How to Make Fresh, Homemade Butter

Creating homemade butter is not only simple and rewarding, but it also results in a fresher, healthier, and more delicious alternative to store-bought butter. With just a single ingredient—cream—you can craft a velvety, golden spread that enhances any dish.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Butter

Healthier Choice: Control the quality of ingredients by using organic or grass-fed cream, free of additives and preservatives.
Cost-Effective: Making butter at home can save money, especially when buying cream in bulk or on sale.
Unbeatable Freshness: Homemade butter offers superior flavor and texture compared to store-bought options.

Ingredients and Equipment

Ingredients:

2 cups (1 pint) of heavy cream: Choose organic or grass-fed cream for the best results.
Optional: 1/4 tsp of salt for a lightly salted butter.

Equipment:

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mason jar (for a hands-on option)
Fine mesh strainer
Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cream: Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into a stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer. If using a mason jar, fill it halfway to allow space for shaking.
Whip the Cream: Set the mixer to medium speed and whip the cream. It will first turn into whipped cream, then separate into butterfat and buttermilk. This takes about 10–15 minutes.
Separate Butter and Buttermilk: Pour the buttermilk into a container for future use (perfect for baking!).
Rinse the Butter: Use a fine mesh strainer and rinse the butter under cold water. Press with a spatula to remove residual buttermilk, which extends shelf life.
Season and Shape: Add 1/4 tsp of salt if desired, and mix. Shape the butter into a block or transfer it to a container for storage.
Store Properly: Keep the butter refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or freeze portions for longer storage.

Pro Tips:

Use High-Quality Cream: Grass-fed or organic cream enhances flavor and texture.
Room-Temperature Cream: Let the cream sit out for about 30 minutes before whipping to speed up the process.
Add Flavors: Create gourmet butter by mixing in honey, garlic, or herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast Spread: Enjoy on toast, bagels, or scones.
Cooking Companion: Use it to sauté vegetables, sear meats, or enrich sauces.
Sweet Treat: Pair honey butter with pancakes or muffins.

Conclusion

Making butter at home is a delightful and straightforward process that results in a creamy, delicious product. Whether spread on toast or used in cooking, homemade butter is the ultimate upgrade for your kitchen. Give this easy recipe a try and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something truly special!