Coconut butter is made from the whole coconut meat, which is blended until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Unlike coconut oil, which is solely the fat extracted from coconuts, coconut butter retains the fiber and nutrients from the coconut meat, making it a more nutrient-dense option. It has a low melting point of around 77°F (25°C), making it perfect for drizzling over hot foods or incorporating into recipes.

Cost-Effective: Store-bought coconut butter can be pricey, often costing around $10 or more for a small jar. Making it at home allows you to save money while enjoying the same delicious flavor.

Simple Ingredients: You only need unsweetened shredded coconut to make coconut butter, making it a clean and straightforward option for your pantry.

Customization: When you make your own coconut butter, you can control the texture and flavor. Add a pinch of sea salt, a dash of vanilla extract, or even a sweetener like stevia to suit your taste.

3-4 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut (desiccated coconut works best)
Optional: a pinch of sea salt, 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract, or a dash of stevia for sweetness

A high-quality food processor or a powerful blender (like a Vitamix)

Prepare Your Equipment: Start by ensuring your food processor or blender is clean and ready to use. A food processor is generally recommended for this task as it can effectively blend the coconut without kicking it up like a blender might.

Add Coconut: Place 3-4 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut into your food processor. If your processor is larger than 7-8 cups, you may need to adjust the amount of coconut to ensure it processes properly.

Blend: Turn on the food processor and blend the coconut. Initially, it will appear as though nothing is happening, but continue blending for about 8-10 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure all the coconut is evenly processed.

Check Consistency: After about 8-10 minutes, the mixture should transform into a smooth, creamy texture. If it remains chunky, you may need to blend longer or add a small amount of coconut oil to help it along.

Store: Once your coconut butter is creamy, transfer it to a glass jar or container. Store at room temperature for up to two weeks. If it hardens, simply warm it slightly in the microwave or place it in a bowl of hot water to soften.

Coconut butter is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:

Spread: Use it as a spread on toast, muffins, or pancakes.
Ingredient in Recipes: Incorporate it into baked goods, smoothies, or desserts for added flavor and creaminess.
Drizzle: Melt it and drizzle over ice cream or oatmeal for a delicious treat.
Frosting: Use it as a frosting for cakes or cupcakes, adding sweetness as desired.

Making homemade coconut butter is a quick and easy process that requires only one ingredient and a few minutes of your time. Whether you enjoy it straight from the jar or use it in your favorite recipes, this creamy delight is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!