hand blender is 1000 W?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Oct. 31, 2024, 1:31 p.m.

Hi Cláudia! With a 1000-watt attachment, we imagine you’d be in good shape to make nut butter. Some processors with that power handle it well, but if you’re unsure, you can check the brand’s recommendations online.

Adding a touch more liquid and working in smaller batches can make it easier too. If you notice any unusual sounds or smells, though, it’s best to stop blending just to be safe 😊


Maiyuri - Oct. 15, 2024, 4:48 a.m.

Wonderful


Tania - Aug. 8, 2024, 9:52 p.m.

Cashew butter is so easy! Thank you PUL :)


Lorena - Aug. 6, 2024, 4:35 p.m.

So easy to make and delicious! Store bought is too expensive, so I can finally have some :)


Martunia - March 14, 2024, 7:15 p.m.

Great recipe! The butter is supersmooth.


Christina Kuzeva - Feb. 26, 2024, 8:53 p.m.

Super easy recipe!
How long can you store this, should it be stored in a fridge? Thank you in advance for help ☺️

PUL small logo PUL Team - Feb. 27, 2024, 10:07 p.m.

Hey Christina, you can store the cashew butter in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to 1 month, or in the fridge for up to 3 months. In case you haven't seen yet and it helps in the future, the storage instructions on the app are in the directions tab and the last slide of the "Make" step-by-step instructions 🤗


Kitty - Jan. 31, 2024, 4:50 a.m.

So yummy and gooey and it is easy to make!
I have a 350 w food processor and it was no problem.


Maame Enninful - Aug. 14, 2023, 5:36 p.m.

I don’t have a food processor, but it worked fine with my blender. It just took a bit longer

Kathleen Brune - Nov. 17, 2023, 7:23 p.m.

Thanks for sharing this. I don’t have a food processor, and was debating trying it out in my blender. Will now try this today!


Rae Ferreira - July 16, 2023, 4:55 p.m.

Perfect consistency and way easier to make than I thought.
It’s gonna be staple!


Laura - April 11, 2023, 2:12 p.m.

Great recipe. My son loves cashews so I was happy to make this with him and see his face lit when he tried it. He is 3 years old.

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 11, 2023, 4:25 p.m.

Awe how adorable! Lots of love to you and your little one, Laura 🤗


Steph - Nov. 5, 2022, 10:23 a.m.

Cashew butter is just my favourite nut butter. So easy and quick to make and so delicious! Also easy to make your own cashew milk from it.
Thank you for the detailed step-by-step instructions!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 5, 2022, 3:25 p.m.

It's one of our favourites too! So glad to hear, Steph ☺️


Dom - Aug. 18, 2022, 11:32 p.m.

I have roasted cashews instead of raw. Should I roast them in the oven for about 5 min just to warm them up and proceed normally?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 19, 2022, 2:51 a.m.

Hey Dom, yes if using pre-roasted cashews we'd recommend rewarming them in the oven for 5 minutes or so. This will help them blend smoother and refresh the taste. We'd suggest unflavoured nuts and using a lower oven temperature, such as 300°F- 350°F, to avoid over-toasting 🙂

Holly Jones - Sept. 29, 2024, 6:08 p.m.

Thanks for this instruction because mine were also roasted.


JoAnne - July 23, 2022, 5:19 a.m.

First time making cashew butter, came out great. Had some on honey wheat bread… Yum

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 23, 2022, 9:42 p.m.

Thank you for taking the time to share, JoAnne 🙂


:) - March 1, 2022, 8:25 p.m.

Thanks for this excellent recipe and the encouragement to keep blending until you see it get creamy… I’ve always given up too soon… not anymore

PUL small logo PUL Team - March 2, 2022, 6:11 a.m.

So glad to hear! The extra few minutes can make all the difference 😃


Sandrine - Jan. 4, 2022, 7:09 p.m.

I am a reaaaal peanut butter lover! But I thought I'd give this cashew butter a try and MY GOODNESS, it is absolutely DELICIOUS!! My 2 year old daughter was right there throughout the whole process; she licked some of the spatula, and... she VERY much approves this new nut butter! Can't wait to put some on our oatmeal tomorrow morning!🤩

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 4, 2022, 10:16 p.m.

Awe we're so glad it was enjoyed, Sandrine! We hope the oatmeal was delicious 🤗


Wendy - Dec. 7, 2021, 4:47 p.m.

Do you think it will work with a mini foodprocessor with 240 watt? And can I use this recipe to make peanut butter?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 8, 2021, 3:11 a.m.

Hey there, Wendy, thanks for the question! Our food processors tend to be between 500-1200 watts so we're hesitant to say yes as yours could break. It may be possible with some added liquid (such as water or oil) or smaller portions depending on other factors, such as the shape of the blades. If you hear any unusual noises or smell anything off, that would be a sign it isn't powerful enough. We hope this helps for now and you enjoy the nut butter if you're able to give it a try 😊


Rashmi Sheregar - Nov. 17, 2021, 5:06 p.m.

this website is literally amazing. Its only now I learnt cooking could be a recreation. I highly appreciate ur efforts.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 18, 2021, 1:27 a.m.

Oh, Rashmi, this means so much! We highly appreciate the kind words and support 💚


Cynthia - Nov. 2, 2021, 10:02 p.m.

Amazing Recipe. Am so happy I am now able to make my own cashew butter, thanks to Pick Up Limes. I made my first one today after following each step of the recipe and the result is amazing. Can't wait to make more and more of your recipes. Continue the great work!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 4, 2021, 3:28 p.m.

Aw we're so thrilled to hear this, Cynthia, happy cooking 😃

Cynthia Iradukunda - Nov. 5, 2021, 4:14 p.m.

Thank youuu 😃!


Aks - Oct. 19, 2021, 11:06 a.m.

Can I roast the almonds or cashews (for almond butter or cashew butter) in a pan on gas stove?
Also, can I use the basic blender for a longer duration to make the butter for these nuts?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Oct. 19, 2021, 4:37 p.m.

Hey there, Aks, thanks for the questions! We would recommend the oven if possible as the nuts burn fairly quickly on the stovetop without warming up evenly. If you test it out on the stove, using a non-stick pan, lowering the heat, and keeping a close eye on the nuts may help.

We wouldn't advise using a basic blender for this one as there isn't enough liquid and your blender could break. A food processor is better suited for a dryer mixture, such as this. It may be possible to use a high-powered blender with some added oil and create a crunchier nut butter. Although if you hear any unusual noises or smell anything off, that would be a sign your blender isn't powerful enough. We hope this helps for now 🙂

Aks - Oct. 19, 2021, 5:54 p.m.

Great, I shall try. Thank you so much for your quick response. Much appreciated. :)


Aish - July 25, 2021, 5:51 a.m.

Yummmm


Vivian H. - July 23, 2021, 11:21 a.m.

Love this recipe!


Caitlen - July 8, 2021, 9:36 p.m.

I never realized how easy it is to make my own cashew butter! Oh the things I have been so naive about, so thank you Sadia! Mine ended up being a bit thicker/harder in consistency, but will maybe add some coconut oil next time and see how that works :)


Nasim - June 15, 2021, 5:35 p.m.

Do we need to cool down cashews or need to blend when is hot??

PUL small logo PUL Team - June 17, 2021, 6:47 a.m.

That's a wonderful question, Nasim! We recommend using warm cashews that were recently roasted as they tend to blend better and taste fresher. We hope this helps 🙂


Poorvi Angel - June 8, 2021, 1:57 p.m.

Amazing,Sadia!This is the easiest nut butter recipe I have ever seen.It's incredible!I I watch your videos on YouTube all the time...They are amazing.Especially the food photography!!!

PUL small logo PUL Team - June 9, 2021, 5:40 a.m.

We're so grateful to hear this, Poorvi! Thank you for the kind words and support ✨🙂

Poorvi Angel - June 9, 2021, 12:01 p.m.

You're always welcomed!


Cris S - June 5, 2021, 5:52 p.m.

Cashew makes for my favorite nut-butter! Thanks! 😁


Ambika - May 23, 2021, 8:07 p.m.

Made this today and it was SO delicious and creamy! Thanks PUL team for another winning recipe!


Rekha - April 5, 2021, 5:10 a.m.

Superb post and initiative Sadia.
Feels so inspired after seeing your videos and beautiful yum recipes.

More power to you ❤️😊

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 5, 2021, 7:38 p.m.

Thank you for being part of our PUL family, Rekha 🥰


Anna - April 3, 2021, 12:01 p.m.

I totally get the problem with the blender or the food processer not being powerful enough. I already broke one that I got for Christmas, trying to make nut butter... Now, I have a high speed blender that is much more powerful than almost all food processers (therefore it was quite expensive), yet still when I tried making the cashew butter again today, it looked like it's going to die. I am very sad because I specifically asked the people in the shop for a machine that can handle it and they suggested this one. I will either try to add the coconut oil, or I don't know. Not even suited for tahini... It always blocks the space underneath the blade and the blender gets angry.

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 4, 2021, 2:26 a.m.

Hi Anna, thank you for sharing with us. How frustrating! We appreciate your patience as it must have been disappointing to unsuccessfully make the cashew butter. Adding some coconut oil and ensuring the cashews are freshly roasted may help with the blending. Perhaps blending in smaller increments of time may also help if your food processor isn't able to handle longer durations of time!

If you're looking into getting a high-powered food processor, we have some information in our kitchen essentials article that may be helpful if you haven't already seen it. If you're interested, you can search for this recipe on the website 😃

Silvia Natal - April 29, 2021, 7:53 p.m.

Hi Anna, I’m guessing you used the Vitamix for doing the cashew butter. .? That will not work, a good powerful blender will not do the butters....I tried...I think it is best to invest a good food processor...I was looking in to what Sadia is recommending . Good luck on your next try .


Anna J. - March 29, 2021, 10:13 a.m.

So simple and delicious! Thank you for not writing a long intro for a simple process. Exactly 7 minutes in my food processor. The taste is lovely and we saved one jar from a landfill.

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 2, 2021, 11:29 p.m.

Hi Anna! Thank you for taking the time to leave your kind review. So glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂


Claudia - March 27, 2021, 7 p.m.

Never expected making cashew butter to be so easy! I wanted to try out Pick Up Limes recipe for overnight strawberry cheesecake oats and since I had cashews in my pantry decided to give making my own cashew butter a try. I have to say I've never had a more delicious cashew butter, and it's amazing that it's just one ingredient. Will definitely make this more often, tastes amazing and it's more affordable to make myself!

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 2, 2021, 10 p.m.

This is so incredible to hear, Claudia! We're so happy you gave the recipe a try and enjoyed it 😀


Matt - March 22, 2021, 9:23 a.m.

This didn't work for me. My cashews never got past the crumbled stage. I ended up having to add coconut oil to make the mixture more creamy. Could this be caused by the type of cashews I bought or my mixer?

Wel - March 22, 2021, 8:51 p.m.

Just keep processing them .They will turn creamy . I almost lost hope with mine but it did turn out great eventually after 10 minutes. I think if you tried to grind it while slightly warm it will be easier and faster .

R - March 24, 2021, 11:24 p.m.

Could it perhaps not have roasted enough in the oven? I'm glad the coconut oil worked though! Thanks for that!

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 2, 2021, 2:33 a.m.

Thank you for the honest feedback, Matt! There are a few possible culprits. We'd suggest ensuring the cashews are roasted and letting them mix for longer! An extra 5-10 minutes can make a big difference 😁

It may also be that your food processor isn't powerful enough. Enjoying a chunkier cashew butter, or adding some coconut oil can help make it more creamy in this case. Let us know how it goes if you give the recipe another try!


Allie - March 22, 2021, 9:13 a.m.

Great idea 💡


Stephanie - March 22, 2021, 8:47 a.m.

The taste is great! Mine didn't come out creamy like yours though....it was balling up in the food processor and is smooth. Did you add any sort of liquid to this? Thanks and thanks for sharing your gift of vegan food dishes!

mallika - March 22, 2021, 10:12 a.m.

I tried that too, I guess we need to use a food processor which works without adding liquid. A normal grinder might make this into a ball and not allow it to turn smooth and creamy.

PUL small logo PUL Team - March 30, 2021, 11:15 p.m.

Hi there Mallika and Stephanie! We didn't add liquid to this recipe, but here are a few ideas:

1) Let it run for longer. Sometimes the extra 5 minutes can make all the difference
2) If this doesn't work, it could be that your food processor isn't powerful enough, and that's okay. It'll make for a slightly chunkier cashew butter which is equally as delicious :)
3) Try adding a tbsp or so of coconut oil. This can help to make it a bit more creamy!


Hana - March 22, 2021, 8:45 a.m.

i was afraid but to try it... but even though my food processor is not very powerful, it was so easy ! thanks for this delicious recipe 🙌🏽

PUL small logo PUL Team - March 29, 2021, 5:50 p.m.

Glad you decided to try it, Hana! :D


Ketan - March 22, 2021, 8:43 a.m.

Looks delicious