Homemade Butter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves homemade food and is looking for a simple, hands-on process to create something truly delicious. Here’s why you’ll love making your own butter:

• Fresh and natural: Homemade butter, especially from raw cream, is free of additives, preservatives, and chemicals often found in store-bought versions.
• Flavor customization: You can control the salt content or even add herbs and spices to suit your preferences.
• Buttermilk bonus: After making the butter, you’ll be left with fresh buttermilk, which can be used for recipes like pancakes or biscuits.

Ingredients

• Fresh cream (raw or pasteurized)
• Salt (optional, to taste)
• Herbs or spices (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Start by bringing the cream to room temperature. This helps speed up the butter-making process.
2. Pour the cream into a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
3. Turn the mixer on medium to high speed. You’ll begin to notice the cream turning into whipped cream, and then it will start to separate.
4. Keep mixing until the cream separates into butter and buttermilk. The buttermilk will be a liquid, and the butter will begin clumping together.
5. Carefully strain the buttermilk into a separate container.
6. Rinse the butter under cold water, pressing it gently to remove all buttermilk. This helps ensure the butter lasts longer.
7. Once rinsed, you can shape the butter as desired and optionally add salt or herbs to flavor.
8. Store the butter in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 1-2 cups of butter depending on the amount of cream used.
• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes for mixing.
• Total Time: 30-45 minutes depending on cream temperature and mixer speed.

Variations

• Herbed Butter: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, garlic, or chives to your butter for a flavorful twist.
• Salted Butter: Mix in salt to taste, or for a different flavor, use flavored salts such as Himalayan pink salt.
• Buttermilk Use: Don’t discard the buttermilk! It can be used for baking pancakes, cornbread, or even as a marinade.

Storage/Reheating

• Store homemade butter in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you don’t plan on using it quickly, refrigerate it for up to a month.
• Homemade butter can also be frozen. To do so, cut the butter into portions and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.

FAQs

How do I know when the butter is ready?

The butter will begin to separate from the buttermilk and solidify. Once this happens, stop mixing.

Can I use any cream for this recipe?

The best cream to use is heavy whipping cream or raw milk cream. Avoid using half and half, as it doesn’t have enough fat content to make butter.

How do I store my homemade butter?

You can store it at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate it for longer shelf life. For extended storage, freezing is an option.

Can I make butter without a stand mixer?

While possible, it will be much harder and take longer. A hand mixer will work but can take several hours to achieve the same result.

Why do I need to rinse the butter?

Rinsing helps remove any remaining buttermilk, which can spoil the butter faster if not properly removed.

Can I freeze homemade butter?

Yes, you can freeze homemade butter. Just wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Is there a way to make butter without a mixer?

It’s possible, but it will require more effort. You can shake the cream in a jar, though it will take much longer to achieve the same results.

How long does it take to make butter?

It typically takes 10-20 minutes of mixing, depending on the cream’s temperature and fat content.

Can I add flavoring to my butter?

Yes! You can add herbs, garlic, or even spices to customize your butter’s flavor.

What do I do with the buttermilk?

Buttermilk can be used in baking, pancakes, or as a substitute for milk in many recipes.

Conclusion

Making homemade butter is a rewarding and simple process that yields delicious, fresh results. It’s healthier, more flavorful, and allows you to customize it just the way you like. Whether you make it with raw cream or store-bought heavy cream, the result is a creamy, spreadable butter that will elevate any meal. Enjoy it fresh, or store it for later—this homemade butter is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!