How To Make Walnut Butter in a Vitamix (Plus Recipes and Benefits)
If you love natural nut butters, you might want to try something a little different—walnut butter. Rich, creamy, and loaded with nutrients, walnut butter is easy to make at home with a Vitamix and offers a unique flavor that can elevate both sweet and savory dishes.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make your own walnut butter, share some creative ways to use it in everyday recipes, and highlight the impressive health benefits that come with every spoonful.
Why Walnuts? The Health Benefits of Walnut Butter
Walnuts are more than just a crunchy salad topping—they’re a nutritional powerhouse with wide-ranging health benefits. Here’s why adding walnut butter to your diet can be a smart, tasty choice:
🧠 Brain Health: Walnuts are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), which support brain function and may help reduce age-related cognitive decline.
❤️ Heart Health: Regular walnut consumption is linked to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, reduced blood pressure, and improved overall cardiovascular health.
💪 Anti-Inflammatory: Walnuts contain polyphenols and other antioxidants that can help fight chronic inflammation.
🌿 Plant Protein: Walnut butter offers a decent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making it a filling addition to meals or snacks.
🌱 Rich in Vitamins & Minerals: Walnuts provide magnesium, copper, folate, and vitamin E—all essential for energy, bone health, and immune support.
How to Make Walnut Butter in a Vitamix
Ingredients:
3 cups (300 g) raw or lightly toasted walnuts (if you add 1 more cup it is easier to blend)
Optional: pinch of salt, drizzle of maple syrup, or cinnamon for flavor
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Walnuts:
If you prefer a more robust, toasty flavor, lightly roast the walnuts in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Let cool slightly.
2. Blend:
Add walnuts to your Vitamix. Start on low speed and gradually increase to high, using the tamper to push nuts toward the blades. This process will take 2-4 minutes. First, the walnuts will break down into crumbs, then a thick paste, and eventually a smooth butter as the oils release. It is easier to blend the walnuts if you add another cup of walnuts before toasting. (NOTE: #1 If you want a smoother butter, use extra walnuts-- another cup of lightly toasted walnuts breaks down better because of the tamper having more leverage.)
3.Adjust Flavor:
Once smooth, you can blend in a pinch of salt, a touch of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
4. Store:
Transfer to a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. Stir before use if separation occurs.
(NOTE #2: Right after this step I run a little cold water into the dirty Vitamix and make a sort of walnut milk to use in the pasta sauce recipe instead of just plain water-- helps clean out the vitamix and makes another great tasting part of the walnut recipe).
How to Use Walnut Butter
Walnut butter’s earthy, slightly bitter profile pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory flavors. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
🥣 On Toast: Spread on whole grain or sourdough toast with banana slices and a drizzle of maple syrup.
🥗 Salad Dressing: Whisk walnut butter with lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and a splash of water for a creamy salad dressing.
🍪 In Baking: Use in place of peanut butter in cookies, muffins, or energy balls for a unique twist.
🍝 In Pasta: Stir into warm pasta with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and herbs for a quick walnut cream sauce.
🍎 As a Dip: Serve with apple slices, pear wedges, or celery sticks.
🍯 Breakfast Bowls: Drizzle over oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie bowls for a healthy fat boost.
Two Simple Recipes Featuring Walnut Butter
1. Walnut Butter Banana Toast
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| Maple-Walnut Spread with Bananas and Cinnamon YUM |
Ingredients:
1 slice whole grain or sourdough bread
1-2 tablespoons walnut butter
1 small banana, sliced
Drizzle of maple syrup (optional-- gotta say that I add the maple to the sauce)
Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Toast the bread to your liking.
Spread walnut butter generously over the toast.
Top with banana slices, drizzle with maple syrup, and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. Enjoy immediately.
2. Creamy Walnut Butter Pasta Sauce
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| Walnut Butter Sauce is delicious on pasta and roast veggies! |
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons walnut butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
3 tablespoons warm water (more as needed-- you can also use the "walnut milk" in place of water. See above Note #2 under Instructions for making the walnut butter.
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked pasta (about 2 cups/250 g)
Optional: sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted veggies
Instructions:
In a small bowl, whisk together walnut butter, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, and warm water until smooth and creamy. Add more water to thin if needed.
Toss the sauce with warm pasta and your choice of sautéed vegetables.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Making walnut butter at home is simple, satisfying, and a wonderful way to explore new flavors in your kitchen. Whether you spread it, stir it, or drizzle it, walnut butter can bring both nutrition and gourmet flair to your everyday meals.
If you give these recipes a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out! 💬
Disclosure: AI was used in the editing process for this blog post. The photos are the author's.
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