Making almond butter at home is a great way to enjoy a healthy and delicious spread without any added preservatives or chemicals. With a Vitamix blender, you can make your own almond butter quickly and easily. In this article, I will guide you through the process of making almond butter in a Vitamix blender, from choosing the right ingredients to blending and storing the final product.
To make almond butter in a Vitamix, you will need just raw almonds to start. Roasting the almonds brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. You can roast the almonds in the oven or buy pre-roasted almonds. If you like you can add oil, this helps to make the almond butter smoother and creamier. You can use any neutral oil, such as vegetable oil or grapeseed oil. However, I generally don’t use oil when I make almond butter in my Vitamix.
Roasting the almonds is an important step in making almond butter. Roasting helps to bring out the natural oils in the almonds, which makes blending easier and enhances the flavor of the final product. To roast the almonds, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Let the almonds cool before adding them to the Vitamix blender.
Key Takeaways
- Making almond butter in a Vitamix is easy and requires only two ingredients: roasted almonds and a neutral oil.
- Roasting the almonds brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor.
- Adding oil to the almond butter helps to make it smoother and creamier.
Ingredients
Making almond butter in a Vitamix is incredibly easy and requires only a few simple ingredients. Here are the ingredients to use when making almond butter in a Vitamix:
- 4 cups (600 g) of roasted, unsalted almonds
- 1/4 cup of oil (I prefer avocado oil)
- A pinch of salt
When it comes to the almonds, I recommend using raw and unsalted almonds. All you do is roast your almonds by spreading them out on a baking sheet and roasting them in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 10 minutes. DO NOT roast for longer, your butter will turn out bitter. Transfer the almonds to a cool plate or surface immediately after baking. This step halts any additional roasting that could occur from the residual heat of the baking sheet. Allow the almonds to cool to room temperature before continuing with the next step.
As for the oil, I prefer not using oil at all. But if I do, I like to use avocado oil because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. However, you can use any oil you prefer, such as coconut oil or olive oil.
Finally, a pinch of salt helps to enhance the flavor of the almond butter. You can adjust the amount of salt to your liking or omit it altogether if you prefer.
That’s it for the ingredients! With just a few simple items, you can make delicious almond butter in your Vitamix. If you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of almonds, check out this article.
Roasting Almonds
Roasting almonds is an important step in making almond butter with a Vitamix. Roasting the almonds brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Here’s how I roast almonds for my almond butter:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast the almonds for 10 minutes.
- Remove the almonds from the oven and transfer the almonds to a cool plate or surface immediately after baking, let them cool completely before making the almond butter.
It’s important to let the almonds cool down completely before blending them in the Vitamix. This will prevent the almond butter from becoming too runny or oily.
I prefer to use raw almonds for my almond butter, as they are less likely to be contaminated with bacteria. However, if you prefer the taste of roasted almonds, you can use them instead. Just be sure to use unsalted almonds, as salt can interfere with the blending process.
Roasting almonds can also be done on the stovetop. Simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the almonds, and stir frequently until they are fragrant and golden brown.
For more information on roasting almonds, check out my recipe here.
Blending Almond Butter
Blender and Container
To make homemade almond butter in a Vitamix, you will need a Vitamix blender. A Vitamix blender is a high-powered blender that can blend nuts into creamy nut butters in just a few minutes. You can use any Vitamix blender, but it’s important to use the correct container. For making almond butter, it’s best to use a narrow Vitamix container. If you use a wide container, you may need to double the recipe to ensure that the blades can properly blend the almonds.
Blending Technique
The key to making creamy almond butter in a Vitamix is to use the tamper to push the almonds into the blades. Start by blending the almonds on the lowest speed and gradually increase the speed. Use the tamper to push the almonds into the blades until you have a creamy consistency. The blending time will depend on the amount of almonds you are using and the desired consistency. It usually takes around 5-8 minutes to make almond butter in a Vitamix.
Adding Flavor and Sweetener
If you want to add flavor to your almond butter, you can add natural oils, honey, or vanilla extract. If you want to sweeten your almond butter, you can add a sweetener like agave. It’s important to add any flavorings or sweeteners after the almonds have been blended into a creamy consistency. You can also add other nuts like cashews, pecans, or pistachios for added flavor and protein.
Storing Almond Butter
To store your homemade almond butter, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Almond butter can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. You can also freeze almond butter for up to six months.
Tips
- Use pre-roasted almonds for a quicker blending time.
- Warm nuts can create a creamier texture due to the friction of blending.
- Make sure your almonds are at room temperature before blending.
- Clean your Vitamix blender immediately after making almond butter to prevent any residue from sticking to the blades. This is what I do when I make almond butter to clean my Vitamix. Watch this video to see how I clean my Vitamix.
- Check out this Vitamix almond butter recipe for more detailed instructions.
- Avoid common mistakes like using a dry blade container or trying to blend plain raw nuts.
Making almond butter in a Vitamix is a simple and delicious way to enjoy homemade nut butter. You can use it as a spread on sandwiches or as a dip for fruit. With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can make creamy almond butter in just a few minutes.
Here is a video tutorial on how to make almond butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make almond butter without oil in a Vitamix?
Making almond butter without oil in a Vitamix is easy. All you need is some roasted, unsalted almonds. Add the almonds to the Vitamix container and blend on low speed for a few minutes. Then, increase the speed to high and blend until you get a smooth and creamy consistency. You may need to stop the blender and scrape down the sides of the container a few times during the process.
How can I make almond butter runny in a Vitamix?
To make almond butter runny in a Vitamix, you can add a little bit of oil to the mixture. Start with a small amount, like a teaspoon, and blend it in. Keep adding more until you get the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much liquid, or your almond butter may become too thin.
What is the recipe for making nut butter in a Vitamix?
The recipe for making nut butter in a Vitamix is simple. All you need is some roasted, unsalted nuts, like almonds, cashews, or peanuts. Add the nuts to the Vitamix container and blend on low speed for a few minutes. Then, increase the speed to high and blend until you get a smooth and creamy consistency. You may need to stop the blender and scrape down the sides of the container a few times during the process. Here is a recipe for nut butter with video instrctions.
Can I use any Vitamix blender to make nut butter?
Yes, you can use any Vitamix blender to make nut butter. However, some models may work better than others. For example, the Vitamix 5200 is a popular model for making nut butter because it has a powerful motor and a large container that can hold a lot of nuts.
Is a Vitamix a good blender for making almond butter?
Yes, a Vitamix is an excellent blender for making almond butter. It has a powerful motor and sharp blades that can easily grind up roasted almonds into a smooth and creamy butter. Plus, the large container allows you to make a big batch of almond butter at once.
What are some healthy recipes using almond butter?
There are many healthy recipes that use almond butter, such as smoothies, energy balls, and baked goods. Here are a few ideas:
- Almond butter and banana smoothie
- Almond butter energy balls with oats and honey
- Almond butter oatmeal cookies
- Almond butter and apple slices as a snack
For more recipe ideas, check out this article.