Homemade Granola Butter: Craft Your Own Deliciously Creamy & Customizable Spread
Imagine the comforting crunch and warm spice of your favorite granola, transformed into a luxuriously smooth, spreadable butter. That’s precisely what you get when you combine toasted oats, seeds, and nuts with cozy spices – you create an irresistible granola butter! This heavenly blend is poised to become your new go-to topping for everything from morning toast and fresh fruit to fluffy pancakes and rich smoothies. Skip the store-bought versions and discover how simple and rewarding it is to whip up this delightful spread right in your own kitchen.
As an avid maker of homemade granola and a fan of rich, creamy nut butters, the idea of combining these two loves into one spreadable delight was an absolute no-brainer. The process of making granola butter at home isn’t just easy, it’s incredibly satisfying, giving you full control over the ingredients and flavor profile. Why settle for store-bought when you can craft a fresh, personalized batch that perfectly suits your taste?
What Exactly Is Granola Butter?
Granola butter is a revolutionary spread designed to capture the essence and flavor of toasted granola in a silky-smooth, pourable form. At its core, it’s created by finely blending a mix of toasted oats, nuts, and seeds – the very components you’d find in your favorite granola mix. To achieve that characteristic creamy consistency, these toasted ingredients are then combined with a touch of sweetener, a neutral oil, and a medley of warm spices. The result is a uniquely comforting spread that offers a delightful alternative to traditional nut butters or even popular cookie spreads. Imagine the deep, complex flavors of toasted oats and nuts, infused with cinnamon and maple, all melded into a buttery-smooth texture. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone looking for a wholesome yet indulgent topping or ingredient.
Why This Granola Butter Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
There are countless reasons to fall in love with homemade granola butter. It’s not just a delicious treat; it’s a versatile, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying addition to your pantry. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Effortless to Make. You might think creating a spread from scratch is complicated, but this granola butter recipe proves otherwise. With a simple lineup of pantry staples and the aid of a blender or food processor, you can transform humble ingredients into a gourmet spread in surprisingly little time. The process is straightforward, requiring minimal active cooking and making it accessible even for novice home cooks. It’s a rewarding experience that yields fantastic results.
- Incredibly Versatile. The utility of granola butter extends far beyond being just a spread for toast. Its unique flavor profile and creamy texture make it an excellent addition to a wide array of dishes. Swirl it into your morning oatmeal, drizzle it over a stack of fluffy pancakes or waffles, use it as a decadent topping for yogurt parfaits or ice cream, or even blend it into smoothies for an extra layer of flavor and a nutritional boost. It also makes an amazing dip for fresh fruit slices!
- Customizable to Your Liking. This recipe serves as a fantastic foundation, but it truly shines through its adaptability. You have the freedom to experiment with different combinations of nuts, seeds, and spices to create your ideal granola butter. Whether you prefer the earthy notes of almonds, the sweetness of pecans, or a spicier kick from extra cinnamon and ginger, this recipe encourages creativity. It’s an ideal way to use up ingredients you already have on hand, minimizing waste and maximizing flavor.
- A Unique and Cozy Flavor Profile. Unlike traditional nut butters that primarily highlight the taste of a single nut, granola butter offers a complex and wonderfully cozy flavor experience. The combination of toasted oats, various seeds and nuts, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, all sweetened with maple syrup, creates a depth of flavor that is truly distinctive. Many describe its taste as reminiscent of comforting baked goods or even a more wholesome version of cookie butter, making it a delightfully warm and inviting treat.
Essential Ingredients: A Closer Look
Crafting the perfect granola butter starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Below, we dive into what makes each component crucial and offer tips for optimal results. You’ll find precise ingredient quantities and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card further down the page.
- Oats – The foundation of our granola butter! Quick-cooking oats are generally recommended as their finer texture makes them easier to grind into a smooth consistency. However, old-fashioned rolled oats can certainly be used; just be prepared for potentially longer blending times and a slightly coarser butter. For those with dietary restrictions, remember to use certified gluten-free oats to ensure your granola butter is entirely gluten-free. Oats contribute a mild, earthy flavor and a good source of fiber.
- Sesame Seeds – These tiny powerhouses add a distinct, slightly nutty and savory depth to the butter once toasted. Their healthy fats also contribute to the desired creamy texture and overall richness. If you don’t have sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can offer a similar contribution to the flavor profile and texture.
- Hemp Hearts – Essential for a nutritional boost! Hemp hearts are shelled hemp seeds, prized for their soft texture and impressive nutritional content, including healthy fats (omegas), plant-based protein, and various minerals. They blend beautifully into the butter, enhancing its creaminess without overpowering the flavor.
- Walnuts – Walnuts bring a delightful earthy flavor and a good amount of healthy fats, crucial for achieving that spreadable consistency. While walnuts are excellent, this is where customization truly comes in. Feel free to substitute with other nuts you enjoy or have on hand, such as almonds, cashews, pecans, or even a mix of your favorites.
- Spices – Our core blend includes ground cinnamon and cloves. Cinnamon provides a warm, sweet, and comforting aroma, while cloves add a deeper, slightly pungent, and incredibly cozy note. This combination is classic for a reason! You can easily adjust the amounts or introduce other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even a pre-made pumpkin pie spice or chai spice blend for different seasonal variations.
- Coconut Oil – Melted coconut oil plays a vital role in achieving the smooth, pourable consistency of the granola butter. It helps the ingredients emulsify and adds a subtle richness. Be sure to melt it gently in the microwave or a small saucepan before adding to the mix. For those who prefer a less prominent coconut flavor, refined coconut oil is a great option. Other neutral oils like avocado oil or even a light olive oil can work in a pinch, but coconut oil’s solidifying properties at cooler temperatures contribute nicely to the butter’s overall texture.
- Maple Syrup – Our natural sweetener of choice. Pure maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the toasted flavors and warm spices perfectly. It also helps to achieve the desired smooth consistency. Always opt for pure maple syrup over artificial pancake syrups for the best flavor and quality.
- Sea Salt – Just a pinch of sea salt is critical for balancing all the sweet and savory notes. It enhances the depth of flavor and prevents the butter from tasting one-dimensional, truly bringing out the best in all the other ingredients.
Delving Deeper: What Are Hemp Hearts?
Hemp hearts are simply the hulled or shelled seeds of the hemp plant. Despite their small size, they are nutritional powerhouses, often referred to as a superfood. They are remarkably packed with essential nutrients, including a complete protein profile (containing all nine essential amino acids), an excellent balance of omega-3 and omega-6 healthy fats, and a rich source of vital minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc. Beyond their nutritional benefits, hemp hearts possess a delicate, slightly nutty flavor that is not overpowering, making them a fantastic addition to a wide variety of dishes. From sprinkling them over salads and blending them into smoothies to incorporating them into baked goods and, of course, our delicious granola butter, they add a boost of goodness and a subtle creamy texture.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Granola Butter
Creating your own batch of creamy granola butter is a simple two-part process: first, toasting the dry ingredients to unlock their full flavor, and then blending them until perfectly smooth. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat and Prepare. Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature for even toasting from the moment your ingredients go in.
- Toast for Flavor. In a large bowl or directly on a sheet pan, combine your oats, sesame seeds, hemp hearts, walnuts, and all the dry spices (cinnamon and cloves). Give them a good toss to mix thoroughly. Next, pour over the melted coconut oil and mix again, ensuring every flake and seed is lightly coated. Spread the mixture out into an even, thin layer on the sheet pan. This even layer is crucial for uniform toasting. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Halfway through, give the mixture a good stir to promote even browning and prevent any parts from burning. The goal is a beautiful golden-brown color and a fragrant, toasty aroma.
- Cool Completely. Once your granola ingredients are perfectly toasted, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Transfer the toasted mixture to a clean plate or another cool sheet pan to help it cool down faster. It is absolutely essential that the granola mixture cools down completely to room temperature before blending. Blending warm ingredients can result in a less smooth, potentially gummy texture.
- Begin the Process. Transfer the completely cooled granola mixture into a high-speed blender or a food processor. It’s crucial to use a powerful machine for the best results. Start by pulsing the mixture. You’ll observe it transforming from coarse crumbs to a finer, flour-like consistency. Continue pulsing until the mixture forms a sticky, uniform crumb, similar to wet sand. This initial step helps break down the oats and nuts effectively.
- Achieve Buttery Smoothness. Now, add the maple syrup and sea salt to the food processor. Continue blending continuously. This is where patience is key! The mixture will go through several stages: first becoming a paste, then releasing its natural oils and gradually turning into a smooth, creamy butter. You’ll need to stop the machine every minute or so to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This ensures all ingredients are incorporated and prevents the mixture from overheating. Keep blending, taking breaks as needed to let your appliance cool, until your granola butter reaches your desired smooth, luxurious consistency. This blending phase can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the power of your equipment.
Mastering Your Granola Butter: Expert Tips
To ensure your homemade granola butter turns out perfectly smooth, flavorful, and absolutely delicious every time, keep these essential tips in mind:
- Monitor Toasting Closely. The line between perfectly golden and slightly burnt can be surprisingly thin when toasting oats and nuts. Pay close attention to your ingredients while they are in the oven. Stirring halfway through is vital for even browning. Trust your nose – when you smell that rich, nutty aroma, and the mixture is visibly golden, it’s usually done. Slightly under-toasted is better than burnt, as burnt flavors will translate directly into your butter.
- Invest in the Right Equipment. For the silkiest, creamiest granola butter, a high-speed blender (like a Vitamix or Blendtec) or a robust food processor is highly recommended. These powerful machines are designed to continuously break down ingredients and release their natural oils, transforming them into a smooth butter. A regular, less powerful blender may struggle to achieve the desired consistency, often resulting in a grittier butter or requiring much longer blending times.
- Practice Patience with Blending. The transformation from toasted crumbs to a smooth butter takes time. Don’t rush the process. If your blender or food processor starts to get warm or shows signs of strain, pause for a few minutes to let the motor cool down. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly. Continuous blending, with short breaks, is the key to activating the oils in the nuts and seeds, resulting in that coveted creamy texture.
- Adjust Consistency as Needed. If, after blending for a significant amount of time, your granola butter seems too thick, you can add an additional tablespoon or two of melted coconut oil (or another neutral oil) and blend again until it reaches your preferred consistency. For a thicker butter, you might add a tiny bit more oats (ensure they are toasted and cooled).
- Ensure Ingredients are Completely Cool. This tip cannot be stressed enough! Blending warm ingredients can cause the oils to separate improperly or result in a gummy texture. Always allow your toasted granola mixture to cool completely to room temperature before introducing it to the food processor or blender.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Granola Butter
Once you’ve made a batch of this luscious granola butter, you’ll find endless ways to incorporate its cozy flavor into your daily routine. Its versatility makes it a fantastic addition to both sweet and savory applications:
- Classic Spreads: Elevate your breakfast by spreading it generously on warm toast, bagels, English muffins, or even a soft slice of vegan Japanese milk bread.
- Breakfast Toppings: Drizzle it over hot oatmeal, cold overnight oats, fluffy vegan pancakes, crispy vegan waffles, or a bowl of creamy homemade vegan yogurt.
- Smoothie Boost: Add a spoonful to your morning smoothie for a boost of healthy fats, fiber, and a wonderfully rich, spiced flavor. It’s an excellent way to add creaminess and nutritional value.
- Fruit Dip: Serve it as a wholesome dip or spread for fresh fruits like crisp apple slices, juicy pear wedges, sweet strawberries, or firm banana rounds. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
- Dessert Enhancement: Take your desserts to the next level by drizzling granola butter over vegan ice cream, parfaits, or even using it as a filling for tarts or cookies.
- Energy Bites & Bars: Incorporate it into homemade energy bites, granola bars, or no-bake cookies for added flavor and binding.
Exciting Variations to Experiment With
The beauty of homemade granola butter lies in its endless possibilities for customization. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor the recipe to your preferences:
- Spice Blends: Beyond cinnamon and cloves, explore other warm spice combinations. Try a generous amount of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal autumn flavor, a chai spice blend for an exotic twist, or even a hint of cardamom and ginger.
- Nut & Seed Combinations: While walnuts provide a fantastic base, feel free to experiment with other nuts like roasted almonds, cashews, pecans, or macadamia nuts. For seeds, consider adding sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even a small amount of flax seeds for added fiber and omega-3s. A blend of different nuts and seeds can create a more complex flavor profile.
- Sweetener Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute maple syrup with other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or brown rice syrup. Adjust the quantity to taste. For a richer, more caramel-like flavor, a touch of date paste can also be used, though this might slightly alter the texture.
- Chocolate Granola Butter: For a decadent treat, add 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the blending process with the maple syrup and salt. This creates a delightful chocolatey version perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract added during the final blending stage can enhance all the other flavors and add an extra layer of warmth.
Storage Guidelines for Freshness
Proper storage is key to maintaining the delicious flavor and creamy texture of your homemade granola butter. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors.
- At Room Temperature: Granola butter can be kept in your pantry or on the countertop for up to 1 to 2 weeks. This is generally preferred for a softer, more spreadable consistency.
- In the Refrigerator: For longer freshness, store your granola butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. Be aware that refrigeration will cause the coconut oil to solidify, making the butter much firmer. To achieve its original spreadable consistency, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before using, or gently warm it slightly.
Freezing Granola Butter for Extended Shelf Life
Absolutely! Granola butter freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or if you want to make a large batch and enjoy it over several months. To freeze, simply transfer the granola butter into a freezer-safe, airtight container. Ensure there’s minimal headspace to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Give it a good stir before enjoying.
More Delicious Recipes Featuring Oats
If you love the wholesome goodness of oats as much as we do, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic recipes:
- Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
- Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
- Homemade Oat Milk Creamer
- High-Protein Overnight Oats
- Vegan Baked Oats
Enjoy, friends! If you create this delightful granola butter recipe, we would absolutely love to see your creations! Please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram. Your feedback is invaluable, so please consider leaving a comment below and giving the recipe a rating. Thank you so much for your support!
Granola Butter
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup oats, quick cooking will be easier to grind, but old fashioned will work too (120g)
- ¼ cup sesame seeds, 50g
- ¼ cup hemp hearts, 50g
- ½ cup walnuts, 65g
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, 70g
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- In a large bowl or directly on a baking sheet, combine oats, sesame seeds, hemp hearts, walnuts, cinnamon powder, and ground cloves. Pour over the melted coconut oil and mix well to coat everything evenly. Spread the mixture in a single, even layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, making sure to stir once halfway through to ensure even toasting. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes, as it can brown very quickly. You’re looking for a fragrant, golden-brown granola.
- Remove the toasted mixture from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture when blending.
- Transfer the completely cooled granola mixture into a high-speed food processor or a powerful blender.
- Pulse the mixture until it breaks down into fine crumbs, which should take about 1 minute.
- Add the maple syrup and sea salt. Continue to blend continuously, stopping every minute or so to scrape down the sides of the food processor or blender bowl. Be patient; the mixture will gradually transform from a paste to a smooth, creamy, buttery consistency as the oils are released. This blending phase can take up to 10 minutes, and you may need to pause your machine occasionally to prevent overheating.
- Your homemade granola butter is now ready to enjoy! Spread it on toast, use it as a dip for fruits, or swirl it into your morning porridge for an extra cozy touch.
Notes
To freeze: Place granola butter in an airtight, freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.