🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Vegan Peanut Butter Substitute: Plant-Based Alternatives for Every Recipe

Discover the best vegan peanut butter substitutes for plant-based cooking and baking. Find alternatives that work perfectly in vegan recipes.

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Quick Answer

The best vegan peanut butter substitutes are almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, and tahini. All are naturally plant-based and work well in vegan recipes.

Best Substitutes

Almond Butter

1:1

Creamy, protein-rich spread made from ground almonds, naturally vegan

Best for:

sandwichesbakingsmoothiesdipsvegan desserts

Check labels for honey-free varieties. Slightly sweeter than peanut butter.

Cashew Butter

1:1

Smooth, mild-flavored nut butter perfect for vegan cooking and baking

Best for:

saucesdipsbakingvegan cheesecakesfrostings

Milder flavor allows other ingredients to shine. Great for vegan desserts.

Sunflower Seed Butter

1:1

Nut-free, vegan alternative made from roasted sunflower seeds

Best for:

sandwichesbakingdipsvegan energy barsschool-safe treats

Completely vegan and nut-free. May have a slight green tint.

Tahini

1 cup peanut butter = 3/4 cup tahini + 2 tbsp oil + 1/2 tsp salt

Sesame seed paste, a staple in vegan Middle Eastern cuisine

Best for:

saucesdipsdressingshummusvegan dressings

More liquid than peanut butter. Add oil and salt to match consistency.

Coconut Butter

1:1

Naturally sweet, creamy spread made from ground coconut meat

Best for:

bakingsmoothiesvegan dessertstropical recipes

Naturally sweet. May solidify at room temperature.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Always check labels for honey-free varieties when choosing nut butters
  • 💡For vegan baking: almond butter and cashew butter work best as 1:1 replacements
  • 💡For nut allergies: use sunflower seed butter or tahini
  • 💡For smoothies: any nut butter works well and adds protein and healthy fats
  • 💡For vegan sauces: tahini creates rich, creamy textures without dairy
  • 💡For vegan desserts: cashew butter works great in cheesecakes and frostings
  • 💡For energy bars: sunflower seed butter holds ingredients together well
  • 💡For savory dishes: tahini adds authentic Middle Eastern flavor
  • 💡For chocolate recipes: sunflower seed butter pairs well and masks any color changes
  • 💡For school-safe treats: use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter

Frequently Asked Questions

Is almond butter vegan?

Yes, almond butter is naturally vegan as it's made from ground almonds. However, always check labels for added honey or other non-vegan ingredients.

What's the best vegan substitute for peanut butter in baking?

Almond butter and cashew butter work best in vegan baking as 1:1 replacements. They have similar fat content and texture to peanut butter.

Can I use tahini instead of peanut butter in vegan recipes?

Yes, tahini works well in vegan recipes, especially savory ones. Use 3/4 cup tahini + 2 tbsp oil + 1/2 tsp salt for every 1 cup of peanut butter.

Are there any nut-free vegan peanut butter alternatives?

Yes, sunflower seed butter and tahini are both nut-free and vegan. They work well in most recipes that call for peanut butter.

Can I make my own vegan peanut butter substitute?

Yes, you can make almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter at home by roasting the nuts/seeds and blending them with a little oil and salt.

Summary

Find the best vegan peanut butter substitutes for plant-based cooking and baking. Discover almond butter, cashew butter, and sunflower seed butter alternatives.