Homemade Pecan Butter

Ingredients

• 4 cup pecans (Use raw or preroasted pecans; do not use salted pecans.)
• 1 tsp honey (Plus extra for seasoning to taste.)
• 0.75 tsp kosher salt (Plus extra for seasoning to taste.)
• vegetable oil (Optional; add 1 teaspoon at a time if the butter is too thick.)
• water (Optional; add 1 teaspoon at a time if the butter is too thin.)

Steps

1. 1

   Place an oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. 2

   Spread the pecans in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. If using raw pecans, roast them for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until fragrant and slightly darkened. If using preroasted pecans, warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes instead.

3. 3

   Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the pecans cool slightly, about 10 minutes. They should remain warm, since warm nut oils process more readily.

4. 4

   Transfer the warm pecans to a food processor. Process until their oil is released and a paste begins to form, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently.

5. 5

   Add the honey and kosher salt to the food processor. Continue processing for 2 to 3 minutes longer, or until the pecan butter reaches your desired smoothness.

6. 6

   Taste the pecan butter and season with additional honey and salt as needed.

7. 7

   If the butter is thicker than desired, add vegetable oil 1 teaspoon at a time, pulsing 3 times after each addition, until the desired consistency is reached.

8. 8

   If the butter is thinner than desired, add water 1 teaspoon at a time, pulsing 3 times after each addition, until the desired consistency is reached.

9. 9

   Transfer the pecan butter to a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it at room temperature or refrigerate it for up to 2 months.

Notes

Optional variations: Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger, or ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the pecans before processing. Do not use salted pecans.

Nutrition per serving

• condiment
• snack
• make-ahead
• food processor
• roasted
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• dairy-free