delight in the rich delicious flavors of pecan butter with an apple twist! just a few simple ingredients create a beautiful spread for breakfast or snack in a matter of minutes. enjoy this homemade apple pecan butter today!
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Apple pecan butter is an easy-to-make treat that combines rich, buttery pecans with the natural sweetness of dried apples, all enhanced by a pinch of salt. With just three ingredients, you can create a creamy, smooth butter that’s perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into oatmeal, or even enjoying by the spoonful. Whether you're a fan of simple, wholesome ingredients or just love discovering new flavors, this apple pecan butter is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Big fan of apples? You MUST try this delicious apple cinnamon skillet cake for a comforting, rustic vibe. For those who appreciate a healthier twist on a classic, this air fryer applesauce fritters recipe is a lovely brunch or dessert idea (that's also oil free!). If you have a microwave handy, this recipe for apple cinnamon mug cakes is a cozy option for a single or double cake serving when you need to satisfy that sweet tooth.
❤️ What you'll love about apple pecan butter
Simple Ingredients. This simple spread only requires three basic ingredients: pecans, dried apples, and a pinch of salt. All you need are a few ingredients for a delicious result!
Easy to Make. This comes together in just a matter of minutes, so you don't have to wait to enjoy! While you can technically just pop all of the ingredients in the blender and let it do its work, you'll get a more cohesive texture with only a few extra steps.
Variety of Uses. Think breakfast, snack, dessert - whatever your heart desires! This can be used as a spread on toast or bagel, a dip for fruit or crackers, or add a scoop to a bowl of oatmeal. One dessert idea is to create your own cookie sandwich...take a few vanilla cookies (or something with a simple flavor) and spread this apple pecan butter in between both cookies. Just a suggestion! 😉
🥣 Ingredient List
Pecans. Though not required, organic pecans are an ideal option for those working to avoid pesticides and promoting sustainability. For many years, my family was involved with a pecan company, so these little nuts are near and dear to my heart. My recommendation are organic Elliott halves (different company and I don't make a commission, just FYI 😉). Here are a few pecan options you may come across when purchasing these delightful nuts:
- Mammoth pecan halves: Named "Mammoth" by the USDA because of their size, these pecans are relatively common and a great choice. Their meat contains less oil than Elliott halves, which is why Elliotts get the nod for this recipe, but either will work!
- Elliott pecan halves: Elliott halves are smaller than Mammoths, but their oil content tends to be higher and they have a richer, buttery flavor.
- Pecan pieces: Pecan pieces are fantastic when you'd like to incorporate pieces into baked goods without chopping. However, pieces can go stale a little faster than halves because more surface area is exposed. I recommend reserving pieces for other baked goods.
Dried Apples. Make your own dried apples in the oven, or keep apple powder (ground dried apples) on hand. This recipe will use dried apples ground separately into a powder using a coffee and spice grinder.
Pinch of salt. Just a small amount will help bring out the flavors, but this optional if you're sensitive to sodium.
🔪 Equipment
Medium skillet. I use a stainless steel skillet to briefly roast pecans.
Measuring cup. Use a measuring cup for the dried apples and pecans.
Spice or coffee grinder. I found a spice or coffee grinder to be more efficient grinding a small amount of ingredients - like the dried apples. Grinding in a food processor will create inconsistent texture and the spice grinder will create a more fine result.
Food processor. The food processor will handle grinding the pecans. A blender will work as well, but my recommendation is to use the food processor if you have access to one.
Spoon or Spatula. Use the spoon to stir the pecan butter and scrape down the sides of the processor and to blend the apples and pecan butter.
👩🏽🍳 Instructions
Quick dry roast pecans. This is an optional step, but a great way to really unlock the flavor of pecans and add depth of flavor to your final nut butter! Simply add the pecan halves to a skillet and roast on medium heat for no longer than 5 minutes. While they roast, shake the skillet a few times to move the pecans and promote them roasting evenly.
Grind dried apples. I add the dried apple crisps to a coffee or spice grinder and grind into a fine powder. While I grind my own apple powder, there are commercially-available options, like this Sauk Farm Honeycrisp Apple Fiber. The powder should be mostly uniform, but some small pieces are acceptable.
Add pecans to food processor and blend. In the food processor, add pecan halves and blend. I suggest pulsing the processor to coarsely chop the pecans and then start blending, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides and the bottom of the food processor. This ensures all the pecan butter is getting incorporated evenly. You should achieve a pourable, uniform consistency between 5-10 minutes.
Don't forget to turn off the food processor when you scrape down the sides!
Blend in apple powder and sprinkle of salt. When you add the apple powder and salt, use the spoon or spatula to gently incorporate into the pecan butter. If it just rests on top of the mixture, you'll get a POOF of powder.
Recipe
Apple Pecan Butter
Equipment
- 1 spice grinder
- 1 medium skillet optional, for lightly roasting pecans (links to a skillet set we highly recommend)
- measuring cups
- 1 spatula or large spoon
Ingredients
- 3 cups pecans (raw halves, and use organic when possible)
- ⅔ cups dried apples
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Add pecans to skillet and dry roast for up to 5 minutes on medium-low heat, shaking the pan occasionally to move pecans. They should have a lightly toasted aroma when ready. Allow to cool for a few minutes.3 cups pecans
- While pecans are roasting and cooling, add the dried apple chips to a spice grinder and grind until they are reduced to a uniform powder. Some small pieces are fine to include. If you don't have access to a coffee or spice grinder, you can grind in your food processor or blender. The texture may be less uniform.3 cups pecans
- Add pecan halves to the bowl of your food processor and pulse to chop the halves. Once chopped, allow the food processor to consistently grind, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure the nut butter is touching the blades. [MAKE SURE YOUR FOOD PROCESSOR IS OFF WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR HAND IN THE BOWL.]3 cups pecans
- After 5-10 minutes of blending, the pecan butter should have a pourable, velvety texture that is uniform. Add the apple powder and salt, gently stirring into the pecan butter mixture before you resume blending. Briefly blend to evenly incorporate the the mix-ins to the pecan butter.⅔ cups dried apples, 1 pinch kosher salt
- Transfer to an air tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Notes
Nutrition
🧊 Storage Instructions
This apple pecan butter can be stored in an air tight container for up to a month. When refrigerated, the nut butter will become a little more hard, so I recommend stirring it when preparing to use. If freezing, you can store for up to 3 months.
✅ Acceptable Substitutions & Variations
This pecan butter is ideal for a number of different variations to suit your preferences!
Select different nuts. Don't prefer pecans? Try a different nut, or even its legume cousin, the peanut.
Adjust and experiment with seasonings. This recipe is super simple. Feel free to add a little more (or less) of the apple powder or salt. Or, try adding a hint of cinnamon for a delicious apple cinnamon pecan butter - a perfect treat for the holidays!
🍎 Tips for the best apple pecan butter
Technically, you can toss all the ingredients in the food processor or high-speed blender and let the machine do its job. However, my experience has shown that adding the dried apple at the end yields a more uniform texture.
When incorporating the apple powder and salt, don't forget to stir it around in the pecan butter before processing it so you don't get a *poof* of powder when you start the food processor. Of course, your lid will be closed, but I hate losing any bit of powder to the lid and sides of the machine.
♻️ Sustainability Profile
Nuts are a great alternative protein source, compared to meat. Did you know that nuts constitute the LOWEST amount of greenhouse gas emissions per 100g of protein? Emissions from nuts equal about 0.26kg compared to beef, which constitutes a staggering 49.89kg of greenhouse gas emissions. Btw, these numbers come from a real study by Poore, J. and Nemecek, T. (2018) and can be found in this BBC article analyzing the lowest carbon protein. You can find additional details via Our World in Data.
Pecans, as with any other food source, are more sustainable if you source them close to home. Their native range is in North America and the vast majority of the world's pecans are produced by the United States (Economic Importance of the Pecan Industry). The southern range largely extends from New Mexico to Georgia. However, pecans also grow readily in South and Central America as well. Whenever possible, source organic pecan halves to further support sustainability efforts.
Also, you can help reduce food waste by dehydrating your own apples, if you find you have too many or some that are at risk of going bad. Try this recommendation from Ever Growing Farm for dehydrating old apples! As with most of our sustainability tips, opt for organic apples (fresh or dried) whenever possible.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth making your own nut butter?
Absolutely! Making your own nut butter at home has several benefits. First, you can control the ingredients and ensure you're using ingredients you feel comfortable consuming - organic nuts or less salt/sodium, for example. Second, the homemade nut butter version is almost always more cost effective than store bought varieties. Finally, the flavor is usually more fresh since you quite literally made it in your own kitchen moments or days earlier.
Why is my homemade nut butter not getting creamy?
Need a creamier nut butter result? If you find that your nut butter is a little too grainy and would benefit from a creamier texture, you can incorporate another fat to the mix, but be sure to avoid liquid oils. Our recommendation is to use a little coconut oil (a tablespoon at a time) to your processed nut butter and grind in the food processor until you reach the desired consistency.
How long does homemade pecan butter last?
The shelf life of your homemade pecan butter depends on the storage method. You can freeze for up to 3 months, leaving a little space at the top of your jar. Note that you may need to pulse the butter in the food processor again before serving.
If keeping refrigerated, store in an airtight container (our favorite is the trusty, reusable mason jar) for up to a month.
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