Almond butter has become increasingly popular in recent years as a delicious and nutritious alternative to peanut butter.
With its excellent taste, many health benefits, and versatility, almond butter has secured its place as a pantry staple with endless possibilities.
1. Enjoy Almond Butter On Breads And Starches
Spreading almond butter on breads and starches makes for a satisfying snack or quick breakfast. Try it on:
- Toast
- Bagels
- English muffins
- Crumpets
- Pancakes
- Waffles
For breakfast, spread almond butter on your morning toast for a nutty start to your day. You can also use it as a substitute for butter or jam.
2. Dip Fresh And Dried Fruits In Almond Butter
Beyond breads, fresh and dried fruits pair deliciously with almond butter:
- Smear almond butter on apple slices or dip banana chunks in almond butter for a portable, kid-friendly snack.
- Coat dried fruits like apricots and apples in almond butter for added flavor and nutrition.
- Skewer cantaloupe, grapes, or strawberries and dip in almond butter for a sweet dessert.
The natural sweetness of fruits complements the nutty taste of almond butter perfectly.
3. Make Your Hot Cereal Extra Nutty
Hot cereal is made heartier and more nutritious with the addition of almond butter. Stir it into oatmeal or cream of wheat for extra protein and healthy fats.
Add a bit of almond butter and milk to oatmeal, then top with sliced fruit or a drizzle of honey for a balanced morning meal. Steel-cut oats and almond butter also make for a filling overnight oats combination.
4. Mix Almond Butter Into Yogurt
Plain yogurt gets a flavor and nutrition upgrade when blended with almond butter. Try combinations like:
- Greek yogurt swirled with almond butter and honey
- Almond butter whisked into yogurt with cinnamon
- Berries and almond butter folded into yogurt for a quick parfait
Mixing almond butter into yogurt creates a balanced snack full of protein, healthy fats, and probiotics.
5. Blend Almond Butter Into Smoothies
Nutty, protein-packed almond butter is a perfect addition to fruity smoothies and shakes. Blend it into smoothies along with:
- Milk, non-dairy milks, or yogurt
- Frozen fruit like bananas, berries, and mangoes
- Fresh greens like spinach or kale
- Sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or vanilla extract
- Ice
Add a spoonful of almond butter when making smoothies for a nutritional boost and creamy texture.
6. Use In Savory Dishes, Sauces, And Condiments
While often thought of as a sweet ingredient, almond butter can add body and nutty flavor to savory dishes too. Add it to:
- Stir fries and curries to add thickness and nuttiness
- Salad dressings for a creamy base
- Marinades to keep meats moist and add flavor
- Sauces and gravies as a thickener and for nutty flavor
- Soups like butternut squash or tomato to enrich flavor
Stir almond butter into savory sauces to balance sweet and salty flavors.
7. Top Frozen Desserts With Almond Butter
A drizzle of almond butter makes frozen desserts like ice cream and sorbet even more decadent.
- Swirl almond butter and chocolate syrup over vanilla ice cream
- Fold almond butter into vanilla frozen yogurt along with crushed almonds
- Mix almond butter into your favorite sorbet for added richness
Drizzle almond butter over ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade.
8. Dip Chocolate In Almond Butter
Chocoholics will love dipping chocolate bars, truffles, or strawberries coated in chocolate into almond butter. The combo of chocolate and nutty almond butter is a match made in heaven. Set out an almond butter dip bowl along with apple slices and chocolate pieces for an easy dessert platter.
9. Bake With Almond Butter
In baked goods, almond butter adds moistness, nutty flavor, and protein. Incorporate it into:
- Cookies - Swap out some peanut butter for almond butter in classic recipes
- Bars - Mix into rice cereal treats, granola bars, and layered bars
- Muffins - Replace some oil with almond butter for added moisture
- Cakes - Frost or fill cakes with almond butter for extra flair
Use almond butter in place of peanut butter when baking for a nutty twist. Reduce any added fats to account for the fat in the almond butter.
10. Enjoy Almond Butter As You Would Peanut Butter
With its similar texture, almond butter can be used in place of peanut butter in any recipe. Spread it on sandwiches, toast, waffles, and apples for an easy peanut butter swap.
Make a PB&J with almond butter for those with peanut allergies. Drizzle it over oatmeal or blend it into smoothies by simply substituting almond butter for peanut butter.
FAQs
How long does almond butter last once opened?
An opened jar of almond butter will last 3-4 months in the pantry or up to a year in the fridge. Store it upside down if the oils separate to make stirring easier.
Does almond butter need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is not necessary but will prolong its shelf life and prevent the oils from separating. Let refrigerated almond butter come to room temperature before use for easier spreading.
Should almond butter be raw or roasted?
Both raw and roasted almond butter work wonderfully in recipes. Raw has a milder flavor while roasted offers deeper nuttiness similar to peanut butter. Use whichever you prefer based on taste and texture.
What are easy ways to incorporate more almond butter into meals?
Spread on fruits and toast, blend into oatmeal and smoothies, or use when baking cookies and bars. Almond butter also makes a great dip for apple slices, celery, or graham crackers.
What can I add to almond butter to enhance flavor?
Mix in cinnamon, cocoa powder, vanilla, honey, or maple syrup. You can also add coconut flakes or chopped nuts for texture. Stir thoroughly before use.
Conclusion
With its impressive versatility, almond butter can be used to add flavor, creaminess, and nutrition to endless sweet and savory recipes.
Spread it on toast, blend it into yogurt and smoothies, or bake it into cookies and cakes.
Almond butter makes for an easy peanut butter substitute while offering its own unique nutty richness.