Can You Bake With Sunflower Butter?

If you've recently heard that SunButter is a healthy alternative to peanut butter, it may have brought a question to mind. Is it possible to bake with sunflower butter? We've delved into the research and have some enlightening answers for you!

Sunflower butter, affectionately called SunButter, is a highly nutritional substitute for nut-based pastes. It's a wonderful option for those with nut allergies, and you can certainly use it in baking! Although this product has a similar consistency to peanut butter, it definitely has its own earthy taste.

So, what does sunflower butter taste like? Can you substitute with SunButter in baked goods? Will your SunButter turn green during baking? Keep reading to learn everything you didn't know you needed to know about baking with sunflower butter!

What exactly is sunflower butter?

SunButter is created by putting sunflower seeds through a roasting process in the manufacturing plant. Then, they're toasted and smashed into a creamy mixture. The method is similar to the production of other nut-based spreads. In retail, you can find it in varieties such as creamy, crunchy, organic, sugar-free, and travel-size. There's even a chocolate version!

If you're interested in this item due to an allergy, be sure to always scan the labels before buying. SunButter products are made in a facility free of tree nuts or peanuts. However, off-brand versions need to be checked to be sure they're not cross-contaminated by other allergens at the plant.

Nutritional benefits

Sunflower spreads are naturally vegan and gluten-free. They're also packed with vitamins and minerals. These include but are not limited to Vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous, and iron. It is gentle on the digestive tract while being a great source of protein. In addition, it's lower in saturated fat and higher in monounsaturated fat than peanut butter.

What does sunflower butter taste like?

SunButter contains the same taste as a pack of roasted sunflower seeds. It's a deep, earthy flavor profile that many find to be quite savory. It definitely does not taste like peanut butter, but it's a yummy alternative!

As far as texture, they're very similar. The difference is that the sunflower spread is a bit more oily. You'll need to stir the contents a bit when you open the jar. The extra oils make it super creamy and easy to spread.

Click here to see SunButter Creamy Sunflower Butter on Amazon.

Click here to see SunButter Organic 30-count Pouches on Amazon.

Can you substitute SunButter for peanut butter in baking?

You can absolutely use sunflower butter as a substitute for peanut butter when baking if you wish. Simply use a 1:1 ratio of SunButter when replacing a nut-based option.

It doesn't taste exactly the same as peanut butter. That being said, there are some truly delectable substitution recipes out there. We just happen to have some favorites that came up during our research!

• Head over to Allergylicious's website for a drool-worthy Nut-Free Peanut Butter Cookies recipe made with SunButter.
• The SunButter Cups from The Travel Palate are mouth-watering and free of peanut butter.
• If you're living the keto lifestyle, The Big Man's World has a tutorial for yummy Nut-Free Fat Bombs.

Can you substitute SunButter for butter?

Sunflower butter is a perfectly viable alternative for toast, bagels, pancakes, and other items. It's potent as a spread. But we wouldn't recommend SunButter as a direct substitution for regular butter in cooking. This is due to the taste and consistency differences.

However, there are sunflower-based butter and margarine varieties available on the market. In our opinion, that would be a more effective product as a cooking substitute.

These products are normally plant-based and vegan. They're derived from pressed sunflower oil and hold many of the same nutritional benefits previously discussed. For example, this type of butter is low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated fat.

How do you measure SunButter?

Measuring seed and nut butter for use in baking can be a messy situation. If you've ever tried to work with peanut butter, you know what we're talking about. It sticks to everything: the cup, the spoon, and you! Unfortunately, SunButter is not much different.

When you open your jar of sunflower butter, you may notice a top layer of oil. It's totally normal for that to happen. So, the first thing you need to do is stir it up thoroughly. Thankfully, SunButter is a bit runnier than peanut butter. Next, you have two different options depending on if you want it solid or liquid.

Steps for solid measurement

1. Grab a dry measuring cup in the size called for in your particular recipe.
2. Spray the inside of the cup with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Coat the spoon or spatula you'll be using in the same non-stick spray as well.
4. Fill the cup even with the top with Sunbutter.

Steps for liquid measurement

1. After stirring the jar's contents, pop it in the microwave, without the lid.
2. In 10 second increments, microwave it until it is liquefied enough to pour.
3. Spray a liquid measuring glass with non-stick spray.
4. Measure out the proper amount needed in your recipe.

Once you're done with your container of sunflower butter, it does not have to be refrigerated. However, it is advisable to store the jar upside down between uses. This will keep the oils from rising to the top again over time. Obviously, make sure the lid is completely sealed first. SunButter can last up to a year after manufacture. Store it in a cool, dry place.

Does baked SunButter turn green?

One odd quality of sunflower spread is that it can, in fact, turn green when baked! This strange result is weird but completely harmless. It's caused by the chlorogenic acid in sunflower seeds reacting to baking soda or baking powder. As it cools, the green hue appears.

There are a couple of ways to control this anomaly. First, consider reducing the baking soda or baking powder ingredients by roughly one-third. Another suggestion is to add a tiny splash of lemon juice to counteract the green effect. Of course, this second method depends on the recipe. It's easy to accidentally overpower a dish with lemon.

Tempting recipes

It would be totally unfair of us to end this post without including some awesome SunButter recipes. We would never do that to you! These scrumptious delights will definitely get your taste buds revved up!

Sweet

• Check out this brownie-like Chocolate SunButter Cookies tutorial made by Gluten-Free Palate.
• The Fit Cookie offers a tempting recipe for Chocolate SunButter Easter Eggs that sound delicious.
• We're completely obsessed with these No-Bake SunButter Energy Bars posted by The Honour System.

Savory

• Quick and healthy SunButter Hummus, anyone? The Kitchen Treaty has you covered.
• Visit AllRecipes to check out a walkthrough for SunButter Overnight Oats that are packed with protein.
• Breakfast is looking healthier with SunButter's Gluten-Free Pancakes and bananas. Yum!

To Summarize

So, we've established that you can effectively bake with sunflower butter. Not only that, but it's also a super-healthy alternative to nut-based spreads! We gave you some tantalizing recipes and tips on measuring this sticky ingredient. Plus, you now know how to avoid the green sunflower butter monster when baking.

Now, get out there and spread the SunButter love!

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