Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Raisin Almond Butter

Delicious and healthy homemade cinnamon raisin almond butter with a hint of vanilla. Spread it on bananas, apples, toast... or just eat it by the spoonful!

Ingredients

• 16 oz raw almonds (about 3 1/4 cups)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 cup raisins
• optional: 1-2 teaspoons coconut oil, if necessary

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. On large baking sheet spread out almonds and roast in oven for 10-12 minutes until slightly brown. Be very careful not to burn the nuts! Cool for 10 minutes.

Transfer almonds to the bowl of a food processor and process for 10-15 minutes, scraping down the sides as necessary (about every 2 minutes). At this point the almonds should start to clump together. Continue to process until you reach the desired consistency. I always process until my almond butter is liquid like. If after 20-25 minutes the almond butter is not creamy add in a teaspoon or two of coconut oil. You can also do this if you want super creamy almond butter!

Next add in vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Process again for 30 seconds. Taste and add more salt if necessary.

Next add in raisins and pulse a few times to break up the raisins a bit.

Transfer to plastic container or mason jar and store at room temperature or in fridge. If you store at room temp, simply give the almond butter a stir before you use it.

Some Tips:

Finally, I want to leave you with some tips for making your own almond butter because it’s not always easy (but it’s always delicious):

1. Have patience. Even if you don’t think it will come together, give yourself a little more time and wait it out. It takes me about 20 minutes and I have a pretty strong food processor. Keep scraping the nuts down the side of the food processor every minute or two.

2. Roast your almonds! Roasting almonds adds a nice sweetness and great nutty flavor.

3. Not creamy enough for you? Try adding a teaspoon or two of coconut oil.

4. Want a little crunch? Once your finished processing, stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped roasted almonds.

5. Add in a touch of spice! Vanilla beans, a little splash of vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg or cardamom goes a long way in adding flavor to the almond butter.

Source:  Ambitious Kitchen