How to Make Nut Butter in a Blender: Easy Way

There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, creamy nut butter. A few years ago, I was hooked on almond butter from the store—until I flipped the label and realized how many added oils and sugars I didn’t need. That’s when I decided to try making it myself. If you’re wondering how to make nut butter in a blender, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process I use to make smooth, delicious nut butter right at home. Whether you’re using almonds, peanuts, cashews, or a blend of your favorites, I’ve got you covered with tips, tools, and real-life troubleshooting from my kitchen to yours.

Can I Use a Blender to Make Nut Butter?

The short answer is yes—you absolutely can make nut butter in a blender. But not all blenders are created equal.

Let me explain. The first time I tried this, I used a cheap countertop blender. It got the job halfway done, then started smoking. Lesson learned: making nut butter takes power.

High-speed blenders like a Vitamix, Blendtec, or even a powerful Ninja can handle the job. These blenders have the torque and blade design to process nuts into a creamy consistency. In contrast, standard or low-powered blenders can overheat, stall, or burn out quickly if pushed too hard.

You might also be wondering, “Can you make butter in a blender?” If you’re thinking of traditional dairy butter, that’s a different process entirely. What we’re talking about here is nut butter—a spread made by grinding nuts until they release their natural oils and turn into a smooth paste.

So yes, blenders can make nut butter. Just make sure you’ve got the right kind.

Choosing the Right Blender for Nut Butter

If you’re serious about making nut butter regularly, investing in a high-powered blender is a game changer.

Here’s what you should look for:

High-Powered Motor

To grind tough nuts like almonds or hazelnuts, you’ll need a blender with at least 1000 watts of power. A Vitamix (usually 1400+ watts) is my personal go-to, but a Blendtec or Ninja Foodi also works great.

Durable Blades

Nut butter can be thick and sticky. Sharp, stainless-steel blades that can handle dense ingredients are key. Over time, lower-end blenders may dull or jam up.

Container Type

Many blenders come with a “dry” container or a tamper tool designed for thicker blends like nut butters. These help circulate ingredients and prevent motor stress.

Safety Considerations

Is it safe to blend nuts? Absolutely—if your blender is built for it. Just don’t force it if you notice overheating, strange smells, or the motor slowing down. That’s your cue to stop.

If you’re not sure which blender is right for you, look at models specifically marketed as “nut butter capable.” These are designed with power and endurance in mind.

Step by Step: How to Make Nut Butter in a Blender

Let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s exactly how I make nut butter in my kitchen using a blender.

Choose Your Nuts

You can use almonds, peanuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts—you name it. Roasted nuts tend to blend easier and give a richer flavor. You can also mix nuts for a custom flavor profile (like almond-cashew or peanut-hazelnut).

Soak and Dry

Should you soak nuts before blending? It depends.

Soaking can help remove phytic acid (which blocks nutrient absorption) and make nuts easier to digest. If you do soak, make sure to dry them thoroughly in the oven or a dehydrator. Wet nuts won’t blend properly and could create a mushy mess.

Soak time: about 4–8 hours
Dry time: 4–6 hours at 150°F (65°C)

Prep and Load the Blender

Add 2–3 cups of nuts to your blender. Don’t overload—this can cause uneven blending. If your blender comes with a tamper, keep it handy.

Blend in Intervals

Start by pulsing the blender a few times to break up the nuts. Then blend on medium-high in 30-second bursts, stopping to scrape down the sides in between.

Scrape and Repeat

Be patient—this process can take 5–10 minutes total. The nuts will go through several stages: chopped, powdery, clumpy, then finally smooth and creamy. Keep going!

Oil

If the mixture is too dry or thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of oil (like avocado, coconut, or peanut oil). This helps smooth things out. For a completely oil-free version, just keep blending until the nuts release their own oils.

Cool and Store

Let the nut butter cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight glass jar. Store in the fridge for longer freshness—usually up to 3–4 weeks.

Should You Soak Nuts Before Making Nut Butter?

There’s a lot of debate around this, so let’s break it down.

Pros of Soaking Nuts:

• Reduces phytic acid (which can block mineral absorption)
• Makes nuts easier to digest
• Softens them slightly, which helps some blenders

Cons:

• Adds extra prep time
• Requires full drying before blending
• May change texture slightly if not dried properly

So if you’re making nut butter often and want the best nutrition, soaking and drying is a good idea. Just make sure they’re fully dry before blending—wet nuts won’t turn creamy.

Soaking times vary, but here’s a quick reference:

Nut Type	Soaking Time
Almonds	8–12 hours
Cashews	2–4 hours
Walnuts	6 hours
Hazelnuts	8 hours

How to Make Nut Butter Without Oil

Making nut butter in a blender without oil is totally doable—I’ve done it many times!

The key is patience. Some nuts, like peanuts, cashews, or macadamias, are naturally oily and will release their oils as you blend. Just keep going through the “clumpy” stage.

If you’re using drier nuts (like almonds), you might notice a stiff texture. In that case:

• Blend longer in short bursts
• Use a tamper to push down the mixture
• Avoid adding liquids—these change the shelf life

If you absolutely need to loosen the texture, add a tiny amount of oil (no more than a teaspoon at a time).

Can You Blend Raw Nuts

Yes, you can blend raw nuts. But should you?

Pros of Raw Nuts:

• Higher nutrient content
• Less processed
• Great if you prefer a lighter, natural flavor

Cons:

• Harder texture, which can be tough on your blender
• Less creamy results compared to roasted nuts

For best results, I often roast my nuts at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes before blending. This enhances flavor and makes them easier to process.

How to Grind Nuts in a Blender

If you’re not aiming for nut butter but want to grind nuts into a powder (for baking or coatings), here’s how:

1. Use dry, roasted nuts
2. Work in small batches (1 cup at a time)
3. Use the pulse function—don’t just blend straight
4. Stop before they clump into butter

Grinding nuts too long can turn them into paste. If you want nut flour, stop blending while it still looks fluffy and dry.

What Is a Dry Ingredient Blending?

Dry ingredient blending refers to processing items like grains, seeds, or nuts without liquids. Some blenders are better at this than others.

Can you mix dry ingredients in a blender? Yes—but be cautious.

For heavy-duty dry blending:

• Use a blender with a dry container (like Vitamix’s)
• Work in small batches
• Avoid overheating your motor

Dry blending works best when you’re making nut flours or meal, not butters.

How to Make Homemade Nut Butter Variations

Here’s where the fun starts. Once you master the base recipe, the possibilities are endless.

Flavor Ideas:

• Honey or maple syrup for sweetness
• Cocoa powder for chocolate hazelnut spread
• Sea salt and cinnamon for warmth
• Vanilla extract for depth
• Mixed nuts (almond-cashew is amazing)

Try blending roasted peanuts with a touch of coconut oil and cinnamon. It tastes like dessert—but it’s healthy!

How to Use Nut Butter + Storage Tips

Homemade nut butter is super versatile. Here are some ways I use it:

• Spread on toast or rice cakes
• Stir into oatmeal or yogurt
• Add to smoothies for protein
• Use in baking or homemade energy bites

Storage Tips:

• Use a clean, airtight glass jar
• Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 weeks
• Stir if it separates—oil on top is normal

If it smells off, turns gray, or molds, it’s time to toss.

Can You Use a Hand Blender to Make Nut Butter?

Can you blend nuts with a hand blender (immersion blender)? Technically yes—but it’s tricky.

Hand blenders aren’t designed for tough ingredients like nuts. You’d need:

• Pre-chopped or ground nuts
• Small batches
• A strong motor

Even then, results will be grainier. I tried it once and got more of a paste than butter. For the best texture, use a full-size countertop blender or food processor.

What Is the Difference Between Nuts and Nut Butters?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Feature	Nuts	Nut Butters
Texture	Crunchy, whole	Smooth or chunky spread
Digestion	Slower	Easier, pre-processed
Nutrients	Mostly the same	Same, unless processed
Additives	None	Often includes oils, sugar

Homemade nut butter gives you the purest form, without preservatives, added salt, or sweeteners—unless you choose to add them yourself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Nut Butter

• Overloading your blender – It’ll jam or overheat
• Not scraping down the sides – Leaves unprocessed chunks
• Adding too much oil too soon – Can separate or become runny
• Not roasting nuts – May be harder to blend
• Stopping too early – You’ll get dry, gritty results

Be patient and let your blender do its thing. You’ll be rewarded with silky, spreadable nut butter.

FAQs

How do you make nut butter in a blender?
Add 2–3 cups of nuts to a high-speed blender. Blend in intervals, scraping the sides, until smooth. Add oil if needed.

Can I use raw nuts to make nut butter?
Yes, but roasting improves texture and flavor. Raw nuts may take longer to blend.

Do I need oil to blend nuts?
Not always. Some nuts release natural oils during blending. Add oil only if the mixture is too dry.

Is it safe to use any blender for nuts?
No. Use a high-powered blender to avoid overheating or damaging the motor.

How long does it take to blend nuts into butter?
Typically 5–10 minutes in a strong blender, depending on nut type and quantity.

Can I make nut butter in a regular blender?
Only if it’s powerful enough (1000+ watts). Otherwise, it may not blend smoothly.

Why is my nut butter too dry?
You may need to blend longer or add a small amount of oil.

How can I make nut butter creamy?
Use roasted nuts, blend longer, and add oil if necessary.

Can you mix nut butters together?
Absolutely! Mix almond, cashew, or hazelnut butter for custom flavors.

How long does homemade nut butter last?
Refrigerated nut butter lasts 3–4 weeks in an airtight container.

Conclusion:

Making your own nut butter in a blender is not only doable—it’s downright satisfying. With just a handful of nuts, a bit of patience, and the right blender, you can create creamy, delicious spreads that are healthier and more customizable than anything off the shelf.

So whether you’re blending almonds into a classic butter or crafting your own chocolate-cashew mix, I hope this guide helps you feel confident in your kitchen. Try it once, and you might never go back to store-bought again.