There’s something so satisfying about making your own seed butter spreads at home. Not only do you get to control the ingredients, but you can also customize the flavors to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a creamy sunflower seed butter or a nutty pumpkin seed spread, the possibilities are endless—and way more exciting than store-bought options.
DIY Seed Butter Spread Recipes
Creating your own seed butter spreads at home is incredibly rewarding. Not only do you have complete control over the ingredients, but you can also customize flavors to match your preferences. Let me walk you through two of my favorite seed butter recipes: creamy sunflower seed butter and nutty pumpkin seed butter. Both are perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over fruit, or adding to smoothies.
Creamy Sunflower Seed Butter
Ingredients:
- 2 cups raw sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
- Toast seeds for flavor: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the sunflower seeds evenly on a baking sheet. Toast for 8-10 minutes or until fragrant, stirring halfway through.
- Cool slightly: Remove from the oven and let the seeds cool for about 5 minutes. This helps protect the oils in the seeds during blending.
- Blend to creamy perfection: Add the toasted sunflower seeds to a high-powered food processor or blender. Blend on high, stopping every minute to scrape down the sides. This process can take 7-10 minutes as the oils release and the butter becomes smooth.
- Add mix-ins: Once the mixture is smooth, add the avocado oil, maple syrup (if using), and sea salt. Blend for an additional minute until fully incorporated.
- Store and enjoy: Transfer the sunflower seed butter to an airtight jar and store it in the fridge for up to a month.
Nutty Pumpkin Seed Butter
Ingredients:
- 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions:
- Prep the seeds: Spread the raw pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 7-9 minutes, stirring them halfway for even cooking.
- Cool and blend: Allow the seeds to cool to room temperature. Add them to your food processor and blend. Initially, the mixture will look like crumbs, but keep blending. Scrape down the sides every minute or so until the seeds release their oils and become creamy (around 8-12 minutes).
- Enhance the flavor: Add the coconut oil, cinnamon, sea salt, and honey (if using). Continue blending until the butter reaches a smooth consistency.
- Jar it up: Spoon the pumpkin seed butter into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for freshness and use within a month.
These spreads are staples in my kitchen because they’re not only nutritious but also versatile. From snacking with veggies to spreading on homemade granola bars, they’re packed with healthy fats and bursting with fresh flavor.
Ingredients
When making your own seed butter spreads, starting with the right ingredients is key. I always focus on wholesome, high-quality options to ensure the spreads are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Base Ingredients
These are the essentials you’ll need to craft rich, creamy, and customizable seed butter spreads:
- Sunflower seeds (2 cups, raw or roasted) – For a nutty, slightly earthy butter.
- Pumpkin seeds (2 cups, hulled and toasted) – Delivers a subtly sweet and nutty flavor.
- Avocado oil (1-2 tablespoons) – Adds creaminess to sunflower seed butter.
- Coconut oil (1-2 tablespoons) – Perfect for smoothing out pumpkin seed butter.
- Maple syrup (1 tablespoon) – Natural sweetener for a touch of sweetness.
- Raw honey (1 tablespoon) – Enhances the flavor of pumpkin seeds beautifully.
- Sea salt (½ teaspoon) – Brings out all the flavors in the spreads.
Optional Add-ins
These extras allow you to elevate the base recipe and experiment with textures and flavors. I love customizing spreads with these add-ins based on my cravings:
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon) – Adds a wonderful depth to the sweetness.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon) – Warm, cozy vibe for pumpkin seed butter.
- Chia seeds (1 teaspoon) – Provides a slight crunch and extra omega-3s.
- Cacao powder (1 tablespoon) – Gives a chocolate-like note, great for indulgence.
- Flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon) – Boosts fiber and thickens the spread.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut (1-2 tablespoons) – Adds texture and a tropical twist.
Tools And Equipment
Making your own seed butter spreads at home doesn’t require a fancy kitchen setup, but having the right tools makes the process easier and ensures a creamy, dreamy texture. Let me walk you through the essentials and a few optional tools that can elevate your seed butter-making game.
Essential Tools
- High-power blender or food processor: The heart of homemade seed butter. You’ll need a sturdy machine capable of breaking down seeds into a smooth, spreadable consistency. I recommend a powerful food processor or a high-speed blender like Vitamix.
- Baking sheet: For toasting your seeds. This step boosts flavor, so a reliable baking sheet is key.
- Parchment paper: Keeps seeds from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Rubber or silicone spatula: Perfect for scraping down the blender or food processor’s sides to ensure every bit of buttery goodness is blended smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise measurements. Trust me, even a slight change in the oil or sweetener ratio can impact the spread’s consistency, so these are non-negotiable.
Optional Tools
- Mason jars or airtight containers: Great for storing your finished seed butter. I love using glass jars because they keep your spread fresh and make it easy to scoop out portions.
- Spice grinder: If you’re adding extras like chia or flaxseed meal, a spice grinder can help break them down even further for a silkier texture.
- Hand whisk: Handy if your spread thickens too much or separates slightly; a quick whisk will bring it back together.
- Offset spatula: If you’re spreading your homemade creation on toast right away, this little tool makes it easy to create a smooth layer.
- Digital kitchen scale: For those who like precision, especially when replicating recipes exactly or adjusting for batch sizes.
Directions
Making your own seed butter spread is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to toast, blend, and customize your way to a delicious, nutritious snack.
Prep
- Gather your ingredients and tools: Measure out your seeds and any additional add-ins. Set up your blender or food processor nearby along with measuring spoons and a spatula.
- Toast the seeds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread sunflower or pumpkin seeds evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toast them for 8-10 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even toasting. The seeds should be lightly golden and fragrant, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Cool the seeds: Once toasted, remove seeds from the oven and allow them to cool completely. Warm seeds can lead to an overly oily texture when blending.
Make
- Blend the seeds: Add the cooled seeds to your high-power blender or food processor. Start blending on low speed, gradually increasing to high. This process can take 5-12 minutes based on your equipment. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula to ensure an even texture.
- Incorporate the liquids: Once the seeds start forming a paste, drizzle in your oil—1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil for sunflower seeds or coconut oil for pumpkin seeds. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
- Sweeten and season: Add 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup or honey, a pinch of sea salt, and any spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract. Blend for another minute to combine. Taste and adjust as needed.
Customize
- Add texture or toppings: Stir in chia seeds, flaxseed meal, or unsweetened shredded coconut for added nutrition and texture. For a chocolate twist, mix in 1 tablespoon of cacao powder.
- Store properly: Transfer the seed butter to an airtight mason jar or container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For best texture, allow the butter to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before use.
- Get creative: Use your seed butter as a dip for apples, a topping for whole-grain toast, or a drizzle over smoothie bowls. Experiment with flavors to match your favorite snacks!
Storage Tips
To keep your homemade seed butter spreads fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Whether you’re enjoying them all week or saving for later, these tips will ensure the best flavor and consistency.
Short-Term Storage
For short-term use, I recommend transferring your seed butter to an airtight container or a glass mason jar. Keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent oils from separating too quickly. Typically, you can store seed butter for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, but always give it a quick stir before using it.
If you plan to enjoy your seed butter within a week, leaving it in a cool, dark pantry also works for certain types, such as sunflower seed butter. Just be mindful that room temperature storage might slightly speed up oil separation—nothing a quick stir won’t fix!
Long-Term Storage
If you’re prepping in batches or just made more than you can use right away, freezing is the way to go. I always freeze my homemade spreads in small portions—think silicone ice cube trays or small freezer-safe jars. This way, I can thaw just the amount I need while keeping the rest perfectly fresh.
Homemade seed butter can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight for the best texture. Avoid microwaving to melt it, as this can alter the taste and consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade seed butter spreads are incredibly versatile and perfect for enjoying in a variety of ways. Whether you use them as a spread, mix them into recipes, or get creative, these nutrient-packed spreads can elevate your healthy snacking game.
As A Spread
I love using seed butter spreads as a creamy, satisfying base on just about anything. Slather them on whole-grain toast or rice cakes for a quick, filling snack. For a sweeter option, spread them on apple slices or pear wedges. You can also pair your seed butter with celery sticks or carrot chips for a savory crunch that’s packed with texture and flavor. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle a touch of honey or sprinkle some chia seeds on top for an extra nutritional boost.
In Recipes
Seed butter is a superstar ingredient in healthy recipes. I like to stir a spoonful into my morning oatmeal or yogurt bowl for added creaminess and natural protein. It’s also a fantastic base for smoothie bowls—blend it with frozen bananas, spinach, and almond milk for a rich, nutrient-dense treat. When baking, try swapping out traditional nut or peanut butter for seed butter in recipes like cookies, granola bars, or muffins. It not only enhances the flavor but also ups the nutritional value of your baked goods.
Conclusion
Making your own seed butter spreads is such a rewarding experience. It’s not just about creating something delicious but also knowing exactly what’s going into it and tailoring it to your taste. Whether you’re blending up sunflower or pumpkin seeds, the possibilities for flavor combinations are endless.
I love how versatile these spreads are. They can elevate a simple snack or become the secret ingredient in your favorite recipes. Plus, with proper storage, you can enjoy your homemade creations for weeks or even months.
So grab your blender, gather your ingredients, and get creative. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of spreading your own homemade butter on toast or mixing it into a smoothie. Trust me, once you start making these at home, you’ll never look at store-bought options the same way again!
