Description
This homemade sunflower seed butter is a creamy, nut-free alternative to traditional nut butters, made by roasting raw sunflower seeds and blending them into a smooth spread. Perfect for smoothies, toast, or baking, this natural and wholesome condiment boasts a rich flavor with optional hints of vanilla and sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Sunflower Seed Butter Ingredients
- 3 cups raw sunflower seeds
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as sunflower or grapeseed oil, optional)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and roast: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the sunflower seeds evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 10–12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the seeds are golden and fragrant. Roasting enhances flavor and helps release oils.
- Cool seeds: Allow the roasted sunflower seeds to cool slightly to prevent overheating your food processor during blending.
- Blend seeds: Transfer the cooled seeds to a high-powered food processor and blend for 8–10 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. The mixture will progress from crumbly to pasty, then to smooth and creamy.
- Add salt and optional ingredients: Add ½ teaspoon salt along with any optional ingredients such as 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil, 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend again until the mixture is fully incorporated and silky smooth.
- Store: Transfer the sunflower seed butter to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- Roasting the seeds enhances their flavor and helps release natural oils.
- For a smoother texture, add a small amount of neutral oil during blending.
- Adjust sweetness and salt to taste depending on how you plan to use the sunflower seed butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
