Introduction
Oh, hey there, kitchen friend! You know those mornings when you’re craving something a little special, a little sweet, but also, let’s be honest, super easy to whip up? That’s exactly where this delightful strawberry butter comes in! I remember the first time I tried making this – it felt like pure magic, transforming a few simple ingredients into something that tasted like sunshine and summer mornings. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a gourmet chef without any of the fuss. Seriously, it’s a game-changer for your breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: You can have this ready in less time than it takes to brew a pot of coffee!
- Easy: No fancy techniques required here, just a bowl and a whisk (or even a fork!).
- Giftable: Pop it in a pretty jar, tie a ribbon around it, and you’ve got a charming homemade gift.
- Crowd-pleasing: Everyone, from kids to grown-ups, will adore this sweet and fruity spread.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to deliciousness! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup Strawberry Puree: This is the star of the show! You can easily make this by blending fresh or frozen strawberries until smooth. I like to use fresh ones when they’re in season for the brightest flavor.
- 1 tbsp Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the strawberries. You can adjust this to your liking!
- 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice: This little bit of acidity really brightens up the strawberry flavor and adds a lovely zing.
- 1/2 cup Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature. This is key for easy mixing! Unsalted butter works best so you can control the saltiness.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this strawberry magic started! It’s so straightforward, you’ll be amazed.
- Soften the Butter: This is the most important first step! Take your butter out of the fridge about an hour before you plan to make the butter. You want it to be soft enough that you can easily press your finger into it, but not so soft that it’s melted. If you’re in a pinch, you can cut the butter into smaller cubes and let them sit on the counter for about 15-20 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Grab a medium-sized bowl. Add your softened butter, the beautiful strawberry puree, the honey, and that splash of fresh lemon juice.
- Mix Until Smooth: Now, grab a whisk, a spatula, or even a sturdy fork, and start mixing! You want to combine all the ingredients until they’re beautifully blended and you have a smooth, creamy, pink delight. Keep going until there are no streaks of butter or puree left. I find a whisk works best for getting it super smooth!
- Serve or Refrigerate: You can enjoy your delicious strawberry butter right away! It’s incredible on warm toast, fluffy pancakes, scones, or even swirled into oatmeal. If you’re not serving it immediately, pop it into an airtight container or a pretty jar and store it in the refrigerator.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is wonderful as is, but it’s also a fantastic base for creativity! Here are a few ideas:
- For the Puree: If you don’t have strawberries, you could try raspberry, blueberry, or even a mixed berry puree!
- Sweetener: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey for a vegan option.
- Add-ins: A tiny pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness. You could also add a touch of vanilla extract for extra warmth or a whisper of cinnamon for a cozy twist. For a bit of texture, finely chopped fresh strawberries can be stirred in!
Tips for Success
A few little secrets to make your strawberry butter absolutely perfect:
- Butter Softness is Key: I can’t stress this enough! Undersoftened butter will make for lumpy butter, and overly soft butter might not hold its shape as well when chilled.
- Don’t Overmix: Once everything is combined and smooth, stop mixing. Overworking the butter can sometimes lead to a greasy texture.
- Prep Ahead: You can make the strawberry puree ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. Then, all you need to do is soften your butter and mix!
How to Store It
Keeping your yummy strawberry butter fresh is super simple. Store it in an airtight container or a cute jar in the refrigerator. It should stay delicious for about 1-2 weeks. If it starts to get a little firm after chilling, just let it sit on the counter for about 10-15 minutes before you plan to spread it, and it will be perfectly soft again!
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Absolutely! You can thaw frozen strawberries and then puree them. They might release a little more liquid, so you may want to drain off any excess liquid after pureeing for a thicker butter.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this strawberry butter is best enjoyed within 1-2 weeks.
Q: Is this recipe vegan?
A: Not as written, due to the butter and honey. However, you can easily make it vegan by using vegan butter and a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar!
Easy Strawberry Butter
Equipment
- Blender For making strawberry puree
- Medium-sized bowl
- Whisk Or spatula or fork
- Airtight container For storage
- jar Optional, for storage or gifting
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 0.5 cup Strawberry Puree Can use fresh or frozen strawberries, blended until smooth. Drain excess liquid if using frozen.
- 1 tbsp Honey Adjust to taste. Can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
- 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice Brightens the strawberry flavor.
- 0.5 cup Butter Softened to room temperature. Unsalted is best.
Instructions
- Soften the butter by leaving it at room temperature for about an hour, or cut into cubes and let sit for 15-20 minutes. It should be soft enough to press a finger into but not melted.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, strawberry puree, honey, and fresh lemon juice.0.5 cup Strawberry Puree
- Mix all the ingredients with a whisk, spatula, or fork until smooth and well combined, with no streaks of butter or puree remaining.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator.