Ingredients
The following ingredients have 16 Servings
- 3 cups (16 ounces) raw unsalted almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- Honey or maple syrup, optional
Instruction
- Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the almonds to a round or square cake pan (or rimmed baking sheet).
- Roast nuts for 3 minutes, shake pan then roast another 3 to 5 minutes or until the nuts are lightly browned and smell nutty (careful, they can burn quickly). Let cool until you can handle them.
- If you are making crunchy almond butter, add 1/3 cup of the roasted almonds to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 6 to 8 times, or until the nuts are chopped into very small pieces. Transfer the chopped almonds to a bowl and reserve for later.
- Add the roasted almonds to the bowl of a food processor. Process 1 minute then scrape sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Process another 2 to 3 minutes until the almond butter is shiny and smooth. Depending on the brand/variety of almonds you are using, this may take slightly longer. As you process them, the almonds will go from whole nuts, to a fine powder, to a clumpy mess, and finally to a creamy smooth substance. Stopping and scraping or breaking up any large clumps will help to quicken the process.
- When the almond butter is smooth and creamy, add the salt, cinnamon and vanilla. Process for 10 to 20 seconds and then taste. If you feel it needs it, add additional salt, cinnamon or vanilla. To sweeten it, add a teaspoon or more of honey or maple syrup and process another 5 to 10 seconds so that it is well incorporated.
- For crunchy almond butter, stir in the reserved chopped almonds.
- Store in a sealed container, like a mason jar, for a few weeks. It will last longer when stored in the fridge.
