Sunflower Seed Butter
User Reviews
4.9
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
12 servings (2 tbsp each)
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Calories
183 kcal
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Cuisine
American
Sunflower Seed Butter
Description
Sunflower Seed Butter is crafted by finely chopping and then blending roasted sunflower seeds over several intervals to develop a creamy texture. Optional ingredients like brown sugar and salt enhance flavor by offsetting any bitterness. The preparation involves pulsing seeds first to break them down, then continuous blending while scraping down the sides to promote even creaminess. Additional oil may be added if using raw seeds to aid smoothness. The result is a thick, spreadable butter with a mild, nutty taste from the sunflower seeds.
This butter is an excellent dairy-free and nut-free option for those who want a spreadable alternative to peanut butter. The recipe allows for sweetness adjustments, and it can also be adapted by adding cocoa powder or chocolate to create a chocolate-flavored version. It's versatile for use on bread, in sauces, or baking, and the texture depends on blending duration and seed variety.
For best results when roasting seeds beforehand, monitoring roasting time ensures a lightly golden color and optimal flavor. Cooling the seeds before blending helps achieve a good starting point for the butter. The recipe yields about 1 1/2 cups, including sweeteners when used.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces sunflower seeds roasted (2 1/4 cups)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or to taste, optional
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste, optional
Instructions
- Place sunflower seeds into the jar or bowl of a high-powered blender or food processor, respectively. Pulse the sunflower seeds until they are finely chopped.
- Process or blend on a low speed for 1 minute continuously, then stop the machine and scrape down the sides. The sunflower seed will be dry and gritty.
- Process or blend on a low speed a second time for 1 minute continuously, then stop the machine and scrape down sides. The sunflower seed butter will start to form a clumpy paste. If using raw sunflower seeds, you may need to add 1-2 tablespoons unflavored oil to facilitate the blending.
- Process or blend on a low speed a third time for 1 minute continuously, then stop the machine and scrape down sides. The sunflower seed butter will be thick and grainy at this point. Add more oil, if needed.
- Process or blend on a medium speed fourth time for 1 to 2 minutes longer. The sunflower seed butter should be creamy and smooth at this point. It may be hot to the touch, so allow it to cool before transferring to a jar. If using sugar or salt, add it now and process or blend again to combine (I like 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon salt).
- The sunflower seed butter will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for several months, but can also be kept at room temperature for a couple of weeks.
Notes
- Sweetener is optional but helps balance bitterness; options include brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
- To make a chocolate version, add 2-4 tablespoons cocoa powder or melted chocolate during the last blending step, adjusting sweetener to taste.
- Roast raw sunflower seeds at 350°F for 5-15 minutes until lightly golden, stirring halfway, then cool before blending.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings (2 tbsp each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 183 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tbsp | |
| Calories | 183kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 198mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 189mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 14IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 26mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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