To make nut butter in a blender, add about two cups of nuts to a high-speed blender, blend on low to high using the tamper to push them into the blades, and keep going for two to five minutes until the nuts release their oils and turn creamy. You need a powerful blender and patience; weaker blenders struggle and can overheat. A pinch of salt and a little oil help if needed.

Quick Answer

Blend about 2 cups of nuts in a high-speed blender, using the tamper, for 2 to 5 minutes until they turn creamy. Stop to scrape down and let the motor rest if it heats up. Add salt to taste and a little oil if too thick.

Short Answer

Use a powerful blender and a tamper. Blend 2 cups of nuts, pushing them into the blades, until the oils release and it becomes smooth, about 2 to 5 minutes. Add salt and a touch of oil if needed, and let the motor rest if it warms.

What You Need

  • A high-speed blender with a tamper
  • About 2 cups of nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews)
  • Optional: a pinch of salt, a little neutral oil

How to Make Nut Butter: Steps

  1. Add about 2 cups of nuts to the blender (roasted nuts release oils faster).
  2. Start on low and increase speed, using the tamper to push nuts into the blades.
  3. Blend in intervals, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. Continue 2 to 5 minutes until the nuts turn from crumbs to a smooth, glossy butter.
  5. Add a pinch of salt, and a little oil if you want it thinner.
  6. Let the motor rest if it gets hot, then store the butter in a jar.

Key Takeaway: The tamper is essential. Without it, nuts ride up the sides instead of staying on the blades, and the butter never comes together.

Tips for the Best Nut Butter

  • Use roasted nuts; they release oils faster than raw.
  • Do not add liquid (water seizes nut butter); use a little oil only if needed.
  • Make a decent batch; too few nuts will not blend well.
  • Be patient through the crumbly stage; it suddenly turns creamy.

Blender or Food Processor?

A high-speed blender with a tamper makes smooth nut butter quickly; a food processor also works and is more forgiving but takes longer and is a bit coarser. A weak blender is not suitable. See our best high-speed blenders.

Safety Notes

  • Use the tamper only with the lid on.
  • Let the motor rest if it overheats; do not run it continuously too long.
  • Unplug before scraping the blade.
  • Store nut butter in a sealed jar in a cool place.

What to Avoid

  • Using a weak blender, which overheats and fails.
  • Adding water, which seizes the butter.
  • Too small a batch to blend properly.
  • Forcing nuts with a spoon while running.

FAQ

Can you make nut butter in a regular blender?

A high-speed blender with a tamper makes nut butter; a weak regular blender cannot and may overheat. A food processor is an alternative for less powerful machines.

How long does it take to make nut butter in a blender?

About 2 to 5 minutes in a high-speed blender, using the tamper and scraping down. The nuts go through a crumbly stage before turning creamy.

Do you add oil to make nut butter?

Not usually; nuts release their own oils. Add a little neutral oil only if you want it thinner. Never add water, which makes nut butter seize.

Bottom Line

Make nut butter in a high-speed blender with a tamper, blending 2 to 5 minutes until creamy, with salt and a little oil if needed. A powerful blender is essential. To choose one, see our best high-speed blenders and best blenders guides.

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