3.9 25 Published May 08, 2017, Updated Sep 03, 2021 I was first introduced to coconut butter a few years ago when I stumbled upon a raw dessert recipe that called for it. I searched my local grocery stores without much success and ultimately just ended up figuring out how to make my own coconut butter at home. Now you can find coconut butter at almost any natural grocery store (or order it online). That said, one jar can set you back around $15 so making your own is an easy and inexpensive alternative.
Coconut Butter vs. Coconut Oil
Before we get started with how to make coconut butter I just want to point out that there is a BIG difference between coconut butter and coconut oil and they’re used for different things. Coconut butter is made by grinding dried coconut meat into a paste. So a jar of coconut butter is the pureed meat but it has some coconut oil in there too — just like almond butter has a little almond oil in it. Coconut oil on the other hand is JUST the oil that’s been extracted from the coconut meat. When you think of it like almond butter and almond oil or tahini and sesame seed oil it makes a ton of sense!
How to Make Coconut Butter
Making coconut butter couldn’t be easier. All you need is a bag of dried shredded coconut or coconut flakes and a food processor or blender. Place coconut shreds or flakes in a food processor or high powdered blender and process until a smooth, runny butter forms. It takes about 15 minutes in a food processor and about 2 minutes in high powered blender. (I’ve found that my Vitamix works best for this.) You may need to scrape the sides of your food processor or blender mid-way through the processing, but that’s it. The process is so simple!
How to Soften/Melt Coconut Butter
Like coconut oil, coconut butter is solid at room temperature so in order to use it as a spread or drizzle you have to warm it up. I like using the water bath method — placing the sealed jar in hot water for 5-10 minutes until it’s melted and you’re able to stir it. If you’re in a rush the microwave also works. Once melted, you can use coconut butter to replace cream, cream cheese and butter or blend it into smoothies, sauces, dressings, desserts and baked goods. I’ll do a roundup post soon with lots of coconut butter ideas. For now, let’s make some!
Recipes That Use Coconut Butter:
Coconut Butter CupsCoconut Protein Balls
More Coconut Recipes:
Coconut Flour Banana BreadCoconut Flour Cookies4-Ingredient Almond Coconut CookiesHealthy Coconut MacaroonsSweetened Condensed Coconut Milk
