Almond butter can be a tasty alternative to peanut butter in a range of dishes, but the texture can also become unpleasantly hard fairly quickly if you don’t use it up. So can you freeze almond butter to make it last longer? Or will that harm its texture?
It’s thick, creamy and versatile, and I use it in everything from baked goods like almond butter cookies to savory sauces. It also makes a delicious sandwich spread. But how can you extend the shelf life of almond butter before it turns hard and crusty? Is freezing it an option?
Yes, you can freeze almond butter and store it long term. In fact, it will keep for up to 9 months in the freezer. But you may notice some separation when you thaw it out.
In this post, I’ll go over how to freeze almond butter step-by-step. Plus, I’ll have some tips on how to thaw it out so you regain its original consistency.
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What is almond butter?
Almond butter is essentially finely ground almonds that solidify into a buttery paste as oils from the nuts are released during the grinding process. While many varieties are available at the grocery store, you can also easily make your own almond butter at home using a food processor.
Toasting the nuts before grinding them can impart extra nutty flavor into the final product. And the amount of blending can determine whether you end up with a smooth, creamy texture or crunchy almond butter.
In general, it has a consistency similar to traditional peanut butter and can be used in many of the same ways. And it can be a great alternative for those with a peanut allergy.
How to freeze almond butter
While almond butter can last for about a month in the fridge after opening, if you make a large batch at home you may find that you can’t finish it all before the texture becomes too hard or it simply starts to spoil. That’s especially true for homemade kinds without added preservatives.
But almond butter freezes well for a fairly long time, allowing you to extend its shelf life for several extra months. Here are two different ways to do it.
Freezing almond butter in an airtight container
1. Place the almond butter in airtight containers. If you have store-bought almond butter, transfer it from its original jar.
2. Use small airtight containers instead of one large one. That way you only need to thaw out small portions at a time.
3. For extra protection against freezer burn, wrap a layer of plastic wrap over the top of the almond butter.
4. Seal the containers tightly and label them with the date you froze the almond butter. Then place them on a level surface in the freezer.
Freezing almond butter in ice cube trays
If you have only a small amount of almond butter to freeze or you want to freeze a big batch in small, easy-to-use sizes, a great option is to use an ice cube tray.
To do it, simply grab an ice cream scoop and scoop your almond butter into the ice tray. Then cover it with a plastic lid or tightly with aluminum foil.
You basically want to avoid ice crystals or extensive frost from forming on the almond butter during the freezing process, as that can make it watery when thawed out.
⭐️ Tip: Freezing almond butter in an ice cube tray can work especially well for smoothies. You don’t even need to thaw the cubes out. You can simply add the frozen blocks right to the blender.
Either way you choose, almond butter can stay good for up to 9 months in the freezer.
How do you defrost almond butter?
The best way to thaw out frozen almond butter is to do it slowly. Simply transfer it to the fridge and let it defrost. It may take several hours depending on the size of the batch. This method will help preserve its texture and minimize splitting.
As an alternate option, you can let it thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour. This may result in some of the oils splitting, so you’ll likely need to give it a good stir in order to resolidify the almond butter.
❌ It’s best not to thaw almond butter in the microwave. That can lead to the oils separating, which can make it difficult to spread or to cook with.
👉🏼 Related: Can You Freeze Almond Milk?
Is it ok to refreeze almond butter?
While refreezing almond butter multiple times can affect its texture over time, refreezing it once or twice is ok. Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container and seal it well in order to keep out freezer burn and moisture.
That can be an issue when trying to refreeze almond butter in ice cube trays that aren’t sealed well. So you may notice it become overly oily or grainy if you use that method.
How should you store almond butter?
A store-bought, unopened jar of almond butter that contains preservatives will have a long shelf life. It can keep for up to 2 years in a cool, dark place that’s out of direct sunlight, like a pantry or a kitchen cabinet. The jars will also come with an expiration date indicating peak freshness.
After you’ve opened it, or if you made your own fresh almond butter at home, you’ll want to store it in the fridge. That’s because it can go rancid and spoil if left unrefrigerated.
By storing it in the fridge, you can create a significantly longer shelf life. In most cases, opened almond butter can keep for up to 3 months in the refrigerator as opposed to 1 month if kept at room temp.
Storing your almond butter in the fridge can also help prevent oil separation.
How to tell if almond butter has spoiled
If you suspect you have rancid almond butter or it’s beginning to spoil, check for these tell-tale signs:
Smell. If you notice a sour or off smell that doesn’t smell naturally nutty, that could be a sign it’s starting to go bad.
Discoloration. If you see any discoloration, darkening, or mold spots, then the almond butter is past its prime.
Taste. If you taste a bit of it and it tastes sour or bitter, or it simply tastes off, do not consume it.
In any of these cases, it’s a good idea to just discard the almond butter.
FAQ
In most cases, you only need to store almond butter in the fridge after you’ve opened it. If the jar is tightly resealed every time, the almond butter should stay good for up to 3 months. Though the sooner you consume it, the better the texture will be. Storing it for too long may cause the oils to separate, so you’ll likely need to stir the almond butter before use.
The best way to prevent almond butter from becoming hard is to store it upside down. This will help the oil distribute throughout and form a protective layer on the top. It will also help keep the smooth texture of the almond butter.
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