Out of Cashew butter, one case
Can I substitute raw cashews for cashew butter?
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Raw cashews (blended)
Per 1 cup cashew butter
1 cup raw cashews + 1-2 tbsp oil + ½ tsp salt
Yes, you can substitute raw cashews for cashew butter by blending them into a paste. Use 1 cup raw cashews + 1-2 tbsp oil + ½ tsp salt for every 1 cup of cashew butter needed.
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full cashew butter card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 cup cashew butter |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw cashews (blended)baking | 1 cup raw cashews + 1-2 tbsp oil + ½ tsp salt |
| 2 | Soaked cashews (blended)sauces | 1 cup soaked cashews + 1-2 tbsp oil + ½ tsp salt |
| 3 | Raw almonds (blended)baking | 1 cup raw almonds + 1-2 tbsp oil + ½ tsp salt |
| 4 | Raw peanuts (blended)baking | 1 cup raw peanuts + 1-2 tbsp oil + ½ tsp salt |
| 5 | Raw sunflower seeds (blended)baking | 1 cup raw sunflower seeds + 1-2 tbsp oil + ½ tsp salt |
Raw cashews (blended)
authentic cashew flavor
Raw cashews blended into a smooth paste. The most authentic substitute for cashew butter with the same flavor profile.
- Best for
- baking, sauces, dips, spreads, when you want authentic flavor, homemade cashew butter
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
Soak cashews 2-4 hours for easier blending. Use a high-powered blender or food processor. Add oil gradually until desired consistency. Add salt for flavor.
Soaked cashews (blended)
authentic cashew flavor
Cashews soaked in water then blended into a smooth paste. Easier to blend and creates creamier texture.
- Best for
- sauces, dips, spreads, when you want creamy texture, easier blending
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
Soak cashews 2-4 hours in water, then drain and blend. Soaking makes them easier to blend and creates a creamier texture. Add oil and salt as needed.
Raw almonds (blended)
almond flavor
Raw almonds blended into a smooth paste. Similar texture to cashew butter with a slightly different flavor.
- Best for
- baking, sauces, dips, spreads, when you want similar texture, almond flavor
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
Almonds are harder than cashews, so they may take longer to blend. Use a high-powered blender. Add oil gradually until desired consistency.
Raw peanuts (blended)
peanut flavor
Raw peanuts blended into a smooth paste. Stronger flavor than cashew butter but similar texture.
- Best for
- baking, sauces, dips, spreads, when you want stronger flavor, peanut flavor
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
Peanuts have a stronger flavor than cashews. Use raw, unsalted peanuts. Blend until smooth, adding oil as needed for consistency.
Raw sunflower seeds (blended)
sunflower seed flavor
Raw sunflower seeds blended into a smooth paste. Nut-free alternative with similar texture to cashew butter.
- Best for
- baking, sauces, dips, spreads, allergies, nut-free option
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
Sunflower seeds are nut-free and work well for those with tree nut allergies. Use raw, unsalted seeds. Blend until smooth, adding oil as needed.
How it behaves in this recipe
Raw cashews can be substituted for cashew butter by blending them into a smooth paste. This is actually how cashew butter is made commercially, so it's the most authentic substitute with the same flavor profile.
Tips for substituting cashew butter
5 tips- For best results, soak raw cashews 2-4 hours before blending to make them easier to process
- Use a high-powered blender or food processor for smooth, creamy texture
- Add oil gradually while blending until you reach the desired consistency
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of homemade nut butters
- Store homemade nut butters in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
Notes on cashew butter
- For a completely different approach, try using pureed white beans for creaminess in some recipes
- Coconut cream can provide creaminess in certain applications, especially in sauces and dips
- Silken tofu blended with other ingredients can create creamy textures in some recipes
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute raw cashews for cashew butter?
Yes, you can substitute raw cashews for cashew butter by blending them into a smooth paste. Use 1 cup raw cashews + 1-2 tbsp oil + ½ tsp salt for every 1 cup of cashew butter needed.
How do I make cashew butter from raw cashews?
Soak 1 cup raw cashews in water for 2-4 hours, then drain and blend with 1-2 tbsp oil and ½ tsp salt until smooth. Use a high-powered blender for best results.
Do I need to soak cashews before blending?
Soaking cashews 2-4 hours before blending makes them easier to process and creates a creamier texture. However, you can blend raw cashews directly if you have a powerful blender.
What oil should I use when making cashew butter?
Use a neutral oil like grapeseed, sunflower, or coconut oil. Add oil gradually while blending until you reach the desired consistency. The amount needed depends on the cashews and your blender.
Can I use other nuts to make nut butter?
Yes, you can use almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, or other nuts to make nut butter. The process is similar - blend with oil and salt until smooth. Different nuts will have different flavors and textures.