Homemade Sunflower Butter Recipes

SUNFLOWER SEED BUTTER

Steps:

• Place sunflower seeds into the jar or bowl of a high-powered blender or food processor, respectively. Pulse the sunflower seeds until they are finely chopped.
• Process or blend on a low speed for 1 minute continuously, then stop the machine and scrape down the sides. The sunflower seed will be dry and gritty.
• Process or blend on a low speed a second time for 1 minute continuously, then stop the machine and scrape down sides. The sunflower seed butter will start to form a clumpy paste. If using raw sunflower seeds, you may need to add 1-2 tablespoons unflavored oil to facilitate the blending.
• Process or blend on a low speed a third time for 1 minute continuously, then stop the machine and scrape down sides. The sunflower seed butter will be thick and grainy at this point. Add more oil, if needed.
• Process or blend on a medium speed fourth time for 1 to 2 minutes longer. The sunflower seed butter should be creamy and smooth at this point. It may be hot to the touch, so allow it to cool before transferring to a jar. If using sugar or salt, add it now and process or blend again to combine (I like 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon salt).
• The sunflower seed butter will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for several months, but can also be kept at room temperature for a couple of weeks.

HOMEMADE SUNFLOWER SEED BUTTER (OIL-FREE)

Steps:

• This step helps the seeds start releasing some of their natural oils and enhances the flavor. However, if you'd prefer to make raw sunbutter, then you can skip this step.Spread the raw sunflower seeds across a baking sheet. Then, roast the seeds in the oven at 330ºF/165ºC (fan assisted) for 8 minutes, or until the seeds are golden brown.
• Remove the sunflower seeds from the oven and leave them to one side until cool to touch.
• Pour the sunflower seeds into your food processor or blender and blend till smooth. During this process, the seeds will go through several stages. First, they'll be ground into a fine meal. Then they will start to thicken up and form a ball, then a thick paste, and finally a smooth, creamy sunflower butter.Do this in intervals of around 2-3 minutes, so the seeds (and your machine) don't overheat. The longer you blend, the runnier consistency the seed butter will be.If you don't have a processor/blender that auto scrapes down the sides, you should do that every time you pause the machine to make sure all the seeds are blended till super smooth.This process can take as little as 2 minutes, 15 minutes, or even 30+ depending on your machine (for me, it takes 12-15 minutes for the super smooth sunflower butter I end up with).If you're using raw sunflower seeds, you might find that they won't move past the powdery/ball stage. At that point, you may need to add a tablespoon of neutral oil to get the machine working. However, I recommend allowing it to run for 10 minutes (with breaks every 2-3 minutes), to give it a chance, first!
• Once the homemade sunflower seed butter is ready, transfer it to an airtight glass container.If you want to add extra ingredients - like salt, sweetener, flavorings, etc. (keep reading below for ideas), add them in right at the end (after achieving your desired consistency) - then pulse a few times to distribute it within the sunflower butter.
• Yes, but the process will take quite a bit longer. You'll first need to soak the seeds in filter water for 3 hours (or overnight). Then, drain the seeds and pat them dry (well!).
• You can then use a dehydrator at 104ºF/40ºC for 10-12 hours or until the seeds are completely dry (if you want to make raw sunflower butter). Alternatively, roast them in the oven at a low temperature (until dry) - then increase the heat to roast them if preferred.Why go to this effort? Soaking the seeds can help to "activate" them - which means the nutrients within will become more bioavailable for the body (meaning more easily absorbed), and the phytic acid reduces (which is an enzyme inhibitor).
• Store: you can store the sunflower butter in the refrigerator for at least 6 weeks. Make sure to use clean utensils every time you use some.Freeze: alternatively, transfer the sunbutter to a freezer-safe container and freeze for between 3-4 months.Note* When you put any nut or seed butter in the fridge, it will solidify, and the oils can separate. Don't panic - simply mix it well before using. You can also move your portion to a small bowl and allow it to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before stirring and using.

HOMEMADE SUNFLOWER BUTTER

Steps:

• Pour sunflower seeds into the container of a high-powered blender, such as a Vitamix®, and secure lid.
• Select Variable 1. Slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then switch from Variable to High. Use the tamper to push sunflower seeds into the blades, and mix until sunflower seed butter develops an oily sheen. Season with salt. Store in an airtight container.

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY SUNFLOWER SEED BUTTER

Steps:

• Sweeten and add flavorings: Now that the seed butter is smooth, add the salt, cinnamon, coconut oil and vanilla extract and process for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until it becomes super smooth and spoonable.

HOMEMADE SUNFLOWER BUTTER CUPS

Steps:

• Make the chocolate layer: Gently melt the chocolate in a double boiler (a fitted bowl over a pot of simmering water), stirring the sides with a spatula so the chocolate does not stick or scorch on the edges.
• Spread 8 to 10 cupcake liners (or 12 to 16 small ones) on a baking sheet and spoon a thin layer of chocolate in the bottom of each, 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick. (This should use half of the melted chocolate. Keep the remaining chocolate warm over warm water.) Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 15 to 20 minutes and up to 4 hours to allow the chocolate to set up.
• Make the "butter" layer: Drain the excess oil off the top of the sunflower butter. Add the sunflower butter (or cinnamon cookie butter) to a medium bowl. Sift the confectioners' sugar (use 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar if using cookie butter, or 1/2 cup if using sunflower butter) over the top of the butter and fully combine using a rubber spatula. Roll the butter into tablespoon-sized balls for the large cups, or teaspoon-sized balls for the small cups. Flatten gently between your palms. Remove the baking sheet from the freezer and place the flattened butter patties on top of the chocolate, pressing down lightly. Tap the tray on the counter a few times to help flatten the layers. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours.
• Remove the baking sheet from the fridge, then gently press any uneven layers down and spoon the remaining melted chocolate over the butter layer on all of the candies. Refrigerate until it hardens, at least 1 hour and preferably up to 12 hours. Keep refrigerated and wrapped in plastic if serving the next day. (If using white chocolate, store finished treats in the freezer.)