Coconut butter is a creamy, thick puree made from finely blended shredded coconut. It has a texture similar to peanut butter and a subtly sweet coconut flavor. With about 80% fat content, one tablespoon of coconut butter contains approximately 9 grams of fat, primarily saturated fat, along with small amounts of carbohydrates and protein. This makes it a popular choice for those following ketogenic or low-carb diets, as it helps the body utilize ketones for energy more efficiently than simple carbohydrates (No Eggs or Ham).

Making coconut butter is simple and requires just one ingredient: unsweetened shredded coconut. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

3-4 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut

Equipment

A high-quality food processor or a powerful blender

Instructions

Prepare Your Equipment: Ensure your food processor or blender is clean and ready to use. A food processor is generally recommended for this task, as it can handle the thick consistency better than most blenders.

Add Coconut: Place 3-4 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut into the food processor. If your processor is smaller, you may need to add less coconut to start with.

Blend: Start blending the coconut on a medium speed. You will need to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure even blending. Continue this process for about 8-10 minutes. The coconut will first turn into a fine powder, then a thick paste, and finally into a creamy butter.

Check Consistency: Once the mixture is smooth and pourable, your coconut butter is ready. If desired, you can add a pinch of sea salt or a dash of vanilla extract for flavor.

Store: Transfer the coconut butter into a clean jar. It can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life (Minimalist Baker).

One of the great advantages of coconut butter is its versatility. You can easily convert it into coconut milk by following these steps:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of coconut butter
1 cup of lukewarm water

Instructions

Mix: In a blender, combine 2 tablespoons of coconut butter with 1 cup of lukewarm water. The water should be warm enough to help the coconut butter blend smoothly.

Blend: Blend the mixture for about 10-20 seconds until well combined. There’s no need to strain the mixture, making this a quick and easy method to create coconut milk (Wasteland Rebel).

Coconut butter is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways:

Spread: Use it as a spread on toast or pancakes.
In Baking: Incorporate it into recipes for muffins, brownies, or energy bars.
In Smoothies: Add it to your smoothies for a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.
Hot Beverages: Blend it into coffee or hot chocolate for a rich, creamy flavor.
Desserts: Use it as a base for vegan fudge or as a topping for ice cream (Bakerita).

Making coconut butter from shredded coconut is a simple and rewarding process that opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Whether you enjoy it as a spread, in baking, or blended into your favorite drinks, coconut butter is a nutritious addition to your pantry. With just a food processor and some shredded coconut, you can create this delightful ingredient at home. Enjoy experimenting with coconut butter in your recipes, and let your creativity shine!