Name: Homemade Strawberry Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; Pinch of kosher salt; 8 small strawberries, stems removed and chopped; ¼ cup honey

This delightful strawberry butter is a sweet, fruity spread that transforms ordinary toast, pancakes, or muffins into something special. Made with fresh strawberries and honey, it’s a simple yet elegant addition to your breakfast or brunch table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry butter recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for several reasons. First, it requires just four simple ingredients that combine to create something greater than the sum of its parts. The process is incredibly quick—just 10 minutes from start to finish with zero cooking time. It’s versatile enough to elevate everything from morning toast to dinner rolls, and it makes an impressive homemade gift for friends and family. The vibrant pink color adds a beautiful pop to any table setting, and unlike store-bought flavored butters, you control exactly what goes into it. Best of all, you can customize it to your taste preferences by adjusting the sweetness or trying different flavor combinations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter serves as the creamy base for this spread. Using room temperature butter is crucial for proper incorporation of the other ingredients. If you only have salted butter on hand, simply omit the added salt in the recipe.
A pinch of kosher salt enhances all the flavors in this butter, creating a perfect balance with the sweetness. Even though this is a sweet spread, don’t skip this ingredient—it makes all the difference.
Fresh strawberries provide the star flavor and beautiful color. Look for ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor. While fresh is preferred, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch, though you may need to drain excess liquid.
Honey adds natural sweetness and a subtle floral quality that pairs beautifully with the berries. It also helps preserve the butter and adds a smooth texture. If preferred, you could substitute maple syrup or powdered sugar.

Directions

In a medium bowl, crush the strawberries using a potato masher until you have about ½ cup of mashed berries; set aside.
Place the butter and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times until the butter is fluffy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Add the mashed strawberries to the butter and pulse several more times until fully incorporated.
Add the honey and pulse again until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
Leave the strawberry butter on the counter for a couple of days to develop flavor or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate until needed. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 1½ cups of strawberry butter, which is about 16 servings (2 tablespoons each). Each serving contains approximately 90 calories.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Citrus Strawberry Butter: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
Vanilla Strawberry Butter: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract or the seeds from half a vanilla bean for a deeper flavor profile.
Berry Medley Butter: Replace half the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry version.
Balsamic Strawberry Butter: Add 1 teaspoon of good-quality balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze for a sophisticated sweet-tangy profile.
Herbal Strawberry Butter: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil or mint for an herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the berries.
Spiced Strawberry Butter: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, spiced version perfect for fall baking.
Strawberry Maple Butter: Replace the honey with pure maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage: Strawberry butter will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The natural sugars in the honey help preserve it.
Freezer Storage: For longer storage, portion the butter into ice cube trays or form into a log wrapped in parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Countertop: The butter can be left at room temperature for up to 2 days to develop flavors, but after that, refrigeration is recommended due to the fresh fruit content.
Serving: Always bring refrigerated strawberry butter to room temperature before serving (about 30 minutes on the counter) for the best spreadable consistency and flavor.
Gift Presentation: For gifting, pack the butter in small mason jars or ramekins and refrigerate. Attach a note indicating to keep refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them completely first and drain any excess liquid to prevent your butter from becoming too watery. The flavor may not be quite as vibrant as with fresh berries, but it will still be delicious.

How long will strawberry butter last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, strawberry butter will last about 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I make this without a food processor?

Absolutely! While a food processor makes the job easier, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or even mix by hand with a wooden spoon. Just ensure your butter is very soft and that you mash the strawberries thoroughly before incorporating.

Is this recipe suitable for canning or preserving?

This recipe is not suitable for traditional canning methods due to the butter content. The low acidity and high fat content make it unsafe for shelf-stable preservation. Always store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup, agave nectar, or even powdered sugar. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile. Start with the same amount as the honey called for and adjust to taste.

What can I serve with strawberry butter?

Strawberry butter is versatile! Serve it on toast, English muffins, pancakes, waffles, scones, biscuits, or dinner rolls. It also makes a delightful topping for grilled pound cake or as a finish for roasted sweet potatoes.

Why did my strawberry butter separate?

Separation usually occurs if the butter was too warm during mixing or if there was too much liquid from the strawberries. Next time, make sure your butter is cool room temperature (not melting) and drain excess juice from the mashed strawberries.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Coconut oil can also work, though the texture and flavor will be different. Choose one that is solid at room temperature for best results.

How can I make the strawberry flavor more intense?

For a more concentrated strawberry flavor, you can roast the strawberries first (350°F for about 20 minutes), which will reduce moisture and intensify flavor. Alternatively, add a few drops of strawberry extract or fold in 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry jam.

Can I use this butter in baking?

Yes! Strawberry butter can be used in place of regular butter in many baking recipes, especially cookies, shortbread, and quick breads. It adds a subtle fruity flavor and beautiful color to baked goods.

Conclusion

Homemade strawberry butter is one of those simple pleasures that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum impact. In just 10 minutes, you’ve created a versatile spread that brings a touch of elegance to everyday meals. Whether you’re spreading it on your morning toast, melting it over hot pancakes, or gifting it to a friend, this strawberry butter adds a special touch that store-bought varieties simply can’t match.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different berries, sweeteners, or flavor additions to make it your own. And remember, as with many homemade condiments, the flavors develop and deepen over time, so if possible, make it a day ahead for the fullest strawberry experience.

Next time you see fresh strawberries at the market, pick up an extra pint and transform your butter dish into something extraordinary. Your breakfast table—and your guests—will thank you.