How to Make Butter

Yumna Jawad

5 from 9 votes

Learn how to make homemade butter from scratch using only heavy cream and a food processor; it's a simple, delicious and affordable recipe!

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This is a quick way to make homemade butter in your own kitchen. All you need is heavy cream and a food processor. No old-timey butter churn required.

Butter made from scratch on sourdough bread
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HOw to make homemade butter

  1. Freeze the heavy cream first.
  2. Pour the very cold cream into a food processor and start processing.
  3. Keep going until you see the yellowish fat separate from the buttermilk. This will take about about a minute of continuously processing.
  4. Scrape the mixture into a strainer lined with cheesecloth.
  5. Fold the cheesecloth over and press the buttermilk out. To remove more liquid, massage and fold the mixture in between pressings.
  6. Take the butter out of the cheesecloth and refrigerate overnight.
6 image collage to show how to make butter from just heavy cream

The next day your very fresh butter is ready to enjoy.

Bowl of homemade butter

Tips for making butter from scratch

  1. Save the buttermilk to use in baking and other applications. However, please note that since the cream used wasn’t fermented, this buttermilk will not act as an “acid” when mixing with baking soda for leavening.
  2. Find highest quality cream for the best final product – think organic and local cream.
  3. Avoid cream labeled “ultrapasteurized.” It is processed specifically to prevent butter from forming.
  4. Remember to chill the cream. Warmer cream equals overly greasy butter.

Recipes with butter

Frequently asked questions

Can homemade butter be frozen?

Although most delicious when freshly made, just like store-bought, this butter can be frozen. First, make double sure you’ve squeezed all the buttermilk out, then wrap securely so it does not pick up other flavors in the freezer. Use within 4 months.

I like my butter salted. How much should I add?

A little goes a long way. Try just a tiny pinch – about ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon or less.

How can I use the leftover buttermilk?

As stated above homemade buttermilk from uncultured butter does not have the acidity most recipes using buttermilk are looking for. Instead, think about throwing it into a smoothie or as the base for glazing baked goods.

Spreading homemade butter on sourdough toast

Freshly made butter is so delicious. It is a fun family project and the result makes a first-class basis for flavored or compound butters. It’s easy to soften for recipes and really enhances the flavor of baked goods. It’s basically how fine restaurants make their butter and why it’s always so irresistible.

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Butter made from scratch on sourdough bread
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How to Make Butter

Learn how to make homemade butter from scratch using only heavy cream and a food processor; it's a simple, delicious and affordable recipe!
5 from 9 votes
Author Yumna Jawad
Servings 8 servings
Course Condiments, Ingredient
Calories 204
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Pint heavy cream

Instructions

  • Place heavy cream in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  • Pour the cream into a food processor and process until you see the yellowish fat separate from the buttermilk, about 45 seconds to a minute.
  • Scrape the mixture into a strainer lined with cheesecloth, fold the cheesecloth over and press the buttermilk out. Massaging or folding the mixture in between pressings will help remove more buttermilk.
  • Remove the butter from the cheesecloth and store in the fridge overnight.

Notes

Storage: Homemade butter will keep well in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 204kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 81mg, Sodium: 22mg, Potassium: 44mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 869IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 38mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Cuisine American
Course: Condiments, Ingredient

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Comments

  3. I think Yumna’s recipes are the best in the world. I try them and the results are all amazing .Her recipes are super creative at the same time not difficult to make and they are not time consuming either , easy to prepare , delicious and very healthy . I am a huge fan 💖✨She is a rare Gem 💎

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