If you’ve ever wondered how to bring a little magic to your kitchen, this Homemade Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s unbelievably simple yet so rewarding to transform just a couple of ingredients into fresh, creamy butter that tastes far superior to anything store-bought. From the thick, luscious texture to the ability to customize with salt or herbs, making butter at home connects you with a classic culinary tradition while adding a personal touch to your meals. Get ready to whip up something truly special that will elevate your breakfasts, dinners, and baking adventures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating perfect homemade butter every time. Each component is straightforward but plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture.

2 cups heavy whipping cream (preferably cold): This is the star of the show—full-fat cream is essential for that rich, creamy butter consistency.
¼ teaspoon salt (optional): Ideal if you want to make a delicious salted butter; it enhances the flavor beautifully without overpowering.
Ice water for rinsing: Helps wash away leftover buttermilk, which extends the shelf life and keeps the butter fresh longer.

How to Make Homemade Butter Recipe

Step 1: Beat the Cream

Pour your chilled heavy whipping cream into a bowl fitted to a stand mixer or a deep bowl if you’re using a hand mixer. Begin whipping on a medium-high speed. First, the cream will turn fluffy and light like whipped cream. Keep going beyond this stage because the magic is about to happen.

Step 2: Watch the Separation

Continue beating for about 5 to 10 minutes. The cream will start to separate into solid clumps of butter and liquid buttermilk. This is a transformative moment where you’re no longer just whipping cream but creating fresh butter right in your own kitchen.

Step 3: Strain and Press

Once the butter separates, stop beating and strain off the buttermilk—don’t toss it! It’s perfect for baking pancakes, biscuits, or cakes. Use a spatula or your clean hands to press the butter and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to tidy up the texture.

Step 4: Rinse Off Residue

To ensure your homemade butter lasts a good while, rinse it gently under cold water while kneading gently. Keep doing this until the water runs clear. This step removes remaining buttermilk, which can cause it to spoil faster if left behind.

Step 5: Add Salt and Shape

If you love salted butter, add the ¼ teaspoon of salt now and knead it evenly throughout. Then shape your butter into a block, roll, or any form you prefer. Wrap it tightly for storage and pop it into the fridge or freezer depending on when you plan to enjoy it.

How to Serve Homemade Butter Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your homemade butter by mixing in fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for a garden-fresh flavor. A drizzle of honey or a pinch of garlic powder can also transform your butter into a delightful spread perfect for breads and crackers.

Side Dishes

This butter truly shines beside warm crusty bread, homemade biscuits, or roasted vegetables. It melts into potatoes, brightens steamed green beans, and even complements grilled meats beautifully, making every bite feel indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, you can mold your homemade butter into fun shapes using silicone molds or rolled logs wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine. Adding edible flowers or sprinkling coarse sea salt on top can impress guests and make your butter feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because this homemade butter contains no preservatives, keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It should be enjoyed within one week for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to make a larger batch and store it for later, homemade butter freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last up to six months in the freezer without any loss of quality.

Reheating

Butter generally doesn’t require reheating, but if you want it softened quickly for spreading, let it sit at room temperature for a little while. Avoid microwaving as it melts unevenly and can change the texture.

FAQs

Can I use cream that is not cold for making homemade butter?

It’s best to use cold heavy cream because warmer cream won’t whip up properly and can affect the butter’s texture. Cold cream helps achieve the perfect separation between butterfat and buttermilk.

Is the buttermilk from this recipe the same as store-bought buttermilk?

The buttermilk you get from making butter is fresh and thinner than cultured buttermilk you buy at the store, but it works wonderfully for baking and adds a lovely tang to recipes.

Can I skip the rinsing step when making homemade butter?

While you can skip rinsing, it’s not recommended since leftover buttermilk can cause your butter to spoil faster. Rinsing ensures the butter stays fresh and delicious longer.

How do I make flavored butter using this Homemade Butter Recipe?

After rinsing and pressing the butter, simply mix in herbs, spices, honey, or garlic until well combined. This is an easy way to customize your butter to your taste preferences.

What if I want unsalted butter—can I omit the salt?

Absolutely! The salt is completely optional and depends on your use. Unsalted homemade butter is perfect if you want full control over salt level in your cooking and baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making your own butter from scratch. This Homemade Butter Recipe not only tastes incredible but connects you with a timeless kitchen craft that’s fun and satisfying. Give it a try—you’ll never look at store-bought butter the same way again, and your meals will thank you for it.

Homemade Butter Recipe

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4.2 from 120 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: About ¾ cup butter 1x
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make fresh homemade butter using just heavy cream and a pinch of salt. This simple process transforms cold heavy whipping cream into creamy butter, perfect for spreading or cooking, with optional flavors like herbs or honey.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

2 cups heavy whipping cream (preferably cold)
¼ teaspoon salt (optional, for salted butter)
Ice water (for rinsing)

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Instructions

Beat the Cream: Pour the cold heavy cream into a stand mixer bowl or a deep mixing bowl if using a hand mixer. Beat on medium-high speed for about 5–10 minutes. The cream will first whip into whipped cream and then continue to thicken until it separates into butter solids and buttermilk.
Separate Butter and Buttermilk: Once the butter forms clumps and separates from the liquid, stop the mixer. Strain out the buttermilk and save it for baking if desired. Press the butter with a spatula or clean hands to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Rinse the Butter: Rinse the butter under cold water, gently kneading it until the water runs clear. This step removes leftover buttermilk, helping the butter last longer.
Add Salt and Shape: If using salt, knead it evenly into the butter. Shape the butter into a block or roll, then wrap it tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Save the leftover buttermilk for pancakes, biscuits, or other baking recipes.
For flavored butter, mix in herbs, honey, or other seasonings after rinsing.
Use cold cream for best results to ensure proper separation.
Butter will keep up to 1 week refrigerated or can be frozen for extended storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American