The Conversation
There’s something sexy about the way butter melts onto… well, just about anything. But a healthy-fat alternative is even hotter! No churning required — all you need is a food processor or blender. If you’re looking for ways to amp up your toast game, look no further because we’ve got ten dairy-free, sugar-free, nut-free, paleo and vegan-friendly coconut spreads that you can whip up in no time! (Bonus: all of these recipes have 5 ingredients or less!)
1. Classic Coconut Butter: You just need one (yes, you read that correctly, ONE) ingredient to make this not-so-basic butter: shredded unsweetened coconut. Throw a bag of it in your food processor or blender until it gets smooth (ten-ish minutes) and if it needs a little help, add in 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil. (via Chocolate Covered Katie)
2. Blackberry, Cacao and Fig Coconut Butters: The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating flavored coconut butter. We love the idea of using fruit that’s in season as a natural sweetener. Try smashed blackberries or chopped figs, OR crushed cacao nibs if you’re okay with being “bad.” (via The Beauty Department)
3. Chocolate Coconut Butter: Dessert is stressed spelled backwards, and a spoonful of this stuff is a sure-fire way to cure a case of the Mondays — or any day that ends in y! Also good with waffles, berries, ice cream — you name it. (We’re keeping a stash in the Brit HQ fridge!) (via My Whole Food Life)
4. Strawberry Coconut Butter + Mini Strawberry Scones: If you’re tired of toast altogether, you can go all out with these gluten-free, vegan and paleo scone minis and top them with a simple 2-ingredient strawberry butter. A batch of these with a spot o’ tea would make us berry happy. (via Secret Recipe Club)
5. Toasted Pecan Coconut Butter: When it comes to mix-ins, we want you to go nuts (unless you’re allergic, of course)! We think it’d be the perfect topping to a hearty bowl of oatmeal or spread on toast with a spiced cider. (via The Curious Fig)
6. Raw Lemon Coconut Butter: Coconut and citrus fruit have oodles of health and beauty benefits, so naturally these two pair together for a delightfully tart spread! (via Jules Galloway)
7. Chocolate Chip Coconut Butter: Take some leftover chocolate chips and stir them into plain coconut butter to take waffles, pancakes or a grain-free loaf to the next level. You’re welcome. (via How Sweet Eats)
8. Cinnamon Coconut Banana, Spicy Goji Berry and Espresso Cacao Chip Coconut Butters: Have a brunch or play-date coming up but don’t know what to make that’ll please picky eaters and sensitive tummies? Make this trio of coconut butters with a tray of allergen-friendly crackers and fruit for your spread. (via Lunchbox Bunch)
9. Cake Batter Coconut Butter: Have your gluten-free cake and eat it by the spoonful! This version gets it decadence from macadamia nuts and a touch of maple syrup. (via My Whole Food Life)
10. Vanilla Coconut Butter: Stir in high-quality vanilla extract or scrape in a vanilla bean for a yummy flavored butter that will make you feel warm and fuzzy, like wrapping yourself up in a cozy faux fur throw for your taste buds. (via Espresso & Cream)
Which of these coconut butters will you spread on tomorrow’s toast? Have any mix-ins to suggest? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Maureen is a writer and brunch enthusiast laughing way too loudly in Texas. If she isn't voraciously turning the pages of the latest celebrity memoir, she's probably picking up a new skill to use for a DIY project. Shopping (online and off) is her cardio, and as an avid advocate for the handwritten note, she loves to send (and receive) snail mail. Like Kanye West once tweeted, sometimes she gets emotional over fonts.