Description
Learn how to make creamy homemade butter from fresh heavy cream with this simple and satisfying recipe. Using just heavy cream and optional salt, you can churn your own butter in under an hour with common kitchen tools like a food processor, blender, or electric mixer. This recipe guides you through each step, from whipping the cream to washing the butter for a clean, fresh taste perfect for spreading, cooking, and baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream: Pour cold heavy cream into a food processor, blender, or bowl if using an electric mixer. Ensure the cream is very cold to achieve the best results when churning.
- Start Churning: Begin processing or beating the cream on medium to high speed until it first turns into whipped cream with soft peaks, then stiff peaks. Continue mixing for about 3 to 5 minutes until the fat begins to separate from the liquid.
- Watch for Separation: Keep mixing until butter clumps together and separates from the buttermilk, which is the thin, watery liquid remaining.
- Drain the Buttermilk: Pour off the separated buttermilk carefully; this can be saved for baking or other recipes if desired.
- Wash the Butter: Place the butter clumps into a bowl and cover with ice-cold water. Gently press the butter with a spatula to remove excess buttermilk. Repeat this washing process until the water runs clear, ensuring cleaner, longer-lasting butter.
- Add Salt (Optional): Mix in salt to taste, starting with a pinch and adjusting according to your preference.
- Shape and Store: Shape the butter into a ball, block, or use molds. Wrap it in parchment paper or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.
- Enjoy Your Butter: Your homemade butter has a fresher, creamier taste than store-bought. Use it for spreading on bread, cooking, or baking to enhance your dishes.
Notes
- Use very cold heavy cream for the best butter texture and quicker churning.
- Save the buttermilk for pancakes, biscuits, or smoothies.
- Washing the butter thoroughly removes residual buttermilk, extending shelf life and improving flavor.
- You can customize the butter by adding herbs, garlic, or honey during the mixing stage.
- Store butter wrapped well to avoid absorbing fridge odors.
