Are you looking for nut butter substitutes to put in your smoothies, baking recipes and other dishes? Are you avoiding nut butters because of peanut allergies, tree nut allergies or other dietary restrictions? Whatever the reason may be, there are plenty of nut-free alternatives that can offer a delicious nutty flavor without compromising on taste. We’ve put together this list of nut butter substitutes that you can use in any recipe where nut butters are typically used.
Nut Butter Substitutes
There are many different options out there for nut butter substitutes and what you choose will likely depend on how you will be using it and your own personal tastes.
Here are some ideas to substitute nut butters in recipes.
Sunflower Seed Butter
Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative to nut butters. It’s made from sunflower seeds which have been ground into a smooth and creamy paste. Sunflower seed butter has a nutty flavor and can be used as a spread or in baking recipes.
Soy Butter
Soy butter is another nut-free option you can use as a nut butter substitute. It’s made from soybeans that have been processed into a creamy nut-free spread. Soy butter is high in protein and has a nutty flavor, making it a great substitute for nut butters.
Tahini
Tahini is a popular nut-free nut butter substitute. It’s made from ground sesame seeds and has a nutty flavor and creamy texture. Tahini can be used as a spread or in baking recipes, and is a healthy alternative unless you are allergic to sesame seeds.
Flax Butter
Flax butter is a nut-free nut butter alternative made from ground flaxseeds. It has a nutty flavor and creamy texture, making it a great substitute for nut butters. Flax butter is high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it a nutritious addition to any meal.
Granola Butter
Granola butter is a nut-free nut butter substitute made from ground granola. It has a nutty flavor and creamy texture, making it a great substitution for nut butters in baking recipes or as a spread. Granola butter is also high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice.
Cookie Butter
If nut butter isn’t your thing, try cookie butter. It’s a creamy spread made from crushed cookies, usually speculoos or biscoff cookies. Cookie butter can be used in pretty much the same way nut butters are used – on toast, in baking, as fillings for desserts, and more. It has a slightly sweeter flavor than nut butters, so it may be a good choice for those who don’t like nutty flavors.
Apple Butter
Apple butter is a thick, dark spread made from apples and other spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Its texture is similar to nut butters – smooth texture and very creamy. Apple butter has a sweet-tart flavor that makes it great for both savory and sweet dishes. Try it on toast or use it as a filling for pies and cakes.
Coconut Butter
For those looking for nut-free nut butter substitutes, coconut butter is a great option. It’s made from pureed coconut flesh and has a creamy texture that makes it perfect for sandwiches or mixing into smoothies. Coconut butter also has a subtle sweetness which can be enhanced with the addition of sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Hummus
Hummus is a great nut butter substitute for spreading on toast, crackers and sandwiches. It’s high in protein and contains healthy fats from olive oil, which makes it an excellent nut butter alternative. You can use hummus as a dip for crudités or chips, or as an ingredient to add flavor to your favorite recipes. Chocolate hummus is a great replacement for peanut butter in recipes especially!
Mashed Avocado
When it comes to nut butter substitutes, mashed avocado often springs to mind. Although it doesn’t have the same nutty flavor of nut butter, it does provide a creamy texture and mild flavor. It’s surprisingly versatile and can be used in many dishes for an extra creaminess that nut butters cannot offer. Try spreading it on toast, combining it with Greek yogurt for a dip or sauce, or adding it to smoothies.
Mashed Banana
Another nut butter substitute is mashed banana. Banana doesn’t have the same nutty flavor as nut butter but it does bring a sweetness to dishes that nut butters don’t provide. It offers plenty of nutrition, including potassium and fiber. It is delicious spread on toast or stirred into oatmeal for added sweetness. It is a very versatile ingredient.
Greek Yogurt
If nut allergies are an issue, try swapping nut butter for Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is creamy and protein-filled, perfect for spreading on toast, making a dip or sauce, or incorporating it into baking recipes. It’s loaded with beneficial probiotics to help support gut health.
Replacing Nut Butter in Baking
One big thing people are often concerned with is replacing nut butters in baking. The good news is it possible to replace nut butter in baking recipes. Try using mashed avocado, banana, Greek yogurt or nut-free nut butters like flax butter or granola butter as replacements for nut butters.
If the recipe calls for nut butter purely as a source of fat, you can use melted coconut oil instead. Just remember that if nut butter is being used for flavor, you may need to adjust the recipe by adding nutty-flavored ingredients such as vanilla extract or nutmeg.
What does nut butter do in baking?
Nut butter adds flavor and moisture to baking recipes, as well as providing a source of fat. It’s important to consider the nut butter substitute you are using for its flavor profile and how much moisture is needed for your recipe.
Can butter replace nut butter in baking?
Yes, you can use butter as a nut butter substitute in baking recipes. It will add flavor and moisture, but not the nutty flavor of nut butters. It’s important to adjust the recipe accordingly and add something else for flavor if you desire.
Can I replace nut butter with eggs in baking?
Yes, you can use eggs as a nut butter substitute in baking recipes. Eggs contain moisture and act as a binder to hold the ingredients together, much like nut butters do. However, they don’t add any extra flavor like nut butters, so keep that in mind.
Can I replace nut butter with applesauce in baking?
Yes, applesauce can be used as a nut butter substitute in baking recipes. Applesauce adds moisture and sweetness, similar to nut butters. However, it doesn’t provide the nutty flavor nut butters do. So don’t forget to adjust the recipe accordingly and add something else for extra nutty
There are plenty of nut butter substitutes available to choose from, so if you have food allergies or just want something different, there’s sure to be an option that works for you.
From flax butter and granola butter to cookie butter, apple butter, coconut butter, hummus, mashed avocado and Greek yogurt – the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re looking for a nut-free spread with a nutty flavor or one with sweet notes of cinnamon and cloves – these nut-butter alternatives will make your meals both delicious and nutritious.