How to Make Butter Recipe
This Homemade Butter recipe is made by blending heavy cream until it separates into butter and buttermilk, then washing and pressing the butter solids.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- Ice + cold water for washing
Instructions
Step 1. Blend the Cream
- Pour the heavy cream into your food processor (blender or stand mixer) and blend it on medium speed. After 2–3 minutes, it will turn into whipped cream. Keep going another 2–3 minutes, and it will turn into yellow clumps and a thin liquid (buttermilk). Stop as soon as this step, known as breaking, happens.
Step 2. Strain
- Place a strainer over a bowl. Pour the contents of the blender in. The liquid in the bowl is buttermilk, and the solids in the strainer are butter.
Step 3. Wash the Butter
- Move the butter into a bowl of ice water and gently knead it with your hands or a spoon. Change the water once or twice until it runs clear. This step is optional, but helps the butter last longer.
Step 4. Squeeze and Season
- Press the butter with clean hands or in cheesecloth to remove any last drops of liquid. If you like, mix in a little salt to taste. I suggest 1 teaspoon for 3 cups of milk to start. Salt also preserves the butter, and it will last longer.
Step 5. Store
- Keep your butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze it for longer.
Notes
See the post for more information, photos and tips.
Servings: Makes about 1 to 1½ cups butter + 1½ to 2 cups buttermilk