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Why You Need Pumpkin Seed Butter In Your Life + How To Make It

Christina Bedetta, R.D., LDN
Author:
October 13, 2016
Christina Bedetta, R.D., LDN
Registered Dietitian & Yoga Teacher
By Christina Bedetta, R.D., LDN
Registered Dietitian & Yoga Teacher
Christina Bedetta R.D., LDN, is a registered dietitian and E-RYT with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Image by bhofak2
October 13, 2016

Although I tend to favor peanut butter over many other spreads (or most other foods, for that matter), I also love eating seed butters to obtain more variety in flavor and nutrients.

Tahini is a definite winner for savory food combinations, and I have grown to love using sunflower seed butter similarly to how I would use peanut butter. After recently snacking on some pumpkin seeds, I had the deliciously "crazy" idea to turn them into pumpkin seed butter!

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Flavor aside, pumpkin seeds have an impressive nutrient profile: They're packed with protein, fiber, heart-healthy omega-3 fats, vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, copper, tryptophan, and immune-boosting antioxidants that have been shown to promote everything from optimal cardiovascular and liver health, to strong hair, to insomnia prevention.

The following recipe is just about as simple as it gets. All you really need is pumpkin seeds and a food processor, but the addition of a few extra ingredients like maple syrup and cinnamon add delicious flavor notes that are comforting and just perfect for fall!

I often use raw and sprouted pumpkin seeds for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption, but I also enjoy using roasted pumpkin seeds when I am craving that palatable roasted flavor. This spread is delicious served on toast with fresh fruit or jam, stirred into oatmeal, or paired with bananas, gooey dates, or even sweet potatoes! The possibilities are endless. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Seed Butter

Nut-Free Pumpkin Butter Recipe
Image by mbg Creative x Martina Slajerova and Landria Voigt / Contributors

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pumpkin seeds (either raw and sprouted or roasted)
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Optional add-ins

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Preparation

1. Add pumpkin seeds to the bowl of a food processor and process about 5 minutes, stopping a few times to scrape down the bowl, until a smooth and spreadable consistency is formed (after a few minutes it will form a fine meal, and then after a few more it will transform into a butter).

2. If desired, add in the maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon, and salt, and process a few more seconds, until everything is combined and smooth.

Enjoy on toast, in oatmeal, or with bananas, dates, sweet potatoes, or whatever your heart desires! Store in a sealed container or mason jar in the refrigerator.

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Christina Bedetta, R.D., LDN
Christina Bedetta, R.D., LDN
Registered Dietitian & Yoga Teacher

Christina Bedetta R.D., LDN, is a passionate blogger with a goal to inspire others to cook and eat more delicious plant-based foods to nourish the body and soul. Although a long history of digestive distress and food allergies and intolerances has taught Christina that the primary purpose of food is for nourishment, she has found eating and cooking for restricted diets to be incredibly simple, delicious, indulgent (hello chocolate), and FUN! As a registered yoga teacher (E-RYT) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, and an avid believer in the holistic approach to nutrition and healing, Christina’s goal is to educate and help others to overcome struggles similar to her own, and achieve nourishment in the most delicious ways possible. Check out her website for delicious vegan recipes, nutrition tips, and inspiration.