Pecan Butter

Most Jamaicans are familiar with peanut butter as this is a favorite of many Jamaican children and would commonly be taken back home as a gift, by those visiting from overseas. Pecan butter is however of no less value and is certainly worth the try. Check out Homemade Pecan Milk, Homemade Vegan Butter, and Vegan Garlic Butter.

raw and toasted pecan butter

Pecan Butter Recipe

Pecan butter is delicious and very easy to make. It is cost-effective and free of artificial preservatives. While pecan butter is available for purchase, the only sure way to be sure of the ingredients is to make it yourself. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a jar of homemade butter ready to tantalize your taste buds. It is a good alternative to the standard almond butter or peanut butter. If you have never made nut butter before, now is a good time to start!

It is a great snack idea for persons of all ages and can be used as a dip for your carrot and celery sticks, on your apples, or even on bread for a quick sandwich. There are so many ways in which this versatile nut butter may be used. 

Ingredients

  • Pecans
  • Salt

How to Prepare Homemade Pecan Butter

Equipment Needed

Food Processor

High-Speed Blender (such as a Blendtec or Vitamix)

There are two easy ways to prepare pecan butter. You can use raw pecans or roasted pecans. Raw pecans will result in thicker nut butter but the toasted pecans will make a very smooth and light pecan butter. 

You can toast your pecans in the oven or in a skillet. Thereafter, you may use a high-speed blender or a food processor to combine everything.

Method 1

  1. Place pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 
  2. Sprinkle with sea salt.
  3. Bake at 300˚F for 10-12 minutes, until fragrant and toasted.
pecans on a baking sheet about to get toasted

Method 2

  1. Cook pecans in a skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and toasted.
  2. Sprinkle with sea salt (while stirring).
pecans in food processor

Food Processor Instructions

  1. Place slightly cooled pecans in a food processor and cover with a lid. 
pecan processing in a food processor
  1. Process for about 10 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl periodically.
  2. Transfer pecan butter to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator.

Blender Instructions

  1. Place pecans in a high-speed blender and process for about 3-5 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
  2. Transfer pecan butter to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator.

Tips for Making The Best Pecan Butter

  1. If you are not using a food processor or a high-speed blender, you may add a sweetener such as maple syrup or agave to get it processing.
  2. Pecan butter is rich in oil, so there is no need to add any extra oil unless your blender is not a high-speed one. Adding extra oil may cause the butter to be very oily.
  3. Ensure that you store the butter in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator.

 

What Do You Eat Pecan Butter With? 

Use pecan butter as you would use any nut butter:

  1. Pecan butter can be placed on toast and eaten as a sandwich or used as a topping for pancakes or pastries.
  2. Use as a sauce or dip for vegetables, baked tofu, or over a baked sweet potato. 
  3. It may be used to make cookies, Pecan Pie, or pecan butter energy balls just to name a few. 

What Does Pecan Butter Taste Like? 

Pecan butter is creamy and savory and may have a slightly bitter aftertaste.

Does Pecan Butter Need To Be Refrigerated? 

Yes, homemade pecan butter needs to be refrigerated to prevent it from going bad. This is especially so as there are no artificial additives contained in the butter

What Is The Nutritional Value Of A Pecan? 

All things are to be consumed in moderation, but pecan butter is packed with vitamins and minerals. Some of these include vitamins A, B, and E, omega-3, omega-6, fiber, potassium, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. Pecans, like other nuts, also aid with reducing the risk of heart disease.

One ounce of pecan halves is said to contain 196 calories. Pecans are low in carbs but contain a high-fat content.

Health Benefits Of Pecans 

  • There are many benefits to be had from consuming pecans. Pecans are referred to as nuts which contain the highest level of antioxidants. This helps to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Manganese is also useful in assisting with brain and nerve function by increasing immunity and providing additional protection from infectious disease. 
  • Pecans are considered to be heart healthy. It is said that the addition of 1.5 ounces of pecans to the diet per day can reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Pecans help to prevent hair loss. Anemia can contribute to hair loss and pecans which are rich in iron help to mitigate against this. In addition, they can help with the stimulation of hair growth…who doesn’t want more hair?
  • The amino acid, L-arginine is very important in making the walls of the artery less prone to blood clots. As a result of this, circulation increases, and more blood is able to reach the hair roots, thus promoting growth.
  • Because pecans are rich in fiber, vitamin A and zinc, they are able to aid in the reduction of skin outbreaks. 
  • They also contain substances that can assist with lessening the risk of certain cancers such as breast and colon cancer.
  • Even more important than consuming healthy food, is the importance of digestion. Pecans are rich in fiber and assist with frequent bowel movement, reduce the risk of colitis and the formation of hemorrhoids.
  • The fiber contained in pecans may also assist with stabilizing blood sugar.
pecan butter pouring into a glass container for storage

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Categories

Nutrition

(Per serving)
  • Energy: 201 kcal / 840 kJ
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Protein: 2.7 g
  • Carbs: 3.8 g

Cook Time

  • Preparation: 10 min
  • Cooking: 12 min
  • Ready in: 22 min
  • For: 2 tablespoons

Ingredients

Instructions

Roasting Pecans Method 1

  1. Place pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 
  2. Sprinkle with sea salt.
  3. Bake at 300˚F for 10-12 minutes, until fragrant and toasted.

Roasting Pecans Method 2

  1. Cook pecans in a skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and toasted.
  2. Sprinkle with sea salt (while stirring).

Making Pecan Butter Food Processor

  1. Place slightly cooled pecans in a food processor and cover with a lid. 
  2. Process for about 10 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl periodically.
  3. Transfer pecan butter to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator.

Blender Instructions

  1. Place pecans in a high-speed blender and process for about 3-5 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
  2. Transfer pecan butter to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator.
Recipe author's Gravatar image

Michelle Blackwood, RN

Hi, I’m Michelle, I’m the voice, content creator and photographer behind Healthier Steps. I share vegan and gluten-free recipes because of past health issues. My goal is to help you make healthier choices and show you how healthy eating is easy and delicious.