Vegan butter is a great alternative to dairy butter, perfect for spreading, baking, and cooking. The best part? You can make it at home using any oil of your choice! This homemade vegan butter is creamy, smooth, and easy to customize based on your preference.
Why Make Your Own Vegan Butter?
- Healthier – Control the ingredients and avoid additives.
- Customizable – Use your preferred oil for taste and texture.
- Cost-effective – Homemade butter is cheaper than store-bought options.
Ingredients
To make vegan butter, you'll need:
- ½ cup oil (olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, or any neutral oil)
- ¼ cup plant-based milk (unsweetened soy, almond, oat, or coconut)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for a slight tang)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust for taste)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a buttery flavor)
- 1 tablespoon soy lecithin or ground flaxseed (for a creamier texture)
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum or agar-agar (optional, for a firmer consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Blend the Ingredients
In a blender, add your oil, plant-based milk, vinegar, salt, and any optional ingredients like turmeric or nutritional yeast. Blend until smooth.
2. Add a Thickener (Optional)
If you want a firmer texture, mix in soy lecithin, ground flaxseed, xanthan gum, or agar-agar. Blend again until fully combined.
3. Chill the Butter
Pour the mixture into a container and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until it solidifies. If you used coconut oil, it will firm up faster.
4. Enjoy Your Homemade Vegan Butter
Use your butter for spreading, cooking, or baking! Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Which Oil Works Best?
| Oil Type | Texture | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut Oil | Firm & Creamy | Baking & Spreading |
| Olive Oil | Soft & Smooth | Cooking & Drizzling |
| Avocado Oil | Rich & Creamy | Baking & Cooking |
| Sunflower Oil | Light & Neutral | Spreading & Baking |
Tips for the Best Vegan Butter
✔ For firmer butter, use coconut oil as the base.
✔ For a softer spread, use a mix of olive oil and avocado oil.
✔ For a buttery flavor, add a pinch of black salt (kala namak) for an eggy taste.
✔ For a yellow color, use a tiny amount of turmeric.
Now that you know how to make vegan butter with any oil, give it a try! Let me know which oil you prefer in your recipe.