If you’ve never tried roasted pine nut butter, you’re in for a real treat! This ultra-creamy, naturally buttery spread is a game-changer—rich, nutty, and so irresistibly smooth, you’ll want to eat it straight from the jar. Made with perfectly roasted pine nuts and blended to silky perfection, this homemade delight is worlds apart from store-bought nut butters. Whether you’re swirling it into hummus, drizzling it over toast, or using it in dressings, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic. Keep reading to discover just how easy it is to make!
A Nut Butter Like No Other
While peanut and almond butter get all the attention, roasted pine nut butter is a luxurious, under-the-radar gem that deserves a spot in your kitchen year-round. Pine nuts are a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, often used in pestos, hummus, and rich sauces. But turning them into a velvety butter? That’s next-level delicious.
This nut butter is especially popular during colder months when warm, toasty flavors take center stage. It’s perfect for holiday spreads, adding a gourmet touch to plant-based grazing boards, drizzled over roasted winter vegetables, or blended into creamy vegan dressings. You’ll also find pine nuts featured in many Middle Eastern and Italian holiday dishes, making this a great homemade gift or special-occasion treat.
That said, there’s no wrong time to enjoy this creamy delight! Whether you’re spreading it on toast in the summer or stirring it into cozy winter recipes, it’s a year-round indulgence worth making.
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Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its pure simplicity—the only ingredient you need is pine nuts. No oil, no additives, just the natural richness of these buttery, toasty gems. Thanks to their high natural oil content, pine nuts blend seamlessly into a smooth, creamy butter without the need for anything extra. Roasting them enhances their deep, nutty flavor, making this roasted pine nut butter a truly indulgent yet wholesome spread. Traditionally used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, pine nuts have a natural affinity for chickpeas, which first inspired me to experiment with them in hummus. But once I discovered how incredible they are on their own, this one-ingredient butter became an absolute must in my kitchen.
- Pine Nuts
See recipe card for quantities.
How to cook pine nuts
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 150 °C (302 °F). Spread the pine nuts evenly on a baking sheet.
Step 2: Roast in the oven for about 8 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant. Stir halfway through to ensure even roasting. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the roasted pine nuts cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Transfer the cooled pine nuts to a small blender or food processor.
Step 4: Blend on high speed until the nuts break into a runny paste, scraping down the sides as needed.
Hint: I use a small Vitamix Ascent mixing bowl. Normally, it takes less than half a minute to transform the pine nuts into butter. If using a larger blender or food processor, you may need to increase or double the quantity of pine nuts for the best results, and depending on the power of your blender, also the processing time.
Pine nuts nutrition
Pine nuts may be small, but they are packed with powerful nutrition! They are an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which support good cholesterol levels, and they’re also rich in plant-based protein, making them a valuable addition to a balanced vegan diet. These nutrient-dense seeds are loaded with vitamin E, which promotes healthy skin, and magnesium, essential for energy production and muscle function. Additionally, pine nuts are one of the few sources of pinolenic acid, a unique fatty acid believed to help naturally curb appetite.
Variations
While I love the simplicity of roasted pine nut butter made with just pine nuts, there are countless ways to adapt and enhance this versatile spread to suit your tastes and culinary creations. Here are a few variations to inspire your creativity:
- Herbed Pine Nut Butter: Blend in fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme for a savory twist that’s perfect for spreading on sandwiches or adding to pasta dishes.
- Spicy Pine Nut Butter: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give your nut butter a kick. This spicy version works beautifully as a dip for veggies or a drizzle over grain bowls.
- Sweet Pine Nut Butter: Mix in a splash of maple syrup or agave nectar, and a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for a delightful sweet spread. This is perfect for drizzling over pancakes or mixing into oatmeal.
- Chocolate Pine Nut Butter: Add unsweetened cocoa powder to your pine nut butter for a decadent chocolate treat. This variation can be used in smoothies, as a topping for fruit, or spread on toast for a sweet breakfast.
- Nutty Blends: Combine roasted pine nuts with other nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to create a blended nut butter that offers different flavor profiles and textures while still maintaining that delicious roasted taste.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. I recommend using a small blender such as Vitamix Ascent small mixing bowl or other small food processor. If not available, you will have to increase or double the quantity of pin nuts for best results. With the right equipment normally, it takes less than half a minute to transform the pine nuts into butter.
Storage
To keep your roasted pine nut butter fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will last for about 2 to 4 weeks. If you notice any separation, simply give it a good stir before using. For longer storage, you can freeze the nut butter in small portions in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the desired amount in the refrigerator or at room temperature. This way, you can enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of your homemade pine nut butter whenever the craving strikes!
FAQ
While you can use raw pine nuts, roasting them enhances their flavor and makes for a richer, nuttier butter. Roasting also helps release the natural oils, resulting in a creamier texture.
Roasted pine nut butter is incredibly versatile! You can use it as a spread on toast or crackers, mix it into smoothies, swirl it into oatmeal or yogurt, or incorporate it into hummus and dressings for added flavor.
Raw pine nuts should be consumed within a few months because the unsaturated fats tend to go rancid quickly. To prolong their shelf life, store pine nuts in the refrigerator or freezer.
If pine nuts start to smell rancid or look moldy, throw them away. You can also roast raw pine nuts which will make them last longer than raw pine nuts.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Easy Prunes Puree Recipe – Perfect for Baking & Sauces
- Spicy Jalapeno hummus recipe (no tahini)
- Simple Roasted Pine Nut Butter Hummus Recipe (Without Tahini)
- Easy No-Sugar Prune Jam (Naturally Sweet and High in Fiber)
One-of-a-Kind Roasted Pine Nut Butter Recipe – Gourmet & Ultra Creamy
Equipment
- 1 Blender Or small food processor
Ingredients
- 150 g Pine Nuts
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 150 °C (302 °F)
Roast the Pine Nuts
- Spread the pine nuts evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for about 8 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Stir halfway through to ensure even roasting.
Cool the Nuts
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the roasted pine nuts cool for a few minutes.
Blend the Nuts
- Transfer the cooled pine nuts to a small blender or food processor. Blend on high speed until the nuts break into a runny paste, scraping down the sides as needed. Note: I use a small Vitamix Ascent mixing bowl. Normally it takes less than half a minute to transform the pine nuts into butter. If using a larger blender or food processor, you may need to increase or double the quantity of pine nuts for the best results, and depending on the power of your blender, also the processing time.
Store
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Enjoy
- Use your roasted pine nut butter in hummus, as a spread on toast, or in your favorite recipes!
giversnutrition says
OMG
Helen says
this is a must 😍