Homemade Butter Recipe
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BUTTER
You have no idea how easy it is to make butter at home. Here’s the secret: all you need is a stand mixer, heavy whipping cream, and a few minutes of time to make your very own freshly made homemade butter. If you’re ready to make a fresh batch of butter in your kitchen, then check out this easy and handy method that takes just a few minutes.
You have no idea how easy it is to make butter at home. Here’s the secret: all you need is a stand mixer, heavy whipping cream, and a few minutes of time to make your very own freshly made homemade butter. If you’re ready to make a fresh batch of butter in your kitchen, then check out this easy and handy method that takes just a few minutes.
WAIT WHAT IS BUTTER MADE OF?
Butter is essentially fat churned from heavy cream. When you agitate cream, the fat clumps together, separating from the liquid (which is called buttermilk). There are three main methods for achieving this creamy separation:
Mason Jar: This classic method involves filling a mason jar halfway with heavy cream and shaking vigorously. It's a fun activity for kids, but it can be tiring for adults. So, my preferred method is using the stand mixer.
Stand Mixer: This is the easiest and most efficient way to make butter. Simply whip heavy cream in your stand mixer or with a hand mixer until it separates into butter and buttermilk.
Food Processor: Similar to the mixer method, you can use a food processor to churn your cream into butter.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE HOMEMADE BUTTER
Here's what you'll need to whip up a batch of homemade butter:
Heavy cream: The star of the show! Aim for at least 30% milkfat content for the best results. I’ve tried this method is both brand name heavy cream and generic heavy cream, and both yielded the same results.
Salt & Flavorings: Once you've churned your butter, you can add a pinch of salt for a classic taste or explore other flavorings like herbs or spices. I have a few ideas on how to flavor your homemade butter down below–both sweet and savory!
Stand Mixer: This is my preferred method for churning butter at home.
Airtight Container and Parchment Paper: For storing your beautiful homemade butter after you’ve made it.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BUTTER
The specific instructions on how to make your beautiful butter are down below, but this is the overall process:
Pour the heavy cream into the bowl of a stand mixer. With the whisk attachment, whip the cream until it separates. This can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes.
First, the cream will turn into a thick, fluffy whipped cream (perfect for desserts!). Keep whipping it past this point until you see curds (butter) and a milky liquid (buttermilk) separate in the bowl. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to collect the butter solids. You can also just use your hands to press it all together.
Rinse the butter under cold water to remove any remaining buttermilk. This will extend the shelf life of your butter. You can then knead the butter with your hands to incorporate a bit of air and achieve a smoother texture.
Add a pinch of salt or your favorite flavorings at this stage. Finally, store your homemade butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or wrap it in parchment paper and freeze for longer storage.
FLAVOR IDEAS FOR HOMEMADE BUTTER
If you’d like to incorporate some flavorings to your butter, you’ll add those in the last step. Here are some flavor ideas:
Herb Butter: Mix in some fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme for a delightful addition to bread, grilled veggies, or pasta.
Garlic Butter: Sauteed garlic adds a savory punch, perfect for garlic bread or topping roasted potatoes.
Honey Butter: A touch of honey creates a sweet and creamy spread for toast or pancakes.
Cinnamon Sugar Butter: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweet addition to bread or desserts.
Pesto Butter: Take classic pesto ingredients like parmesan, basil, pine nuts, and incorporate those to your fresh butter.
Sun Dried Tomato Butter: Add chopped sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for the best bread dip ever.
So, ditch the store-bought stuff and give homemade butter a try! It's a fun and rewarding way to appreciate the simple magic of transforming cream into delicious, fresh butter.
Homemade Butter Recipe (And Flavor Ideas)!
Ingredients
- 16 oz heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp salt (optional)
- additional flavors: see Notes below
Instructions
- Pour the heavy cream into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
- Whip the cream until it separates. This can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes.
- First, the cream will turn into a thick, fluffy whipped cream (perfect for desserts!). Keep whipping it past this point until you see curds (butter) and a milky liquid (buttermilk) separate in the bowl. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to collect the butter solids. You can also just use your hands to press the curds all together.
- Rinse the butter under cold water to remove any remaining buttermilk. This will extend the shelf life of your butter. You can then knead the butter with your hands to incorporate a bit of air and achieve a smoother texture.
- Add a pinch of salt or your favorite flavorings.
- Store your homemade butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or wrap it in parchment paper and freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Flavor Ideas
Herb Butter: Mix in some fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme for a delightful addition to bread, grilled veggies, or pasta.
Garlic Butter: Sauteed garlic adds a savory punch, perfect for garlic bread or topping roasted potatoes.
Honey Butter: A touch of honey creates a sweet and creamy spread for toast or pancakes.
Cinnamon Sugar Butter: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweet addition to bread or desserts.
Pesto Butter: Take classic pesto ingredients like parmesan, basil, pine nuts, and incorporate those to your fresh butter.
Sun Dried Tomato Butter: Add chopped sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for the best bread dip ever.
I started salt n sprinkles to show that making good food is both fun and easy to do. My recipes are mostly plant-based, and always delicious. I know you'll find just what you're looking for!