Honey Butter - Slow Living Kitchen

This honey butter recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and creamy flavors to transform your everyday meals. You can whip up this versatile spread with just a few simple ingredients in no time. Perfect for sweet treats and baked goods, honey butter brings a touch of luxury to your table.

open mason jar of honey butter and small spatula with butter on it

Whether hosting a brunch, preparing a holiday feast, or enjoying a quiet morning at home, this honey butter will surely be a hit. Its quick preparation and rich flavor make it an ideal choice for any occasion. Let's dive into how you can create this delectable treat with ease!

Ingredients for Honey Butter

honey, butter and jar of fermented garlic honey

Unsalted butter: The base of this recipe, unsalted butter, provides a rich, creamy texture without any additional salt, allowing the honey's sweetness to shine through. If you prefer a salted version, you can use salted butter but reduce or omit the added pinch of salt later.
Honey: The star of the recipe, honey adds natural sweetness and a floral note that complements the butter perfectly. Use raw, clover, or wildflower honey for a different flavor profile.
Sea Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. If using salted butter, you might skip this addition to avoid overpowering saltiness.
Cinnamon: This adds a warm, spicy note that pairs wonderfully with the sweet honey. It is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle depth and enhances the overall taste, making the honey butter even more irresistible.

Directions

Step 1: Soften the Butter

Place the unsalted butter in a mixing bowl and let it soften to room temperature. This step ensures the butter blends smoothly with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Add the Honey

person combining butter and honey in a bowl

Once the butter is softened, add the honey to the bowl. Wash the butter and honey together until fully combined and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.

Step 3: Incorporate the Salt and Optional Ingredients

person mixing honey and butter together for compound honey butter recipe

Add a pinch of salt and, if desired, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Test Kitchen Tip: For a slightly different flavor, you can substitute the cinnamon with a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg.

Step 4: Store the Honey Butter

person placing garlic honey butter in jar for storage

Transfer the honey butter to a glass jar or airtight container.

Honey Butter Variations

Cinnamon Honey Butter: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to the mixture.
Citrus Honey Butter: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a bright, tangy twist.
Spicy Honey Butter: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.

Serving Suggestions

Freshly Baked Bread: Spread the honey butter on warm, freshly baked bread for a delicious treat. It pairs especially well with rustic sourdough or fluffy brioche.
Pancakes and Waffles: Drizzle honey butter over pancakes or waffles for a sweet, indulgent breakfast.
Cornbread: Complement the savory flavor of cornbread with a generous smear of honey butter.
Sweet Potatoes: Add a dollop of honey butter to roasted or mashed sweet potatoes for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Muffins: Use honey butter to spread for your favorite muffins, such as blueberry or bran.

Garnish Suggestions

Drizzle of Honey: Lightly drizzle honey on top of the whipped honey butter before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky or kosher salt on top of it.
Fresh Herbs: For a savory twist, garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme.

How to Store Honey Butter

Keep the honey butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to two weeks. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.

How long does honey butter last?

Honey butter can be kept in the refrigerator for two weeks.

Honey Butter Recipe Tips

Why does honey become hard?

Honey can crystallize over time, especially if stored in a cool place. This natural process can be reversed by gently warming the honey.

Can honey butter sit out?

Honey butter can sit out for a short period (up to a couple of hours) but should be refrigerated for longer storage to prevent spoilage.

Can honey butter be frozen?

Yes, honey butter can be frozen. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Can honey butter go bad?

Honey butter can go bad if not stored properly. Keep it refrigerated and check for any off smells or discoloration before use.