Homemade Butter

Making homemade butter is simple and satisfying! Here’s how to do it:

Homemade Butter Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pint heavy cream (preferably organic)
• Salt (optional, to taste)

Instructions

1. Chill Equipment:
   • If possible, chill your mixing bowl and beaters (or jar) in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before starting. This helps the butter form faster.
2. Whip the Cream:
   • Pour the heavy cream into a mixing bowl or a jar (if you’re using a handheld mixer).
   • Using a stand mixer, hand mixer, or even a mason jar, whip the cream on medium to high speed. If using a jar, shake vigorously.
3. Watch for Stages:
   • Initially, the cream will whip into whipped cream. Keep going until it separates. This process takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on your method. You’ll first see stiff peaks, and then the mixture will start to look grainy as the butterfat separates from the buttermilk.
4. Separate the Butter:
   • Once the butter has formed, you’ll see buttermilk in the bowl. Pour off the buttermilk (you can save it for baking or cooking).
5. Wash the Butter:
   • To remove excess buttermilk and improve shelf life, rinse the butter under cold water. Use a spatula or your hands to knead it gently while rinsing until the water runs clear.
6. Add Salt (Optional):
   • If you’d like salted butter, mix in salt to taste at this point.
7. Shape and Store:
   • Shape the butter into a block or pack it into a container. Cover and refrigerate. Homemade butter can be stored in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Enjoy!

Enjoy your homemade butter spread on bread, in recipes, or just by the spoonful!