Name: Homemade Blueberry Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-484957H53M18S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1/4 cup honey; 1/2 cup softened butter; 1 teaspoon lemon juice

This delightful blueberry butter is the perfect blend of sweet, fruity goodness and creamy richness. It transforms ordinary breakfast items into something truly special, adding a vibrant purple hue and a burst of blueberry flavor to your morning routine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade blueberry butter recipe is a game-changer for your breakfast table. It’s incredibly versatile and adds gourmet flavor to simple foods with minimal effort. You’ll love how the natural sweetness of blueberries combines with honey for a healthier alternative to store-bought fruit spreads. The recipe comes together in just 20 minutes of active time, and the results are far superior to anything you can buy. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing while cooking, and the beautiful purple color brings joy to any breakfast or brunch spread.

Ingredients

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

Fresh blueberries are the star of this recipe, providing both natural sweetness and that distinctive berry flavor. They’re packed with antioxidants and bring a beautiful vibrant color to the butter. Wild blueberries work wonderfully if you can find them, as they tend to have a more intense flavor.

Honey serves as a natural sweetener that complements the blueberries perfectly. It adds depth and complexity that plain sugar simply can’t match. If preferred, maple syrup can be substituted for a different flavor profile.

Butter brings richness and creaminess to the spread, transforming it from a simple fruit compote into something truly special. Use unsalted butter for the purest flavor. Make sure it’s properly softened to room temperature for the smoothest incorporation.

Lemon juice brightens the entire mixture with a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness. It also helps preserve the vibrant color of the blueberries. Fresh is best, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.

Directions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh blueberries and honey.
Stir the mixture occasionally as it cooks for about 8-10 minutes, until the blueberries burst and release their lovely juices.
Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
Transfer the blueberry mixture to a bowl and mash it with a fork or use an immersion blender to blend briefly, aiming for a mostly smooth texture while keeping some chunkiness.
Add the softened butter and lemon juice to the bowl, mixing thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Transfer your delightful blueberry butter to an airtight jar or container.
Pop it in the fridge for about 2-3 hours to firm up.
Enjoy spreading this luscious blueberry butter on toast, muffins, scones, pancakes, or waffles.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 8 servings of blueberry butter (about 1½ cups total). Each serving is roughly 2 tablespoons and contains about 180 calories.

Preparation is quick and simple, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. The total active time is only 20 minutes, plus a few hours for chilling in the refrigerator.

Variations

Berry Blend Butter: Replace half the blueberries with strawberries or raspberries for a mixed berry butter.

Spiced Blueberry Butter: Add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced version perfect for fall mornings.

Vanilla Blueberry Butter: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for an enhanced sweet aroma.

Citrus Blueberry Butter: Increase the lemon juice to 2 teaspoons and add ½ teaspoon of lemon zest for a brighter, more citrus-forward flavor.

Maple Blueberry Butter: Substitute the honey with pure maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Herbal Blueberry Butter: Add 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped basil or mint for an unexpected herb note that pairs beautifully with the berries.

Storage/Reheating

Store your blueberry butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The high butter content helps preserve it, but always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent contamination.

For longer storage, you can freeze blueberry butter for up to 3 months. Portion it into ice cube trays for convenient single servings, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

When serving refrigerated blueberry butter, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly for easier spreading. There’s no need to reheat this butter—it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

If you find the texture has separated after storage, simply stir it well before using to recombine the ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them first—simply add them directly to the saucepan. You may need to cook them for an extra 2-3 minutes to evaporate the additional moisture.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Coconut oil can also work, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor to the final product.

How can I tell when my blueberry butter is done cooking?

The blueberries should burst open and the mixture should thicken slightly. When you draw a spoon across the bottom of the pan, it should leave a momentary trail before filling back in.

Can I make this recipe with less sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the honey to as little as 2 tablespoons if you prefer a less sweet spread, especially if your blueberries are particularly sweet already.

Why did my blueberry butter turn out runny?

This typically happens if the blueberry mixture wasn’t cooked long enough to reduce some of the moisture. Make sure to cook until the berries burst and release their juices, and allow proper cooling and refrigeration time.

Can I can this blueberry butter for long-term storage?

This recipe isn’t designed for canning due to its butter content. For food safety reasons, it’s best stored in the refrigerator or freezer rather than canned.

What’s the difference between blueberry butter and blueberry jam?

Blueberry butter contains actual dairy butter, giving it a rich, creamy texture. Jam typically consists of fruit and sugar cooked down to a thick consistency, often with pectin added as a thickener.

Can I use a food processor instead of an immersion blender?

Yes, a food processor or standard blender works well for pureeing the cooked blueberry mixture. Just be careful not to over-process—a few quick pulses should give you the desired texture with some small chunks remaining.

What can I serve with blueberry butter besides toast?

Blueberry butter is delicious on pancakes, waffles, muffins, scones, English muffins, bagels, and even as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt. It also makes a wonderful filling between cake layers.

Why is my blueberry butter separating?

Separation can occur if the butter and blueberry mixture weren’t fully incorporated or if the mixture was still warm when the butter was added. Make sure the blueberry mixture has cooled slightly and the butter is properly softened before mixing.

Conclusion

This homemade blueberry butter is a simple yet impressive way to elevate everyday meals. With just four ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a spread that’s both beautiful and delicious. The natural sweetness of blueberries paired with honey creates a perfect balance, while the butter adds a luxurious creaminess that makes this spread truly special.

Whether you’re spreading it on your morning toast, dolloping it onto pancakes, or using it as a unique dinner party accompaniment to fresh bread, this blueberry butter is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Its vibrant color and fresh flavor make ordinary moments feel special, and it’s an excellent way to preserve blueberries when they’re in season. Give this recipe a try—your breakfast table will never be the same!