Pecan butter may be unconventional but fresh pecans have a naturally sweet and rich taste that make an ideal spread.
Pecan Butter
Updated on Oct. 18, 2024
With the right equipment, DIY nut butter can be made in a snap and the end result is so worth it. This pecan butter recipe blends pecans, salt and just a bit of cinnamon to make a smooth and versatile nut butter. Fresh pecans are light and crisp and develop a deep, toasted sweetness after being tossed in a warm skillet.
Blend until ultra-smooth and you’ll have an extra luxe nut butter to take your sandwiches to the next level.
Ingredients for Pecan Butter
- Pecans: Delicious pecans make a unique nut butter, and their sweet richness is perfect for pureeing.
- Salt: Just a bit of salt heightens the natural nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon (optional): A pinch of ground cinnamon complements the pecans.
Directions
Step 1: Toast pecans
Use a large skillet so the pecans form a single layer. Use medium heat and toast pecans, stirring frequently or shaking the skillet, until nuts are fragrant and lightly browned. It will take three to four minutes. Cool before processing.
Step 2: Blend the nut butter
Use a food processor or high-powered blender to make the nut butter. Add toasted pecans, salt and cinnamon (if using) to bowl and blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Pecan Butter Variations
- Make it maple: Start blending and then add two tablespoons of pure maple syrup for a light sweetness and a candied pecan vibe.
- Add chai spices:Â Instead of just cinnamon, use 1/4 teaspoon of a chai spice blend. For a more pronounced flavor, use 1/2 teaspoon.
How to Store Pecan Butter
Store pecan butter in a jar in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Can you freeze pecan butter?
Nut butter can be frozen, although it never completely solidifies due to the high fat content. Leave a little headroom in the jar and freeze up to three months. Thaw as needed.
Pecan Butter Recipe Tips
Should I use a food processor or a high-powered blender for this recipe?
You can use either! For recipes that have little to no liquid, a food processor is more efficient.
How can you use pecan butter?
A homemade nut butter can be used in ways beyond a delicious sandwich or toast topper. Swirl it into oatmeal, layer in a yogurt granola parfait or even spoon over ice cream. Try stuffing it inside dates, dipping in chocolate and freezing for a tasty and healthy treat.
How do you select and store nuts?
Seeking out fresh nuts for a recipe like this is important because you can’t turn stale or off-tasting nuts into a good-tasting nut butter. Look for whole nuts from a store that has high turnover. Pecans should taste crisp and sweet, not soft or overly bitter. Any leftover nuts can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to keep their natural oils from turning rancid.
Homemade Pecan Butter
Prep Time
10 min
Yield
1 cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
Directions
- Heat a large skillet to medium heat. Add pecans; toast until lightly browned and fragrant, 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly. Cool completely.
- Place toasted pecans in a food processor or high-powered blender. Add salt and if desired, cinnamon. Blend until mixture turns into smooth butter, pausing to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
2 tablespoons: 188 calories, 20g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
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Fragrant toasted pecans have a sweet richness that is perfect for pureeing into homemade nut butter. Just a bit of salt heightens the natural nutty flavor, and the optional pinch of ground cinnamon complements the pecans. Keep it on hand to make next-level nut butter and jam sandwiches, or swirl it into oatmeal with a drizzle of honey. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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