Strawberry Butter
Strawberry Butter is nostalgia whipped into something silky—fresh berries folded into airy, salted butter until the color blushes and the aroma turns jammy-sweet.
It’s richer than a preserve yet lighter than a frosting, spreading like velvet and melting into warm toast or pancakes with a quiet burst of summer. A touch of powdered sugar rounds the edges, letting the berry brightness shine without tipping into candy-sweet.
Simple ingredients, minimal effort—yet the result feels celebratory, like turning everyday breakfast into a small ceremony.
Why People Will Love This Strawberry Butter Recipe
Pure, Wholesome Ingredients – Made with fresh strawberries, creamy salted butter, and just a touch of powdered sugar, it delivers authentic flavor without unnecessary additives.
Luxurious Texture – Whipped until airy and blended with fruit, it spreads like velvet and melts seamlessly over warm bread, pancakes, or scones.
Naturally Vibrant Flavor – The strawberries bring a bright, jammy sweetness that feels fresh and seasonal, balancing the richness of the butter.
Versatile Pairing – Works equally well as a breakfast indulgence, a brunch centerpiece, or a sweet accent for baked goods and desserts.
Effortless Elegance – Requires minimal effort to prepare, yet feels artisanal and special, turning even simple meals into something memorable.
Key Ingredients
Salted Butter (1 cup / 226 g) – The rich, creamy foundation of the recipe, providing a smooth, luxurious base that enhances and carries the strawberry flavor.
Fresh Strawberries (1 ½ cups) – Naturally sweet, juicy, and vibrant, they infuse the butter with bright flavor, color, and a hint of tang.
Powdered Sugar (¼ cup / 30 g) – Adds a delicate sweetness and a silky finish, balancing the fruit’s acidity while keeping the spread light and smooth.
Expert Tips:
Choose the Right Strawberries – Select ripe but firm strawberries with vibrant red color for maximum flavor and natural sweetness. Overripe berries can make the butter watery, while underripe berries can make it tart.
Control Moisture for Creaminess – After mashing the strawberries, you can lightly press them in a sieve to remove excess liquid. This keeps the butter fluffy and prevents it from separating in the fridge.
Soften Butter Naturally – Let the butter come to room temperature slowly instead of microwaving it, which can create uneven soft spots and affect the final texture.
Balance Sweetness – Taste the mashed strawberries before adding powdered sugar. If the berries are very sweet, reduce the sugar slightly; if they’re tart, you can add an extra teaspoon or two.
Enhance with Subtle Flavors – For a gourmet twist, add a drop of vanilla extract or a pinch of lemon zest to brighten the flavor and make the strawberry notes pop.
Strawberry Butter
Ingredients
1 cup (226 g) salted butter, softened to room temperature for easy whipping
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped for natural sweetness and vibrant color
¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar, to add a delicate sweetness and silky texture
Instructions
1. Whip the Butter
Place the room-temperature salted butter into a large mixing bowl.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat for 2–3 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and airy.
2. Prepare the Strawberries
In a separate medium-sized bowl, mash the roughly chopped strawberries until they are almost pureed, leaving just a few small chunks for texture.
Tip: For a smoother consistency, give them a quick pulse in a food processor.
3. Combine and Sweeten
Add the mashed strawberries and powdered sugar to the whipped butter.
Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute, or until the mixture is fully incorporated and a soft pink color forms.
4. Chill for Best Flavor
Transfer the strawberry butter into an airtight container.
Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Spread generously over toast, English muffins, pancakes, waffles, or warm biscuits.
Storage:
Keeps 4–6 days in the refrigerator, depending on the ripeness of the strawberries. Stir gently before serving if any separation occurs.
Important Notes When Making Strawberry Butter
Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients – The butter should be good-quality salted butter, and the strawberries should be fresh, vibrant, and free of blemishes. This ensures the flavor is clean, sweet, and naturally aromatic.
Avoid Over-Mixing – Once the strawberries are added to the butter, mix just until incorporated. Over-beating can cause the butter to become too soft and the strawberries to release more juice, affecting texture.
Manage Strawberry Moisture – If the strawberries are very juicy, lightly drain or blot them before adding to the butter. This will keep the butter from becoming watery and help it hold its shape in the fridge.
Flavor Develops Over Time – While the butter can be served right away, chilling it for 24 hours allows the strawberry essence to infuse the butter more deeply, enhancing both taste and aroma.
Mind the Storage Life – Because fresh fruit is involved, the shelf life is shorter than plain butter. Use within 4–6 days and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and prevent absorption of fridge odors.
How To Enjoy Strawberry Butter After Making
1. Serve at the Right Temperature
Remove the strawberry butter from the fridge 10–15 minutes before serving so it softens slightly, making it easier to spread without tearing bread or pastries.
If you prefer it cold and firm, especially on hot toast or pancakes, serve directly from the fridge for a refreshing, melt-in-your-mouth contrast.
2. Pair with the Right Foods
Breakfast classics – Spread generously over warm toast, English muffins, buttery croissants, or freshly baked biscuits.
Brunch favorites – Dollop onto pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a fruity, creamy upgrade.
Dessert pairing – Add a layer to shortcakes, scones, or pound cake for an indulgent twist.
Savory touch – Try a thin spread on mild cheeses or as a surprise layer in a grilled cheese sandwich for a sweet-salty balance.
3. Enhance the Presentation
Serve in a small decorative ramekin or butter dish to make it visually appealing.
Sprinkle with a few fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of charm at the table.
4. Use as a Recipe Ingredient
Whip into frosting for a strawberry buttercream.
Fold into warm oatmeal or cream of wheat for fruity creaminess.
Melt over baked sweet potatoes for a unique sweet-savory side dish.
5. Storage & Freshness Tips
Always keep it in an airtight container to lock in flavor and prevent fridge odors.
Consume within 4–6 days, depending on strawberry ripeness.
If any liquid separation occurs, stir gently before serving to restore its smooth texture.
Nutrition Information
Per tablespoon (about 14 g) of strawberry butter
Calories: 86 kcal | Total Fat: 8.4 g | Saturated Fat: 5.3 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3 g | Cholesterol: 23 mg | Sodium: 72 mg | Total Carbohydrates: 2.7 g | Dietary Fiber: 0.4 g | Sugars: 2.2 g | Protein: 0.3 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter if you prefer more control over the saltiness. If you do, add a pinch of fine sea salt (about 1/8 teaspoon) during mixing to help balance the flavors and enhance the sweetness of the strawberries.
How can I prevent the strawberry butter from becoming watery?
Excess moisture usually comes from overly ripe strawberries or insufficient mashing/draining. After mashing the strawberries, you can lightly drain any excess juice before combining them with the butter. This keeps the butter firm and prevents separation during storage.
Can I make this strawberry butter ahead of time for an event?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavor improves after resting for 24 hours in the fridge, as the strawberry essence fully infuses into the butter.
Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Can I freeze strawberry butter for long-term storage?
Yes. Strawberry butter freezes well for up to 2 months. To freeze, portion it into small airtight containers or roll it into a log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What are some creative ways to use strawberry butter beyond toast?
Strawberry butter pairs beautifully with warm biscuits, scones, pancakes, waffles, muffins, and crepes. You can also use it as a filling for pastries, as a topping for French toast, or to add a sweet twist to cornbread.
How soft should the butter be before whipping?
The butter should be soft enough to press with your finger and leave an indentation but not so warm that it’s oily or melting.
This ensures it whips easily while holding air for a light texture. If you forgot to take it out ahead of time, cut it into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
Is it better to mash strawberries by hand or use a food processor?
It depends on the texture you want.
- By hand: Gives a more rustic butter with visible strawberry pieces.
- Food processor: Creates a smoother, more evenly flavored butter.
For the best of both worlds, pulse half the berries smooth and leave the rest chunky before mixing.
Why do I need to chill the butter for 24 hours?
This resting period allows the strawberry juices to infuse the butterfat, deepening the flavor and balancing sweetness.
Without chilling, the butter will taste fresher but less unified, and the texture may be softer and less spreadable.
How can I prevent the strawberry butter from turning watery?
Excess moisture comes from overly ripe or wet strawberries. After mashing, drain off extra juice or press gently between paper towels.
If the butter still loosens, you can re-whip it after chilling to bring it back together.
Can I freeze strawberry butter for longer storage?
Yes. Scoop it into an airtight container or wrap tightly in parchment paper, then seal in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and whip briefly before serving to restore creaminess.