Description
A wonderfully smooth spread made by roasting macadamia nuts with just a bit of salt to enhance their natural richness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups raw macadamia nuts
- 1 cup water (for soaking)
- ยฝ teaspoon fine salt
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon sunflower lecithin powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
- 1 tablespoon monk fruit sweetener (or erythritol blend)
Instructions
- Place the raw macadamia nuts in a bowl and cover them completely with 1 cup of water. Allow them to soak for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. Soaking softens the nuts and helps reduce compounds like phytic acid, which can interfere with digestion and mask the nutsโ natural flavor.
- Drain the soaked nuts and pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast the nuts in a preheated oven at 250ยฐF for about 20 minutes, stirring once midway through to ensure even browning. This gentle heat allows the nutsโ oils to develop their flavor gradually without creating bitterness or burning.
- Transfer the cooled nuts into a food processor fitted with a sharp blade. Pulse approximately 10 to 15 times to break the nuts into small pieces evenly.
- Then, run the processor continuously for 3 to 4 minutes, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula. Be patient as the nuts transition through stagesโfrom crumbly, to paste-like, and finally releasing their natural oils into a creamy butter.
- Add the avocado oil and sunflower lecithin powder to the nut mixture. Then process again until the butter achieves an ultra-smooth, spreadable texture.
- Next, add the salt, vanilla powder, and monk fruit sweetener. Blend briefly until these ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Check the thickness of the macadamia nut butter. If it feels too firm, gradually add up to 1 tablespoon more avocado oil one teaspoon at a time. Blend briefly after each addition until you reach your preferred spreadability.
- Transfer the macadamia nut butter to a clean, airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks for best freshness. Before serving, bring the butter to room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes to soften and regain its creamy consistency.
Notes
- Using a food processor with a strong motor will make processing easier and help avoid overheating. Pulse blending at first is helpful to reduce motor strain.
- Soaking nuts not only improves digestion but also encourages a creamier texture by softening the nuts before roasting and blending.
- Slow roasting at low heat allows natural nut sugars and oils to develop fully without darkening the oils, which can cause bitterness or an off flavor.
- Sunflower lecithin powder acts as an effective emulsifier to maintain a stable texture and avoid the macadamia oil from separating during storage. Itโs widely available in health food stores.
- Vanilla powder enhances the nut butter’s aroma subtly, without adding moisture that could upset the consistency.
- Monk fruit sweetener makes this recipe suitable for those following a diabetic-friendly, low-carb diet by adding sweetness without impacting blood sugar or texture.
- If you prefer a savory macadamia butter, skip the sweetener and add ยผ teaspoon smoked paprika and ยผ teaspoon garlic powder instead.
- Always bring refrigerated nut butter to room temperature before serving to restore easy spreading and improved flavor.
- Store nut butter in sealed containers and keep refrigerated to maximize shelf-life and freshness.
- All ingredients selected ensure this recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and low-carb, ideal for a range of dietary preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg