Homemade Butter Recipe

Homemade Butter Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream (preferably not ultra-pasteurized)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, for salted butter)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cream:
   • Pour the heavy cream into a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or into a large bowl if using a hand mixer.
2. Whip the Cream:
   • Start beating the cream on medium speed. As you whip the cream, it will go through several stages:
     1. Soft Peaks: After a few minutes, the cream will reach soft peaks, similar to whipped cream.
     2. Stiff Peaks: Continue beating, and it will reach stiff peaks.
     3. Curdling: The cream will begin to look curdled, and the liquid (buttermilk) will start to separate from the solids (butter).
3. Separate the Butter:
   • Once the butter and buttermilk have fully separated, turn off the mixer. You should see solid clumps of butter and liquid buttermilk in the bowl.
4. Strain the Buttermilk:
   • Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the contents of the mixing bowl into the strainer. The buttermilk will strain out into the bowl below. Save the buttermilk for other recipes (it’s great for baking!).
5. Wash the Butter:
   • Transfer the butter solids to a bowl and pour cold water over it. Use a spatula or your hands to knead the butter in the water, rinsing away any remaining buttermilk. Drain the water and repeat this process 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
6. Add Salt (Optional):
   • If you want salted butter, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and knead it into the butter until well combined.
7. Store the Butter:
   • Shape the butter into a block or place it in a container. Cover and store in the refrigerator. Homemade butter will keep for about a week in the fridge.
8. Enjoy:
   • Use your homemade butter on bread, in cooking, or any way you like. Enjoy the fresh, creamy taste of butter made from scratch!

Homemade butter is a simple and satisfying project that results in a delicious and natural product. Plus, you’ll have fresh buttermilk to use in other recipes!