Homemade Pecan Pie Nut Butter

A Cozy, Creamy Fall-Inspired Spread You’ll Want Year-Round

Imagine the deep, buttery richness of pecan pie, transformed into a creamy, spreadable, healthy nut butter. That’s exactly what pecan pie nut butter delivers. It’s decadent, naturally sweetened, warm with spices, and totally spoon-worthy — without the need for refined sugar, dairy, or anything artificial.

Perfect for fall, but crave-worthy all year round, this nut butter is more than just a spread — it’s a flavor-packed, wholesome upgrade for breakfasts, snacks, and even desserts. Whether you slather it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or blend it into smoothies, it brings comfort food vibes in the healthiest, most delicious way.

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What Is Pecan Pie Nut Butter?

Pecan pie nut butter is a smooth or slightly crunchy spread made from roasted pecans and blended with pie-inspired ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup, and a touch of salt. It mimics the deep, caramelized, almost buttery flavor of traditional pecan pie — but in a spreadable, nutritious form.

You’ll find it incredibly versatile:

• Spread on warm toast

• Drizzled over pancakes or waffles

• Blended into smoothies

• Mixed into yogurt or oatmeal

• Or simply eaten by the spoonful

Unlike store-bought versions that often contain added oils or sugars, this homemade version uses minimal, real-food ingredients for a naturally sweet, spiced, creamy result.

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Benefits of Homemade Nut Butter

Making your own pecan pie nut butter at home comes with big advantages:

• Freshness: You control when and how it’s made — no preservatives needed.

• Customization: Adjust sweetness, spice, or texture to your liking.

• Nutrient-dense: Pecans are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.

• Allergy-friendly: No dairy, gluten, soy, or refined sugar — and easily made vegan.

• Zero mystery ingredients: Only what you add goes into the jar.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Raw or Roasted Pecans

The star of the show. Pecans are naturally rich and buttery. Roasting them enhances their nutty depth. You can buy pre-roasted pecans or roast them yourself.

Pure Maple Syrup

Adds sweetness and that unmistakable fall flavor. It also helps bind the nut butter into a spreadable texture.

Ground Cinnamon

Essential for that “pecan pie” vibe. A pinch of nutmeg or cloves can be added too for extra warmth.

Pure Vanilla Extract

Adds depth and richness. Choose alcohol-free if needed.

Sea Salt

Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.

Optional Add-Ins

• Dates or coconut sugar for extra sweetness

• Pumpkin pie spice for a deeper fall blend

• Chia seeds for a bit of texture and nutrition

• Toasted oats to mimic the pie crust

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How to Make Pecan Pie Nut Butter

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15–20 minutes
Yield: About 1 cup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pecans (raw or roasted)

• 2 to 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

• Optional: 1–2 teaspoons coconut sugar or 2 soft dates (pitted)

• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or cloves

Instructions:

1. Toast the Pecans (if using raw):
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast for 8–10 minutes, stirring once. Let them cool for 5 minutes before blending.

2. Add to a Food Processor or High-Speed Blender:
   Place the pecans in the processor and blend until they form a coarse meal. Scrape down the sides often.

3. Blend Until Creamy:
   Continue blending until the pecans release their oils and turn into a smooth, creamy butter. This may take 5–8 minutes depending on your machine. Be patient — it will go from crumbs to paste to liquid.

4. Add Flavorings:
   Once the butter is smooth, add maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and any optional add-ins. Blend again until fully incorporated.

5. Adjust to Taste:
   Taste the nut butter. Add more cinnamon for spice, more syrup for sweetness, or a pinch more salt to enhance the flavor.

6. Store It:
   Transfer to a glass jar and let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Texture Tips

• Want it chunky? Pulse in chopped pecans or oats at the end.

• Prefer it silky smooth? Blend longer or add a teaspoon of mild oil (like avocado or coconut oil).

• Too thick? Stir in 1 tablespoon warm water or a bit more maple syrup.

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Creative Ways to Use Pecan Pie Nut Butter

On Toast or Bagels

Spread it thick and top with banana slices or apple wedges.

Swirled into Oatmeal

Turn your morning oats into a cozy bowl of pecan pie flavor.

In Smoothies

Add a spoonful to banana or pumpkin smoothies for creamy, nutty richness.

Drizzled over Pancakes or Waffles

Warm the nut butter slightly and drizzle like syrup.

As a Dip for Fruit

Perfect for apple slices, strawberries, or pear wedges.

In Yogurt Parfaits

Layer with granola and Greek yogurt for a protein-packed treat.

In Baking

Use it in muffins, cookies, or drizzle over baked goods for an autumn twist.

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Custom Variations

Chocolate Pecan Pie Nut Butter

Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder or a handful of dark chocolate chips when blending for a brownie-like twist.

Spicy Version

Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a sweet-spicy combo.

Nut-Free Option

Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of pecans for an allergy-friendly version. Adjust sweeteners and spices to balance flavor.

Coconut Pecan Butter

Blend in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical pie version.

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Storage and Shelf Life

• Refrigeration: Store in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

• Freezing: Spoon into silicone molds or small freezer-safe containers for longer storage (up to 3 months). Thaw in the fridge.

• Room Temp (Short-Term): Can sit out for 3–5 days if your kitchen is cool, but refrigeration preserves flavor and texture best.

Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination.

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Nutrition Highlights (Per Tablespoon, Approx.)

• Calories: ~90

• Healthy fats: ~9g

• Carbohydrates: ~3g

• Sugars: ~2g (from maple syrup and natural pecans)

• Protein: ~1g

• No refined sugar or artificial additives

(Note: Nutrition may vary slightly depending on exact ingredients.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this nut butter vegan?
Yes, if you use maple syrup and alcohol-free vanilla, it’s completely vegan.

Can I use a regular blender instead of a food processor?
High-powered blenders like Vitamix can work, but you may need to stop frequently to scrape and avoid overheating. Food processors are more consistent for thick spreads.

Why did my nut butter turn out dry or crumbly?
This can happen if the pecans are under-roasted or your machine isn’t strong enough. Keep blending — it usually smooths out with time.

Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes. The natural sweetness of pecans and a dash of cinnamon might be enough. Skip the maple syrup and add a soft date if desired.

Is this safe for kids?
Definitely — just ensure no allergies. You can reduce the sweetener or omit optional spices for toddlers.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your processor can handle it. Larger batches may blend more easily due to the increased volume.

Final Thoughts

This pecan pie nut butter is everything you love about fall — rich, spiced, naturally sweet, and deeply comforting. It’s simple to make, endlessly versatile, and free from unnecessary additives or refined sugars.

With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of blending, you can enjoy this indulgent-yet-healthy spread on toast, in smoothies, or straight from the jar. It’s a cozy addition to your pantry that’s perfect for fall and the holidays — but once you taste it, you’ll find yourself making it year-round.