Welcome to the delightful world of plant-based cooking! If you’ve ever wished for a creamy, buttery spread without the dairy, you’re in for a treat.
Today, we’re diving into a virtual vegan butter recipe that you can whip up right in your kitchen with simple, wholesome ingredients. This recipe marries the richness of oils with the smooth texture and subtle tang of traditional butter, making it perfect for everything from baking to spreading on your morning toast.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to cut down on animal products, this homemade vegan butter offers a fresh, customizable alternative that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Using this recipe, you can avoid preservatives and additives often found in store-bought vegan butters, and tailor the flavor to your liking. Plus, it’s incredibly easy—no complicated techniques or special equipment required!
So let’s get started on crafting your very own luscious vegan butter that will elevate your culinary creations to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This virtual vegan butter recipe is more than just a dairy-free substitute—it’s a versatile kitchen staple that brings a rich, buttery flavor to your dishes without any animal products. Here’s why it stands out:
- Simple Ingredients: Made from natural, plant-based components like coconut oil, olive oil, and plant-based milk, ensuring a clean label.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the saltiness, tang, or even add herbs and spices for unique variations.
- Perfect Texture: Creamy and spreadable right out of the fridge, yet melts beautifully when heated.
- Cost-Effective: Homemade vegan butter is often cheaper than premium store-bought versions.
- Healthier Choice: Free from cholesterol and packed with healthy fats from nuts and oils.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup refined coconut oil (solid at room temperature)
- 1/4 cup light olive oil or other neutral oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened soy milk or any plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (for color, optional)
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast (for a subtle cheesy, buttery flavor, optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand blender or regular blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Small airtight container or butter mold for storing
- Refrigerator for setting the butter
Instructions
- Prepare the coconut oil: If your coconut oil is solid, gently melt it until just liquid but not hot. You want it to be warm enough to blend smoothly but not so hot that it cooks the other ingredients.
- Combine plant-based milk and vinegar: In a mixing bowl, stir together the soy milk and apple cider vinegar. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly, creating a vegan buttermilk effect.
- Add oils and flavorings: Pour the melted coconut oil and olive oil into the bowl with the vegan buttermilk. Add sea salt, turmeric powder (if using), and nutritional yeast. These give the butter its classic color and depth of flavor.
- Blend until creamy: Use a hand blender or regular blender to mix everything together. Blend for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and emulsified. The texture should resemble softened butter.
- Transfer to container: Pour the blended vegan butter into your airtight container or butter mold. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Chill and set: Place the container in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the butter to firm up. Once set, it will be spreadable and perfect for use.
- Enjoy and store: Use your vegan butter just like you would traditional butter. Keep it refrigerated and use within 2 weeks for best freshness.
Tips & Variations
“For a garlic herb butter alternative, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives during blending.”
- Swap the oils: You can experiment with avocado oil or walnut oil for different flavor profiles.
- Make it unsalted: Omit the salt for a neutral base that’s perfect for baking or cooking.
- Sweeten it up: Add a teaspoon of maple syrup or agave for a buttery spread ideal on pancakes or waffles.
- Storage tip: If your butter becomes too hard in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before spreading.
- Use a silicone butter mold: For a fun shape and easier slicing, silicone molds make serving more elegant.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 1 tablespoon (14g) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Total Fat | 14g |
Saturated Fat | 9g |
Trans Fat | 0g |
Cholesterol | 0mg |
Sodium | 120mg |
Carbohydrates | 0.5g |
Protein | 0.1g |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan butter is incredibly versatile and can enhance a variety of meals:
- Spread it on warm toast or bagels for a creamy start to your day.
- Use it in baking recipes that call for butter, like cookies or muffins, for a dairy-free alternative.
- Melt it over steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes to add richness.
- Incorporate it into sauces and gravies for a luscious finish, much like in this Bread And Gravy Recipe.
- Use it as a base for sautéeing mushrooms or greens, pairing well with dishes like the Best Spg Seasoning Recipe.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan butter at home is a rewarding and healthful way to enjoy the creamy, delicious qualities of traditional butter without animal products. This recipe is simple, quick, and adaptable to suit your personal tastes, whether you prefer a plain buttery flavor or a herb-infused spread.
By using wholesome ingredients, you avoid unnecessary additives and can feel confident about what you’re putting on your plate.
We encourage you to try this virtual vegan butter as a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect for everyday use and special recipes alike.
When you’re ready to explore more creative plant-based dishes, be sure to check out our Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a savory start or dive into the Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes for a flavorful vegan dinner idea.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Virtual Vegan Butter
Description: A creamy, plant-based butter alternative perfect for spreading or cooking. Made with simple ingredients for a smooth and rich flavor.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup refined coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened soy milk
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., sunflower or canola)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lecithin granules (optional, for emulsifying)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil until liquid but not hot.
- Combine soy milk, apple cider vinegar, and lecithin in a blender.
- Slowly add the melted coconut oil while blending on medium speed.
- Add neutral oil, salt, turmeric, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a container and refrigerate until solid, about 2 hours.
- Use as a spread or in cooking as you would butter.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 0.5g
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