Homemade Coconut Butter has just one ingredient: coconut! It’s easy to make at home in a food processor or high-powdered blender and can be used in TONS of ways – it’s great as a spread on it’s own and can also be used in many different recipes.
I’m almost embarrassed to post this because it can barely be called a recipe. Seriously…it has ONE ingredient. It’s less a recipe and more just a post full of me telling you why you should put some unsweetened coconut flakes in your blender or food processor.
And I have a lot of good reasons. See, what happens when you blend up that unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut is that it slowly breaks down into a smooth, luscious coconut butter. It’s similar to coconut oil in that it has a low 77º melting point, and when it’s all melty, it’s a fabulous spread on toast and perfect for drizzling over your bowl of oatmeal or yogurt.
Coconut butter is also an amazing ingredient to be used in other delectable treats, like my Almond Joy Brownies and these Paleo Magic Cookie Bars – just to tease you a bit with the possibilities. Whip up a jar of the stuff, and I promise you’ll find lots of ways to use it up.
The type of coconut that you use is important. I pretty much always use this unsweetened shredded coconut from Bob’s Red Mill – it’s super fine, high quality, and blends into coconut butter super quickly! You can also use unsweetened coconut flakes. Most pure unsweetened coconut should work, just be sure to avoid the stuff with sugar added.
Now, let’s chat a bit about how to make it, and the differences based on whether you use a food processor or high powered blender. I personally use my Vitamix blender and it does the job in about 3 minutes, no problem. I would expect that other high powered blenders would perform similarly, but unfortunately, I don’t think a cheap-y blender would be strong enough to fully break the coconut down.
In the blender, I like to use about 3 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut. I use the tamper stick to push the coconut down as it begins to break down, but eventually it will start to become pastey. Continue processing on medium-high and it will liquify. Once I see it start to liquify, I crank the speed to high and process for another 10 seconds or so to make sure it’s super smooth. That’s it!
The process is pretty similar in a food processor, but it takes a little bit longer and you’ll have to stop the machine occasionally to scrape down the sides. In a food processor, I’d expect it to take about 8-10 minutes, compared to 3-5 in a high powered blender. When the coconut is smooth, liquid-y, and pourable, it’s ready!
Just pour your fresh coconut butter into a jar or small container and keep it at room temperature. I’m sure once you’ve tasted it, you’ll find lots of ways to use this treat…and in case you don’t, here’s some of my favorite recipes using coconut butter from myself and my food blogger friends:
- Toasted Coconut Butter
- Raw Cookie Dough Slice
- Chocolate Coconut Butter Cups
- Maple Cashew Coconut Fudge Squares
- Almond Joy Brownies (GF + Paleo)
- Vanilla Bean Coconut Butter Cups with Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Paleo Magic Cookie Bars
Happy coconut butter making, and enjoy!
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- 2-4 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (sometimes also called desiccated coconut)
- Place the unsweetened shredded coconut in a high-powered blender (I used my Vitamix) or a food processor. In a blender, anywhere between 2-4 cups of coconut will work. For a food processor, I find 4 cups works best.
- Turn the machine on high and process until a smooth butter forms. If you're using a high-powered blender, use the tamper stick to push the coconut flakes down towards the blades until the butter gets creamy enough to blend without it. It should take 3-5 minutes. If you're using a food processor, scrape down the sides frequently to ensure everything is evenly blended. It will take between 6-12 minutes in a food processor.
- Pour the mixture into a glass jar or container. The coconut butter will be solid if stored below 77ºF - heat for about 15 seconds in the microwave to re-liquify.
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Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
I never knew making your own coconut butter at home was SO easy! And the stuff at the store is like $8 a jar!! Um, no thanks.—I’ll be coming back to this recipe for sure. ;)
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
I never knew making your own coconut butter at home was SO easy! And the stuff at the store is like $8 a jar!! Um, no thanks.—I’ll be coming back to this recipe for sure. ;)
Rachel says
I seriously am shocked whenever I see how much they charge for it and cringe when I see bloggers recommend buying it when it’s SO cheap and easy to make! I had to share, since I make it once a week :) haha, thanks Sarah!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
So I’m embarrassed to admit that I don’t like coconut at all. However, I do like coconut oil (I know it’s not a strong flavor) but I would definitely try butter, too! I had no idea it was just one ingredient! Such a great idea, Rachel!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
I can’t believe how easy it is to make your own coconut butter!! Thank you for this, Rachel. I have to try it!!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
THIS IS A GAME CHANGER! I had no idea it was so simple to make coconut butter!
Annie says
I looked at coconut butter last week and it was $11!!! I just couldn’t bring myself to do it! I am SO GLAD you posted this!!!
Rachel says
I know, I always cringe at how expensive it is! You’ve got to try making it yourself :)
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Recipes that aren’t really recipes are the best, girlfriend! Especially when it’s something that can be used in all the things, like this Coconut Butter! LOVE it! Totally making this stat! Cheers, girlie!
Rachel says
Thanks bunches Cheyanne!
Sue says
Can this be stored at room temp. or does it need to be refrigerated? And how long can it be stored?
Rachel says
Hi Sue. Yes, it can be stored at room temperature, and that’s how I keep mine. It should last at least a few months, although I can’t say I’ve ever had it last that long!
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
Don’t be embarrassed! This simplest are sometimes the best. I have to admit I had no clue that making coconut cream would be this easy. I’m going to try this for sure! Take care.
Medha (Whisk and Shout) says
I have got to get a high powered blender so I can make me some coco butter- it’s so expensive to buy already packaged, might as well make it myself :)
Passade says
Impressive !! I had no idea on how to make coconut butter. Thanks Rachel for sharing this recipe and making it so simple for others to prepare
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
This is BRILLIANT Rachel! Non recipes are the best kind of recipes I think!
Amanda says
I have never made coconut butter. It looks so fun! And now my mind is flipping through all the awesome ways I can use it.
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
I can’t wait to try this! So many great ways to use coconut butter!
Ashley says
I keep meaning to try making coconut butter myself! I just usually buy it but I am a huge sucker for anything DIY when it comes to food!!
Keith @ How's it Lookin? says
Looks so good. I never made it myself, thanks a lot
marcie says
I’m really glad you posted this Rachel, because I had no idea how to make coconut butter and now I think I’ll be making it all the time! This looks so luscious and perfect for a coconut lover like me. :)
John Marris says
Coconut butter has many uses & benefits.We almost make coconut butter at home…It is pure,organic and healthy.I like this website which is really very informative.Thanks for sharing brilliant COCONUT BUTTER ideas.
Susan says
Hello,just want to say thank you for sharing this recipe. Have seen in stores but wasn’t sure what it was and deffinately to pricey for me. This stuff is oh so delicious,am glad I made it. There is also a really good coconut at natural grocer’s that i used in this,it is organic fine shredded coconut and it was very reasonably priced. If there is anyone out there who hasn’t tried this,well you deffinately should,especially if you are looking for a healthy,natural sweetened alternative.
Melz says
Can this be made from real coconut
Rachel says
I haven’t been able to source fresh coconut so I haven’t tried it!
Lea says
Hey Rachel! Do I need to soak the shredded coconut in water first?
Rachel says
Nope, just blend it dry! Enjoy :)