Cashew butter is notoriously creamy, so it is no wonder that it is a favorite of many. Every single bite of the stuff melts away in the mouth. It really is that oh-so-dreamy.
It is also very versatile and can be used as a spread on a warm slice of toast, as a dipping sauce, or added to dishes.
However, if your recipe calls for cashew butter and you do not have any in your kitchen pantry, what can you use instead?
Perhaps you are allergic to cashew nuts or you have never tried it before but would like to use something you like. Whatever the reason, you will be happy to know that there are substitutes available.
So fear not, because in this article we shall take a look at the 6 best cashew butter substitutes.
From nutty flavors like hazelnut butter and walnut butter to the popular favorites like peanut butter and almond butter. You will be inspired!
What Actually Is Cashew Butter?
Cashew butter is made the exact same way as other nut butters. It is made from cashews which have been ground into a paste. The overall flavor is creamy with a slight sweet and moreish taste.
This makes cashew butter useful for a variety of different uses.
The nut butters which are mostly similar to cashew are peanut and almond butter.
They too are creamy and have a slight sweetness to them as well. The best part about cashew butter compared to both almond and peanut is that it tends to have a lower fat percentage.
Not only that, cashews contain some essential nutrients too such as zinc, phosphorus and magnesium.
These are all important in helping the body work properly, but in particular the metabolism and development of bones.
So, not only is it tasty but it is healthy too. However, this does not mean that other nut butters have no health benefits – because they do!
6 Best Cashew Butter Substitutes
If you need an alternative to cashew butter then you will definitely be interested to read on to find out what the 6 best cashew butter substitutes are.
You might just be surprised to find that you have at least one of these in your kitchen cupboard already.
So read on to find out what the 6 best cashew butter substitutes are.
1. Hazelnut Butter
Hazelnuts are often mixed with chocolate, however you can also eat hazelnut butter on its own – and guess what? It is divine!
It has a stronger taste due to the hazelnut flavor being quite distinctive, however this only adds to the enjoyment of eating it. Overall it has similar health attributes to peanut butter.
It contains vitamins E and B, however the vitamin E content is higher in hazelnut butter.
Also, while peanut butter is high in protein, hazelnut butter contains far less. Even so, it makes a wonderful alternative to cashew butter. It even looks like cashew butter which will disguise it for everyone!
2. Almond Butter
Almond butter is great for those who not only need a substitute for cashew butter, but who are also allergic to peanuts. Almond butter has a very similar texture and taste to both peanut and cashew nut butters.
Almond butter tends to be made with both regular and roasted almonds. The latter creates a richer flavor compared to unroasted nuts. It is great to be used in many sweet and savory recipes.
Almond butter makes a wonderful dip too. You Might be surprised to hear how well it goes with fruits and veggies. This makes a wonderfully healthy snack.
The only downside to this substitute is that it has a high amount of calories compared to cashew butter. However, do not let this put you off. There are many health benefits to almond butter.
There are lots of antioxidants and vitamins in each spoonful. These include vitamin E, riboflavin and magnesium. Plus, almond butter actually has good fats!
3. Macadamia Nut Butter
While macadamia has a similar flavor to walnuts, it does make a great substitute for cashew butter. It has a mild profile, but also very unique which means it is an interesting nut butter.
The butter itself is rich and very creamy making it wonderful on bakes and toast.
It has a lot of calcium but is high in fats. It also has a low protein content. For these reasons, do not go overboard when adding it to recipes.
4. Sunflower Butter
Sunflower butter is mild in flavor but makes a great substitute for cashew butter. It contains high amounts of vitamin E, copper and selenium. Plus, it is low in fat making this nut butter ideal for many recipes.
It has a hint of nutty flavor which is great for those who are not a big fan of it. This means it will enhance the dish being made, rather than overpower it.
5. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter has to be the most popular choice out of all of the nut butters. It is very versatile and a commonly used food. It is loved by adults and children alike, and tastes great with so many foods.
While cashew and peanut do taste different from each other, the latter has a creaminess that is similar to the former. This makes it a great substitute for cashew butter, as it will give you a similar finish and taste.
Peanut butter also includes vitamins B and E, as well as potassium.
You might already have peanut butter in your kitchen pantry so using this as a substitute is always a great idea. However, if you have an allergy, please do not use this nut butter.
6. Walnut Butter
Walnut butter is a wonderful substitute for cashew butter. You will find that it is sweeter, so in any recipe you need it for, always use less. If you don’t, you may find it overpowering.
The overall texture is similar, though it is a little thinner. If you are using it for baking, just remember to ensure it does not burn in the oven. Adjust the timing rather than adding more – it will only make it sweeter.
Walnuts include folic acid, copper, vitamins B6 and E, and manganese.
Final Thoughts
As you can see there are plenty of alternatives when it comes to cashew butter. Unsurprisingly, a lot of nuts can be ground into a paste to create something delicious and tasty.
While cashews are wonderfully creamy, there are some good substitutes to get a similar flavor and texture. Peanut and almond butter are a fantastic choice, however there are also plenty more such as walnut and sunflower butter.
If you are off to the grocery store soon, why not give one of the above nut butters a try? You might just find a new favorite!
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
