Gingerbread Cashew Butter

Gingerbread Cashew Butter is my new fave holiday recipe!

The Inspiration for This Gingerbread Cashew Butter

When it comes to recipe development, I kind of go in waves. When the weather is warm and summery, I spend less time cooking – no AC kinda does that to you.

But as soon as the cooler weather of fall and winter comes in, I want to make all the things. It just so happens that here in North America, that’s smack dab in the middle of the holidays.

Growing up, I was a sucker for my Grandma Ruth’s gingerbread cookies. To me, there was nothing better than mixing and rolling the dough while she looked on, pressing out the cookie cutter gingerbread people, and decorating.

But now, I stay away from gluten and I’m not much of a baker. So sometimes, I try to fold these nostalgic flavors from my childhood into other applications…

…and I end up with the best of both worlds.

How To Make Cashew Butter

This Gingerbread Cashew Butter recipe is ultra-simple: You’ll grind down raw cashews, add some warming spices, and perhaps a touch of coconut sugar if that’s your thing.

I really love homemade nut butters so much more than store-bought. They taste fresher and there’s no weird low-quality oils added in.

Plus, this cashew butter makes the perfect DIY gift for a food lover, teacher, party host or other special someone. This recipe makes about one cup of Gingerbread Cashew Butter.

It fills up these cute little Mason jars. Tie it with some festive string or ribbon, add a label, and you’re good to go for gift giving.

Is Cashew Butter Good For You?

So, why cashews? They’re naturally quite creamy – much more so than almonds – and their lighter flavor pairs really well with the bold gingerbread spices. Look for unsalted, unroasted cashews.

They’re a rich source of magnesium and monounsaturated fats, and a one ounce serving has 10% of your daily value of iron.

I make my own gingerbread spice mix, and it’s quite simple to do. I make a batch at the beginning of the holidays, then pull from that whenever I want that classic gingerbread flavor.

What’s In Gingerbread Spice Mix?

The spice mix in this Gingerbread Cashew Butter is a combination of ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Use fresh spices for better flavor.

You will need a food processor or powerful blender like a Vitamix to make this Gingerbread Cashew Butter…and you need to be patient.

I timed it, and it took around 7 minutes for my cashew butter to come together. You’ll need to scrape down the sides of the food processor often.

Can You Make Nut Butter in a Food Processor or Blender?

At first, the cashews will break down into crumbs and then become almost a fine powder. From there, it’ll become a hard and thick paste, then turn into a crumbly/pasty texture. That’s when I add about a tablespoon (or slightly more) of coconut oil and the cashew butter turns creamy.

Of course, you can make the cashew butter without the gingerbread spice…

…or you can try mixing in other spices, cocoa powder, etc.

If you decided to swap the cashews out with some other nuts, just know that the time and amount of coconut oil you’ll need may vary…and I haven’t tested that.

And if you’re looking for more nut butter inspiration, check out these recipes:

• Chocolate Hazelnut Almond Butter
• Homemade Coconut Butter

Remember…don’t give up if your cashew butter takes several minutes to develop the right consistency. Stick with it, and you’ll definitely be rewarded.

What To Eat Your Cashew Butter With

I recommend a nice smear of this Gingerbread Cashew Butter on crisp slices of apple, carrots, or celery for a healthy snack.

Of course, if you’re into gluten-free bread or pancakes, it makes a nice addition on top of those as well. Get creative and let me know how you use it in the comments below!

Gingerbread Cashew Butter Recipe

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 16

Calories: 99 kcal

Author: Steph Gaudreau

Gingerbread Cashew Butter is a delicious homemade recipe for the holiday season. It's paleo and plant-based, and comes together in just minutes. Learn how easy it is to make at home.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups cashews raw, unsalted
• 2-3 tsp gingerbread spice mix *
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar optional**
• 1-2 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

1. Grind the nuts. Add the cashews to a food processor. Turn on the food processor and allow it to run for several minutes. Stop it a few times and scrape down the sides and bottom. The cashews should begin to turn from crumbs into a thick paste. This may take at least 5 minutes.

2. Add the spice. Once it's become a paste, add the gingerbread spice mix. Start with 2 teaspoons and add more from there if you like a stronger flavor. Add the coconut sugar if you'd like. Pulse a few times to combine.

3. Smooth it out. Then, with the motor running in your blender or food processor, drizzle in the coconut oil to smooth out the texture. Start with 1 tablespoon and add a bit more if you want it to be creamier.

4. Store it. Store in a covered jar at room temperature.

Recipe Notes

*Get the recipe for my Homemade Gingerbread Spice Mix.

**Omit for Whole30

Nutrition Facts

Gingerbread Cashew Butter Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 99 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Sodium 3mg0%

Potassium 106mg3%

Carbohydrates 5g2%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin C 0.1mg0%

Calcium 6mg1%

Iron 1.1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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