Best Cashew Butter Substitutes for Butter Chicken

Cashew Butter substitute

Almond Butter

Use the same amount as the cashew butter you are replacing

Best for butter chicken

For butter chicken, the best cashew butter substitutes are almond butter, cashew cream, or coconut cream. Use 1:1 ratio and blend with other ingredients for authentic curry texture.

Compare all 5 cashew butter substitutes

Discover the best substitutes for cashew butter in butter chicken. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for authentic Indian curry flavor.

Other cashew butter substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Cashew Cream
Use 1 cup soaked cashews + ½ cup water + 1 tbsp lemon juice for every 1 cup cashew butter
Homemade cashew cream made from soaked and blended cashews.
What changes
Perfect for authentic butter chicken texture and flavor.
Best for
butter chicken, curry sauces, when you want authentic flavor, creamy texture
Taste
mild, creamy
Texture
smooth, creamy
Soak cashews 2-4 hours for best results. Blend until completely smooth. Add lemon juice for tanginess. This is the most authentic substitute.
3Coconut Cream
Use the same amount
Rich, creamy coconut product that provides similar texture and richness to cashew butter in curry sauces.
What changes
Best for
butter chicken, curry sauces, when you want dairy-free option, creamy texture
Taste
coconut, rich
Texture
smooth, creamy
Coconut cream has a distinct coconut flavor. Use full-fat coconut cream for best results. May need to adjust spices to balance the coconut taste.
4Heavy Cream + Ground Cashews
Use ½ cup heavy cream + ¼ cup ground cashews for every 1 cup cashew butter
Traditional dairy-based substitute that mimics the texture and flavor of cashew butter in butter chicken.
What changes
Best for
butter chicken, when you want traditional flavor, creamy texture, dairy-based recipes
Taste
rich, creamy
Texture
smooth, creamy
Use heavy cream for richness and ground cashews for texture. Blend well to avoid lumps. This is closer to traditional butter chicken recipes.
5Greek Yogurt + Ground Almonds
Use ½ cup Greek yogurt + ¼ cup ground almonds + 1 tbsp oil for every 1 cup cashew butter
Tangy, creamy substitute that adds both richness and tanginess to butter chicken sauce.
What changes
Best for
butter chicken, when you want tangy flavor, creamy texture, protein-rich option
Taste
tangy, creamy
Texture
smooth, creamy
Greek yogurt adds tanginess that complements the spices. Use full-fat yogurt for best results. Blend with ground almonds for texture.

How it behaves in this recipe

Butter chicken traditionally uses cashew butter to create a rich, creamy sauce that balances the spices and tomatoes. The substitute should provide similar creaminess and mild flavor that won't overpower the curry spices.

Cooking tips

For authentic butter chicken, cashew butter is traditionally used to create the creamy, rich sauce
Blend the nut butter substitute with tomatoes, onions, and spices before adding to the curry
Add the nut butter substitute gradually while stirring to prevent clumping in the sauce
For best results, use a high-powered blender to create a smooth, silky sauce texture
Taste and adjust spices after adding the nut butter substitute, as it can mellow the heat

Notes on cashew butter

For a completely different approach, try using silken tofu blended with spices for a protein-rich alternative
Coconut milk can provide creaminess but will change the flavor profile significantly
Heavy cream alone can work but won't provide the same richness and texture as nut-based substitutes

Frequently asked questions

Can I substitute almond butter for cashew butter in butter chicken?

Yes, almond butter can be substituted for cashew butter in a 1:1 ratio in butter chicken. It has a similar mild flavor and creamy texture that works well in curry sauces.

What's the best substitute for cashew butter in butter chicken?

Cashew cream (made from soaked cashews) is the best substitute as it's the most authentic. Almond butter is the next best option for convenience.

Can I use coconut cream instead of cashew butter in butter chicken?

Yes, coconut cream can substitute for cashew butter in butter chicken, but it will add a coconut flavor. Use full-fat coconut cream and adjust spices to balance the taste.

Do I need to adjust the recipe when substituting nut butters in butter chicken?

Generally, you can use a 1:1 ratio, but blend the substitute well with other ingredients to avoid clumping. You may need to adjust spices to balance the flavor.

Can I make cashew cream at home for butter chicken?

Yes, soak 1 cup raw cashews in water for 2-4 hours, then blend with 1/2 cup water and 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth. This creates authentic cashew cream for butter chicken.

Best Cashew Butter Substitutes for Butter Chicken

Other cashew butter substitutes

2Cashew Cream

3Coconut Cream

4Heavy Cream + Ground Cashews

5Greek Yogurt + Ground Almonds