Vegan Cannabutter Recipe For Conscious Cooking

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Do you need help finding a dairy-free alternative that doesn’t sacrifice the rich, creamy texture you love in traditional butter? Many plant-based substitutes fall short in flavor and texture, but a homemade secret could change your kitchen game: Vegan Cannabutter. 

After countless trials, I discovered this recipe that uses refined coconut oil and ground cannabis, creating a butter that’s not only vegan but also adds a unique depth to every dish.

Following a simple process, you can achieve a buttery spread that beautifully enhances baked goods and meals, ensuring your culinary creations are delicious and inclusive. This might just be the key to transforming your vegan cooking!

What Is Vegan Cannabutter? 

Vegan cannabutter is a plant-based alternative to traditional cannabutter, which typically includes dairy. Made primarily from refined coconut oil and ground cannabis, this vegan version offers a dairy-free solution that retains its conventional counterpart’s rich, creamy texture and herbal potency. 

By gently infusing cannabis into coconut oil, the butter preserves the plant’s essential flavors and active compounds. Vegan cannabutter is versatile, serving as an excellent substitute in recipes that call for butter. It is a key ingredient for vegan bakers and cooks looking to infuse their dishes with a unique touch.

Fact– Vegan cannabutter, made with coconut oil and cannabis, is lactose-free, rich in beneficial fats, and offers a flavorful vegan option for traditional butter infusions.

Recipe Directions 

• Decarboxylate the Cannabis: Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This crucial step activates the THC, converting THCA into psychoactive THC through a process known as decarboxylation.
• Melt the Vegan Butter: In a saucepan, gently melt your vegan butter over low heat to prevent burning.
• Infuse the Butter: Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the melted butter, stirring well to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
• Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer on the lowest possible heat setting for 2-3 hours. It’s vital to keep the temperature below 200°F (93°C) to prevent the THC from evaporating. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Strain the Butter: Once infused, remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Position a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer over a glass container or jar and pour the butter through to filter out the plant material.
• Extract Remaining Butter: Squeeze out as much butter as possible from the cheesecloth or strainer before discarding the plant residue.
• Cool and Store: Allow the strained cannabutter to cool to room temperature, then cover it and store it in the refrigerator. This butter can be used in various vegan recipes to enhance potent herbs.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

• Herbal Infusions: Introduce dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or lavender during the infusion process to add a unique aromatic twist to the butter.
• Spices: For a warm, spicy kick, add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the butter. These spices are especially great for baked goods or festive dishes.
• Citrus Zest: Adding the zest of lemon, lime, or orange can brighten the butter and give it a refreshing citrus note, perfect for spring and summer dishes.
• Garlic or Onion: For a more savory option, minced garlic or onion can be sautéed and added to the mix. This version pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like vegan mashed potatoes or spreads on artisan bread.
• Sweet Variants: Incorporate a touch of sweetness by mixing in maple syrup, agave, or vanilla extract, which can be excellent for desserts or as a spread on pancakes and waffles.

• Nutty Flavors: Toasted and ground nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts can be mixed into the butter for a crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the texture and taste profile.
• Heat Element: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, infusing the butter with chili flakes or cayenne pepper can create a spicy version that adds a bold touch to dishes.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Avocado Oil: A heart-healthy oil that can be used as a base for infusing cannabis. It offers a mild, buttery flavor for sweet and savory dishes.
• MCT Oil: Extracted from coconut oil, MCT oil is a clear, flavorless option that remains liquid at room temperature, ideal for tinctures and oil-based infusions.
• Olive Oil: With its robust flavor, olive oil is perfect for savory cannabutter applications, complementing pasta and salads.
• Sunflower Lecithin is an emulsifier that can enhance the texture of vegan cannabutter, making it smoother and more spreadable.
• Pumpkin Seed Oil is a nutrient-rich alternative that imparts a nutty flavor. It is great for adding depth to baked goods and spreads.
• Grapeseed Oil: A light, versatile oil that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors of cannabis, suitable for both cooking and baking.

Quick Tip– When making vegan cannabutter, always ensure your cannabis is finely ground and evenly spread for optimal decarboxylation and infusion of flavors.

Best Side Dishes

1. Garlic Bread Spread vegan cannabutter on crusty bread for a delicious twist.
2. Mashed Potatoes Mix into boiled potatoes for creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes.
3. Roasted Vegetables Drizzle over vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus before roasting.
4. Corn on the Cob Brush vegan cannabutter over warm corn for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
5. Sautéed Greens Add a spinach, kale, or Swiss chard dollop during sautéing for added flavor.
6. Rice Pilaf Stir into a finished rice pilaf for an aromatic boost.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes Top baked sweet potatoes with a spoonful for a sweet and savory side.
8. Pasta Dishes Toss it with pasta, fresh herbs, and nutritional yeast for a simple yet satisfying dish.

How To Serve?

• As a Spread: Use it as a butter substitute on toast, bagels, or vegan muffins for a delightful herbal twist.
• In Baking: Incorporate vegan cannabutter into your baking recipes, replacing regular butter in cookies, brownies, and cakes to add depth and a hint of cannabis flavor.
• For Cooking: Melt it over vegetables or use it to sauté dishes. It effectively brings rich, creamy textures to sauces and gravies.
• As a Topping: Drizzle melted vegan cannabutter over popcorn, roasted nuts, or even your favorite vegan ice cream for an enhanced flavor profile.
• In Beverages: Emulsify a small amount into hot beverages such as coffee or tea to create a soothing, infused drink.
• For Dips: Blend it into dips and spreads like hummus or vegan cheese for added richness and a subtle cannabis aroma.

Quick Tip– When making vegan cannabutter, always ensure your cannabis is finely ground and evenly spread for optimal decarboxylation and infusion of flavors.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Refrigerate Properly: Store vegan cannabutter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically lasts for up to two weeks.
• Freezing for Longer Use: To store the cannabutter for longer, freeze it in ice cube trays and transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This can extend its life for several months.
• Make Ahead: Vegan cannabutter is perfect for making in large batches. Prepare it and have it ready for quick use in recipes, saving time on busy days.
• Keep Cool: Always keep vegan cannabutter cool to maintain its consistency and potency.

Fact– Vegan Cannabutter utilizes coconut oil, which has a high-fat content ideal for THC absorption, ensuring maximum potency and a smoother infusion of cannabis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Vegan Cannabutter?

Vegan cannabutter is a plant-based alternative to traditional cannabutter, made without animal products. It typically uses refined coconut oil as the base, infused with decarboxylated cannabis. Vegan cannabutter can be used in cooking and baking, offering a dairy-free way to enjoy the effects of cannabis.

How Do You Decarboxylate Cannabis?

Decarboxylation is a necessary process to activate the THC in cannabis, which is done by heating the cannabis at a low temperature. To decarboxylate, spread ground cannabis on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 240°F (115°C) for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This converts the THCA in raw cannabis into psychoactive THC.

How Long Can You Store Vegan Cannabutter?

Vegan cannabutter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to six months. Always label the container with the date of preparation to keep track of its freshness.

Can Vegan Cannabutter Be Used In Any Recipe?

Yes, vegan cannabutter can substitute for regular butter in most savory and sweet recipes. It’s excellent for baking, making sauces, or simply as a spread. However, due to its THC content, it should be used where the effects of cannabis are desired.

Does Vegan Cannabutter Taste Like Cannabis?

The taste of cannabis in vegan cannabutter can vary based on the strain of cannabis used and the infusion process. Some people find that adding herbs or spices can help mask the plant-like taste of cannabis, making the cannabutter more palatable for a variety of dishes.