Making your own butter at home is a rewarding and simple process that yields deliciously fresh results. With just a few basic ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a rich, creamy butter that’s perfect for spreading, cooking, or baking.
The main ingredient for this recipe is heavy cream. While it is a common item, it’s important to ensure you get the right type. Look for heavy cream or whipping cream with a high-fat content, typically around 36-40%. This is crucial for the cream to separate properly into butter and buttermilk. The optional salt can be any fine-grain salt you prefer.
Ingredients for Butter Recipe
Heavy cream: The base of the recipe, providing the fat needed to create butter and buttermilk.
Salt: Optional, but enhances the flavor of the butter if you choose to add it.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mixing the heavy cream on medium-high speed, keep an eye on the texture. Initially, it will turn into whipped cream, but continue mixing until it separates into butter and buttermilk. This process can take several minutes, so patience is key.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cold heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream has a similar fat content and consistency, making it a good dairy-free alternative.
cold heavy cream - Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream can be made by blending soaked cashews with water, providing a creamy texture and neutral flavor.
cold heavy cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used for a tangy and thick consistency, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement, offering a similar taste and texture.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains and a purer taste, making it a suitable alternative.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- Once your butter is ready, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
- For short-term storage, keep the butter in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- If you plan to use the butter over a longer period, consider freezing it. Divide the butter into smaller portions, such as tablespoon-sized pats or half-cup blocks, to make it easier to use later.
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, ensuring there are no air pockets. This will help prevent freezer burn and maintain the butter's quality.
- Place the wrapped portions into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.
- When you're ready to use the frozen butter, simply transfer the desired amount to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. For quicker thawing, you can leave it at room temperature for about an hour.
- If you want to add a burst of flavor to your dishes, consider mixing in herbs, garlic, or lemon zest before freezing. This will give you a ready-to-use, flavored butter for your vegetables, meats, or soups.
- For a special touch, mold the butter into decorative shapes using silicone molds before freezing. This can add a delightful presentation to your desserts or breakfast spreads.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- For a quick and easy method, use the microwave. Place the butter in a microwave-safe dish and heat on low power for 10-15 seconds. Check and stir, then repeat if necessary until it reaches the desired consistency.
- To maintain the best texture and flavor, use a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the butter in the top pot and stir occasionally until it melts evenly.
- For a more controlled reheating, use a saucepan on the stove. Set the heat to low and add the butter. Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure even melting.
- If you prefer a more rustic approach, use a bain-marie. Place the butter in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until it reaches the desired consistency.
- For a subtle infusion of flavor, reheat the butter with some herbs or garlic in a skillet. Set the heat to low and stir until the butter is melted and infused with the added flavors.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer is essential for whipping the heavy cream until it separates into butter and buttermilk.
Cheesecloth: This is used to strain the buttermilk from the butter, ensuring a smooth texture.
Strainer: Helps in separating the buttermilk from the butter effectively.
Bowl: A large bowl is needed to catch the buttermilk as it separates from the butter.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the mixer bowl and for mixing in the salt.
Airtight container: Necessary for storing the finished butter in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Cold water: Used to rinse the butter and remove any remaining buttermilk.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the heavy cream and salt.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use a food processor: Instead of a mixer, use a food processor to speed up the separation of butter and buttermilk.
Pre-chill equipment: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes to help the cream separate faster.
Batch processing: Make larger batches of butter at once and store in the freezer to save time on future preparations.
Quick rinse: Use ice-cold water for a faster rinse to remove buttermilk from the butter.
Pre-measured salt: Have your salt pre-measured and ready to mix in immediately after rinsing.

Butter Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Heavy Cream cold
- ¼ teaspoon Salt optional
Instructions
- 1. Pour the heavy cream into the mixer.
- 2. Mix on medium-high speed until the cream separates into butter and buttermilk.
- 3. Strain the buttermilk using cheesecloth.
- 4. Rinse the butter under cold water to remove remaining buttermilk.
- 5. Add salt if desired and mix it into the butter.
- 6. Store the butter in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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