Honey Butter: The Simple Spread That Elevates Every Bite
Honey butter is a classic, crave-worthy spread that transforms any meal into something memorable. This straightforward blend of creamy butter and golden honey comes together in minutes but feels like a treat reserved for special occasions. Whether you’re assembling a breakfast board, jazzing up a basket of rolls, or searching for a way to impress with homemade gifts, honey butter delivers a comforting and luxurious touch.
What Makes Honey Butter Irresistible
The draw of honey butter goes beyond its sweet flavor. The silkiness of well-whipped butter pairs naturally with the floral, earthy notes of pure honey. Together, they create a smooth, luscious spread that’s both familiar and a little indulgent. This winning combination works as well on southern biscuits as it does on pancakes, cornbread, banana bread, and even roast vegetables.
Homemade honey butter lets you choose your own balance of sweetness, salt, and texture. It becomes a blank canvas for extra flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, or even a spicy kick. If you’ve only tried the pre-packaged versions, making this spread from scratch will change your standards for good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Successful honey butter starts with quality ingredients. Brand matters with butter, and the type of honey you select can tweak the entire flavor profile. Here’s your shopping list:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Smooth, rich base for the spread |
| Honey | 1/3 cup | Sweetness and floral depth |
| Fine Sea Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Balances and lifts flavors |
| Vanilla Extract | 1/2 teaspoon | (Optional) Adds warmth and undertones |
Use unsalted butter; it offers clean flavor and more control over salt levels. Choose raw or local honey for the purest taste, or try clover, wildflower, or orange blossom honey for subtle differences.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Honey Butter
Making honey butter is a quick, satisfying process. For perfect results, soften the butter fully and focus on getting a whipped, airy consistency.
1. Soften the Butter
Remove butter from the fridge at least an hour before making your honey butter. Room-temperature butter is key for even mixing and a creamy texture.
Tip: If short on time, cut the butter into cubes and let it sit in a warm spot for 15-20 minutes.
2. Cream the Butter
Place the softened butter into a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer (or stand mixer with the paddle attachment), beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, pausing to scrape down the sides. The butter should look pale and fluffy.
Why beat at this stage? Aerating the butter ensures a light, spreadable mixture without oily streaks. If mixing by hand, use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon and mix vigorously.
3. Add Honey, Salt, and (Optional) Vanilla
Pour in the honey, salt, and, if using, vanilla extract. Beat until everything is cohesive and smooth. Taste the mixture—add more honey for extra sweetness, or a pinch more salt if you want the flavors to pop.
4. Whip Until Extra Fluffy (Optional)
For a truly whipped honey butter, continue beating another 1-2 minutes. The mixture may lighten in color and volume, making it even easier to spread.
Alternate technique: Add a tablespoon of heavy cream while whipping for an ultra-airy version.
5. Transfer and Serve
Scrape the finished honey butter into a serving dish, ramekin, or small jar. If serving immediately, garnish with a pinch of flaked sea salt or an extra drizzle of honey across the top.
Honey Butter Variations
This basic recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are some favorite riffs to suit different seasons, moods, and menus:
- Cinnamon Honey Butter: Beat in ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Spiced Honey Butter: Blend in pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, or a splash of bourbon.
- Hot Honey Butter: Swap out some or all of the honey for hot honey. Try it on cornbread or roasted squash.
- Herby Honey Butter: Add finely chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage for a savory-sweet twist.
- Citrus Honey Butter: Stir in zest of one lemon or orange to get a bright, tangy note.
- Lavender Honey Butter: Mix in a pinch of food-grade dried lavender—perfect for scones or breakfast treats.
The Best Ways to Serve Honey Butter
Honey butter is remarkably versatile. You can serve it straight from the fridge or let it reach room temperature for easier spreading. These serving suggestions will get you started:
Breakfast and Brunch
- Toasted sourdough, bagels, or English muffins
- Freshly baked biscuits, muffins, or scones
- Fluffy pancakes or waffles
Sides at Lunch or Dinner
- Warm cornbread (classically southern)
- Herb rolls or crusty French bread
- Roasted sweet potatoes or carrots
As a Finishing Touch
- Slather over grilled corn on the cob
- Melt a pat over cooked salmon, chicken, or pork chops
- Toss with popcorn for a sweet-and-salty treat
Entertaining and Gifts
- Fill a small jar for holiday, hostess, or teacher gifts
- Pipe into croissants, Danish pastries, or thumbprint cookies
Tips For The Creamiest, Most Flavorful Honey Butter
- Use good butter. European-style butters with higher fat content create the richest base.
- Let the butter soften fully. Rushing this step can result in lumpy or greasy butter.
- Beat longer for whipped butter. The more you whip, the lighter it gets.
- Taste as you go. The sweetness and salt can be fine-tuned for your taste buds.
- Add flavorings at the end. Spices, citrus, and herbs should go in after the main ingredients are whipped together for the best distribution.
How to Store Honey Butter
Homemade honey butter stores surprisingly well. With only a few steps, you can prolong its freshness and have a ready batch on hand for any occasion.
Refrigerator
Place honey butter in a clean, airtight container. It keeps in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks. For the best texture, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving.
Freezer
Wrap the honey butter tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or use a small freezer-safe jar. It freezes best for up to 3 months. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature for easy spreading.
Storage Table
| Storage Method | Container Type | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Airtight container | Up to 2 weeks | Soften before serving |
| Freezer | Plastic wrap + foil | Up to 3 months | Thaw in fridge, then at room temp |
Perfect Pairings and Recipe Ideas
If you’re brainstorming dishes to serve with honey butter, these classics and creative pairings always please:
- Breads: Banana bread, zucchini bread, pumpkin muffins, cheddar biscuits
- Breakfast: Cinnamon raisin toast, granola pancakes, Belgian waffles
- Sweets: Spread between cake layers, dolloped on baked apples or pears
- Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables, sweet corn, baked acorn squash
- Meats: Use as a glaze for ham, poultry, or pork tenderloin in the last few minutes of roasting
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the extra salt in the recipe. Taste before adding more.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can substitute vegan butter or margarine. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor comes through beautifully.
Can I use creamed honey?
Absolutely. Creamed or whipped honey blends seamlessly and delivers a thicker spread.
Why isn’t my honey butter smooth?
Your butter was likely too cold or not beaten long enough. Let it soften and beat again until all lumps are gone.
Homemade honey butter is more than a recipe—it’s a small act of comfort and creativity in the kitchen. A few minutes and simple ingredients can produce a treat that elevates everyday meals or special occasions. Once you’ve tried your own batch, don’t be surprised if you start finding new ways to enjoy it every week, from your morning toast to your favorite holiday spreads.
Honey Butter
This homemade honey butter is creamy, sweet, and a little salty. It is delicious and perfect for spreading on warm bread. Try it on pancakes, biscuits, and more.
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, divided, optional
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the butter is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. After 2 minutes, scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl.
- Add the honey. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Add the vanilla. Beat again until well blended.
- Taste the mixture. Adjust the salt as needed. Adjust the honey as needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve immediately with the remaining sea salt sprinkled on top. Add a drizzle of honey, if desired. Alternatively, transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy!