How Much Cashew Nut to Substitute for Cashew Butter
Works for baking, sauteing, and frying. Cashew Nut keeps a similar flavor profile to Cashew Butter.
How much cashew nut equals one tbsp cashew butter?
Use 1 tbsp chopped cashews per tbsp cashew butter.
Health notes
Compared with Cashew Butter, Cashew Nut has: less calories (553 vs 587 per 100g in Cashew Butter), less fat (43.9g vs 49.4g per 100g in Cashew Butter), less saturated fat (7.8g vs 9.8g per 100g in Cashew Butter), and more carbs (30.2g vs 27.6g per 100g in Cashew Butter).
Using cashew nut as a cashew butter substitute in baking
Use whole or chopped cashews per tbsp of butter; won't spread or bind like a paste.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
Toss in chopped for crunch; won't melt or coat like the butter does.
- Frying
Works for coating or garnish; won't behave like a fat in the pan.
- Slow Cook
Add whole for texture; softens but won't turn creamy like the butter.
- Grilling
Scatter chopped nuts as topping, not as a basting fat.
- Steaming
Add as garnish after steaming; doesn't melt into the dish.
- Raw Cold
Chop or blend into dressings and dips for a similar rich bite.
Methods to avoid (1)
- Drinks
Not recommended: won't blend smooth without soaking and processing.
FAQ
- How much cashew nut equals one tbsp cashew butter?
1 tbsp. For a typical recipe:
- 1 tbsp cashew butter → 1 tbsp
- 2 tbsp cashew butters → 2 tbsp
- 3 tbsp cashew butters → 3 tbsp
- Can I substitute cashew nut for Cashew Butter in baking?
Yes. Use whole or chopped cashews per tbsp of butter; won't spread or bind like a paste. Not recommended: won't blend smooth without soaking and processing.
- How much cashew nut to use as a cashew butter substitute?
Very close in taste, just less smooth and less umami without roasting or blending.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Cashew Nut for Cashew Butter?
Cashew nut keeps a similar flavor profile to cashew butter.
- How does texture change when substituting Cashew Nut for Cashew Butter?
Cashew nut adds crunch instead of a smooth spreadable paste; won't cling to batters or blend into liquids without processing first.
- What else should I know about substituting Cashew Nut for Cashew Butter?
For granola, curries, and stir-fries. Expect crunch instead of creaminess since whole nuts don't spread or emulsify. Skip smoothies and dressings unless you blend them first with liquid. Toast lightly to bring the flavor closer to the butter's roasted depth.
- What still works when substituting Cashew Nut for Cashew Butter?
Cashew nut still works as a fat and texture.
- What won't work when substituting Cashew Nut for Cashew Butter?
Cashew nut won't work as a flavor carrier and binder.
- How well does Cashew Nut match Cashew Butter?
Cashew nut is stretch on structure, good on heat, and strong on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Cashew Nut for Cashew Butter?
Cashew nut is slightly lower in fat and sat. fat. Overall, calories and protein are similar.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Cashew Nut for Cashew Butter?
The flavor shifts toward less umami notes.