Strawberry Butter
Condiment
American
Ingredients
-
1
pint
fresh strawberries
stems and hulls removed (alternatively: 1 (10 oz.) package frozen sweetened strawberries, thawed and drained) -
1
cup
butter
room temperature -
1
cup
confectioners’ sugar
(use 1/2 cup if using frozen berries)
Instructions
-
Place the strawberries, room-temperature butter, and confectioners’ sugar into a food processor. If using fresh berries, quarter or halve larger berries for even blending. For frozen berries, be sure they are fully thawed and well drained to avoid excess water.
-
Process until the mixture is very smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even texture. Total blending time will vary depending on your machine but usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.
-
Transfer the strawberry butter to a clean bowl or jar. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let flavors meld and the texture firm slightly. If you prefer a softer spread, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before serving.
Tips and Notes
Strawberry butter is wonderfully versatile. Spread it on warm toast, English muffins, pancakes, waffles, or scones. It also makes a nice filling for crepes, a topping for yogurt, or a sweet complement to mild cheeses on a breakfast board. Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries are very sweet, taste before adding the full amount of confectioners’ sugar and adjust to preference.
Storage
Store the strawberry butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in small portions using freezer-safe containers or airtight bags; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir gently before serving. Note that freezing may change the texture slightly, so allow to come to room temperature if needed.
Variations
Customize this basic recipe in several ways: add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor; fold in a pinch of vanilla extract for warmth; substitute part of the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed-berry butter. For a lighter version, replace half the butter with cream cheese, blending until smooth for a tangy spread that’s excellent on bagels.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the strawberry butter slightly chilled or at room temperature depending on the desired spreadability. It pairs beautifully with freshly baked items like biscuits, coffee cake, or brioche. For a simple dessert, dollop over vanilla ice cream or warm pound cake, or use it to sweeten and flavor a layered dessert.
Yield and Scaling
This recipe makes roughly 1 to 1 1/2 cups of strawberry butter, depending on berry juiciness and how much you adjust sugar. It scales easily—double or triple the ingredients for larger gatherings, but blend in batches if your processor is small to ensure a smooth consistency.