Homemade orange almond butter is a creamy, nutritious, vegan butter. A good alternative to those with peanut allergies.
What is Almond Butter?
Almond butter is a nut butter with roasted almonds. Preparation is similar to any homemade nut butter; roast almonds and grind to a smooth paste. Homemade orange almond butter is a variation of almond butter and addition of orange enhances the flavor of butter.
Is Almond Butter Healthy?
Almonds are a good source of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, iron, protein, fiber, vitamins & minerals. Hence a healthy food that lowers risk of heart diseases, cholesterol, regulates blood pressure and also aides in weight loss. Since almonds are rich in protein, fiber and low in carbohydrates, it makes one feel full with fewer calories, contributing to weight loss.
Since almond butter is prepared with almonds, it has the same health benefits as almonds. It is a good alternative to peanut butter for people with peanut butter allergies. However, almonds are rich calories and so is almond butter. Use it in moderation.
Why make Almond Butter at Home?
It is easy to prepare and economical as well. Second, add add-ons of your choice to make it extra flavorful. Addition of orange zest with few drops of orange juice takes this orange almond butter to a different quotient level. Honey, cinnamon, vanilla are few add-ons to consider.
Which Almonds to use for Almond Butter?
Roasted almonds are ideal for almond butter as roasted almonds blend easily. However, one can use raw almonds for a milder taste. Buy raw almonds (unroasted) and roast them at home or use store bought roasted almonds. Since it takes less than 10-15 minutes to roast almonds in the oven, I personally prefer roasting them at home and warm almonds blend faster than the cold ones.
How to Store Orange Almond Butter?
Store almond butter in a glass jar or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Almond butter stays good even at room temperature but there is a chance butter could go rancid. Remove the butter from the refrigerate 10 -15 minutes before using it to bring it to room temperature.
How to use Orange Almond Butter?
Use almond butter on toast for breakfast, crackers and biscuits for a snack, in smoothies or mix it with some yogurt for a protein packed yogurt snack. Substitute almond butter with some dairy butter in your favorite recipes to cut back on some dairy fat. Choices are endless!!
Food Processor or a Blender
The key to good homemade almond butter is patience. It takes time to process almonds. Since the nuts are hard, roasting them helps a bit in making a creamy butter. You can use a food processor or a blender to make almond butter and may need to add some oil to get a smooth creamy texture.
I used my Indian mixie, which has a powerful motor than my food processor but not as powerful as a Vitamix. It takes time but any food processor or blend will do the job. Vitamix does a good job if you are using a big batch of butter.
Homemade Orange Almond Butter Recipe
- 1 cup Roasted Almonds
- ¾ tsp Orange Zest
- 1 ½ - 2 tsp Fresh Orange Juice or juice from 2 segments
- ¼ tsp Salt optional
- 1 tsp Honey optional
- 2 tsp Vegetable or Coconut Oil optional
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Use store bought unsalted roasted almonds or roast almonds at home.
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To roast almonds, preheat oven to 350 F.
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Spread almonds on a baking tray and roast for 10 minutes shaking the almonds half way into baking. Almonds should be crunchy else roast a little longer. Cool until almonds are warm.
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Take all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until it is creamy. It will take a decent 10 minutes and blend in intervals of 30 second, scraping down the almonds.
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Transfer to a clean container and store in the refrigerator.
- Addition of salt and honey are optional and feel free to omit these ingredients.
- Oil is optional but if you do not have a powerful motor base for your blender or food processor, adding oil (liquid) will speed up the process. This recipe requires lot of patience and lost mine half way into it and used some oil to speed up the process.
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Pavani says
I like almond butter on my toast, but I never tried making it at home. Your orange flavored almond butter sounds delicious and would love to try it at home.
MySpicyKitchen says
Thanks and give it a try.
Harini Rupanagudi says
I am sure the orange flavored almond butter will be loved by my little one. But I am just wondering if I would have the patience to run the processor for 10 minutes 🙂 But I shall have to give it a try soon.
MySpicyKitchen says
Harini, try it in Vitamix. I heard it is easier and I am yet to try. In a food processor or Indian mixie I I hesitate to run it continuously for 10 minutes.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
Usha, this is just so delicious! I would have never thought of flavoring my almond utter. I agree with you that it is so easy and economical to make nut butters at home. I am going to give this a try soon!
Amara says
Never heard of Orange Almond Butter Usha, that’s an interesting dish. I’m sure going to give this a try.
Amara says
Never heard of Orange Almond butter Usha, it sounds and looks delicious. Will sure give it a try.
Amara says
Never hear of Orange Almond Butter Usha, it looks delicious. Will sure give it a try.