Classic Homemade Walnut Butter Recipe
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: May 22, 2025 • 2 min read
Learn how to make walnut butter from the comfort of your own home.
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What Is Walnut Butter?
Walnut butter is a spread made by grinding raw or toasted walnuts into a paste. As the walnuts break down in the blending process, they release natural oils to form a creamy nut butter. You can use walnut butter in a variety of applications, from sweet to savory. Walnuts are a source of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber.
What Does Walnut Butter Taste Like?
Walnuts have a rich, meaty flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste. You can tone down the bitter aftertaste by toasting the nuts and removing the skins before blending, and you can also add honey or maple syrup as a sweetener.
4 Ways to Use Walnut Butter
Walnut butter is a versatile spread that you can use in various applications.
- 1. As a substitute for peanut butter: Walnut butter is an excellent substitute for peanut butter. It pairs perfectly with jelly on a sandwich or with dark chocolate in desserts.
- 2. In smoothies: Walnut butter is an excellent thickener for smoothies and shakes. Add a spoonful of the rich spread to a smoothie made of frozen bananas, almond milk, and dates.
- 3. As a filling: Combine walnut butter with milk and eggs to make walnut cream for a luscious pie or tart filling.
- 4. In soup: Boost the richness of pumpkin soup by adding a few teaspoons of walnut butter to the mix.
Homemade Walnut Butter Recipe
makes
2 cupsprep time
10 mintotal time
25 mincook time
15 minIngredients
- 1
For a more flavorful spread, start by roasting the walnuts (optional). Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread walnuts on an ungreased rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Toast walnuts until fragrant and golden brown, about 10–15 minutes.
- 2
While still hot, rub the walnuts between two clean kitchen towels to remove any skins. Let cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.
- 3
In a food processor or high-speed blender, pulse the roasted walnuts until finely chopped, about 30 seconds. For chunky walnut butter, remove ¼ cup chopped nuts and set aside.
- 4
Process until the nuts form a smooth, thick paste, about 3 minutes, pausing every minute to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- 5
Add salt, oil, and maple syrup, and continue to process until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. For chunky walnut butter, add the chopped nuts back in and pulse a few times to incorporate.
- 6
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. If oil separation occurs, simply stir until smooth.
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