Ok, so I splurged on a jar of Barney Butter a few weeks ago after not having any in the house for quite some time. Despite it being – in my opinion – the best commercially produced almond butter on the market these days, I do prefer to make my own almond butter most of the time.
As I neared the bottom of the jar, (always a sad sight… but it does mean oats in a jar is in the near future!), I realized that it was high time I came up with a new homemade almond butter recipe.
In keeping with the spirit of the holidays, I wanted to highlight seasonal flavors, and gingerbread seemed like a perfect choice.
Although I love pure almond butter dearly, my favorite nuts – by far – are pecans, so they were tossed into the mix as well. The rich buttery pecans help the almonds to break down easier, negating the need for oil to create a smooth and “drippable” nut butter.
In order to replicate the flavors of gingerbread, I gathered together the necessary ingredients – molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves – and experimented with amounts until I was happy with the results.
Voila! Gingerbread-flavored pecan-almond butter.
The spices don’t overwhelm the nut butter, but the gingerbread flavor does gently come through. Like all homemade almond butters, this one is ever-so-slightly gritty, but in a pleasant way.
You may be wondering why I photographed the nut butter with a spoon.
Simple.
That is the precise vehicle with which the majority of this delectable concoction will be consumed. Sure, I smeared a bit on a slice of warm homemade banana bread and some of it will undoubtedly make its way into a few bowls of oatmeal, but something this delicious deserves to be enjoyed unadulterated by other foods!
I suggest making multiple batches; keep one for yourself and give others away as holiday gifts. I don’t have anything against gifting plates of homemade cookies this time of year, but you’ll certainly stand out from everyone else if you present your friends and family with jars of homemade nut butter.
Gingerbread Pecan Almond Butter
| Name | Gingerbread Pecan Almond Butter |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10 minutes (roasting nuts) |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 16 servings (1 tablespoon each) |
| Yield | 1 cup |
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw pecan halves
- 2 tsp Unsulphured blackstrap molasses
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or more, to taste)
- pinch ground cloves (or more, to taste)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
Roast the Nuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the almonds and pecans evenly on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.
Cool the Nuts
Remove the nuts from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
Blend the Nuts
Transfer the roasted almonds and pecans to a food processor. Process them for about 10-15 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. At first, the nuts will turn into a coarse meal, but keep processing until the oils are released, and the mixture becomes creamy.
Add the Spices
Once the nut butter reaches a smooth consistency, add the blackstrap molasses, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt to the food processor. If you prefer a sweeter nut butter, you can also add honey at this stage. Continue to process the mixture until all the ingredients are well incorporated, and the nut butter has a gingerbread flavor.
Adjust to Taste
Taste the nut butter and adjust the spices and sweetness according to your preferences. You can add more spices or honey if desired.
Store
Transfer the Gingerbread Pecan Almond Butter to a clean, airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for a short time or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Enjoy
Spread this delectable nut butter on toast, drizzle it over oatmeal, use it as a dip for apple slices, or get creative with it in your favorite recipes. It’s perfect for adding a warm, nutty, gingerbread twist to your holiday dishes.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (about 16g)
- Calories: 96
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 18mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 2g
10 Simple Gingerbread Pecan Almond Butter Recipes
1. Gingerbread Almond Butter Toast
Spread Gingerbread Pecan Almond Butter generously on warm, toasted bread. Top it with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey for a quick and delightful breakfast or snack.
2. Almond Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Create a twist on the classic PB&J sandwich by replacing peanut butter with Gingerbread Pecan Almond Butter. Pair it with your favorite fruit preserves or jelly for a sweet and nutty treat.
3. Almond Butter Smoothie
Blend a tablespoon of Gingerbread Pecan Almond Butter into your morning smoothie for a creamy and protein-packed addition. It adds a hint of gingerbread warmth to your favorite fruit and yogurt blend.
4. Gingerbread Almond Butter Oatmeal
Stir a spoonful of Gingerbread Pecan Almond Butter into your morning oatmeal. It will infuse your oats with rich flavor and make your breakfast extra satisfying.
5. Almond Butter and Fruit Dip
Mix Gingerbread Pecan Almond Butter with a bit of Greek yogurt and honey for a delectable fruit dip. It’s perfect for apple slices, strawberries, or even pretzels.
6. Almond Butter Energy Bites
Combine rolled oats, almond butter, honey, and a touch of cinnamon. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, chill, and enjoy a nutritious and energizing snack.
7. Almond Butter Stuffed Dates
Stuff Medjool dates with Gingerbread Pecan Almond Butter and a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and savory treat that’s both indulgent and healthy.
8. Almond Butter and Banana Pancakes
Add a dollop of Gingerbread Pecan Almond Butter to your pancake batter or spread it on top of pancakes for a delightful breakfast. Top with banana slices and maple syrup.
9. Almond Butter Granola Bars
Mix Gingerbread Pecan Almond Butter with oats, honey, and your favorite nuts and dried fruits. Press into a baking dish, chill, and cut into bars for a homemade snack.
10. Almond Butter Rice Cakes
Spread Gingerbread Pecan Almond Butter on rice cakes and top with sliced strawberries or blueberries. It’s a quick and healthy snack that satisfies your sweet cravings.
