There’s something downright magical about strawberry butter. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, turning an ordinary piece of toast into something special. If you’ve never made it before, you’re in for a treat—this spread is so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it forever.
With just three simple ingredients and five minutes of your time, you’ll have a buttery, fruity spread that’s perfect for slathering on warm biscuits, pancakes, or even a freshly baked croissant. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weekend brunch feel extra fancy without any extra work.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Butter:
- Takes 5 minutes to make – No cooking, no fuss, just mix and enjoy.
- Perfectly sweet & creamy – A dreamy balance of butter and fresh berries.
- Versatile – Spread it on toast, waffles, muffins, or even melted over warm cornbread.
- Make-ahead friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge and gets even better as the flavors meld.
Ready to upgrade your breakfast game? Let’s dive into the easiest, most delicious strawberry butter you’ll ever make!
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of strawberry butter is in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients come together to create a sweet, creamy spread that tastes like summer on a slice of toast. Below, I’ll break down each ingredient and share a few easy swaps in case you want to customize your butter.
Unsalted Butter
This is the foundation of the recipe, giving the butter its rich, creamy texture. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor—European-style butter with a higher fat content makes this extra luscious.
🔹 Substitution: If you only have salted butter, just omit any added salt. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative.
Fresh Strawberries
Juicy, ripe strawberries bring natural sweetness and a burst of bright, fruity flavor. The riper the berries, the better the flavor!
🔹 Substitution: Frozen strawberries work too! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the butter too runny.
Powdered Sugar
A little powdered sugar helps sweeten the butter while keeping it smooth and spreadable. Unlike granulated sugar, it blends seamlessly without any grittiness.
🔹 Substitution: Swap it for honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit. Want a tangier twist? Try adding a touch of strawberry jam instead!
Optional Add-Ins
Want to take your strawberry butter to the next level? Try adding:
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
- Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth.
- Lemon zest – A little zing balances out the sweetness beautifully.
With just these ingredients, you’re on your way to making the most irresistible strawberry butter ever. Now, let’s get mixing!
How to Make Strawberry Butter (Step-by-Step Guide)
Making strawberry butter is so simple, you’ll have it ready before your toast pops out of the toaster. It’s just a matter of whipping up butter, mixing in fresh strawberries, and sweetening to taste. Whether you like it silky smooth or with little chunks of berry goodness, I’ve got you covered!
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by washing, hulling, and chopping your fresh, ripe strawberries. If you prefer a smoother butter, blend or mash them into a purée. For a chunkier texture, simply dice them into small pieces.
👉 Pro Tip: If using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess liquid from making your butter too soft.
Step 2: Whip the Butter
In a mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Whip for about 2 minutes until it turns light, fluffy, and airy. This step is key to getting that silky, spreadable texture!
👉 Pro Tip: Room temperature butter is easier to whip. If you forgot to soften it, cut it into cubes and let it sit at room temp for 15 minutes or microwave it in short 5-second bursts until soft (but not melted!).
Step 3: Add the Strawberries & Sweetener
Now, gently fold in the mashed strawberries and powdered sugar (or honey/maple syrup). Mix until fully combined. If you want a super smooth butter, blend everything together for a few extra seconds.
👉 Pro Tip: If your butter looks too soft, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up before serving.
Step 4: Taste & Adjust
Take a little taste—want it sweeter? Add a bit more sugar or honey. Need a hint of brightness? A sprinkle of lemon zest does wonders. This is your butter, so adjust it to your liking!
Step 5: Store & Serve
Transfer your strawberry butter to a sealed container or jar and store it in the fridge. It will last for about a week, but trust me, it won’t stick around that long!
👉 Pro Tip: If you like a spreadable butter straight from the fridge, mix in a tablespoon of vegetable oil before chilling—it keeps the butter soft even when cold.
Now that you’ve got a fresh batch of strawberry butter, let’s make sure it turns out perfect every time with some expert tips!
Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Butter
You’ve got the basics down, but let’s take your strawberry butter to the next level! These expert tips will ensure your butter turns out perfectly smooth, flavorful, and spreadable every single time.
1. Use Room Temperature Butter
Cold butter won’t whip properly, leaving you with a lumpy, uneven spread. For the best results, let your butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. If you’re in a hurry, cut it into small cubes to speed up the softening process.
2. Drain Excess Strawberry Juice
Fresh strawberries release a lot of moisture, which can make your butter too runny. To avoid this, mash the strawberries and let them sit in a strainer for a few minutes before mixing them in. If your butter still turns out too soft, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
3. Blend for an Ultra-Smooth Texture
If you love silky, whipped strawberry butter, use a food processor or hand blender instead of just mixing with a spoon. This will fully incorporate the strawberries into the butter, creating a smooth and airy spread.
4. Adjust the Sweetness to Your Taste
Some strawberries are naturally sweeter than others. If your butter isn’t sweet enough, add more powdered sugar, honey, or even a spoonful of strawberry jam. Want to cut back on sugar? A splash of vanilla extract can enhance the natural sweetness without extra sugar.
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5. Keep It Spreadable Straight from the Fridge
Butter firms up when chilled, which can make it tricky to spread straight from the fridge. To keep it soft and spreadable, mix in a tablespoon of vegetable or coconut oil before refrigerating. This trick keeps the butter smooth without affecting the flavor.
6. Get Creative with Flavors
Looking to switch things up? Try adding:
- A pinch of cinnamon for a warm, cozy twist.
- A dash of lemon zest to brighten up the flavor.
- A splash of heavy cream for an extra-rich, silky texture.
- A little honey or maple syrup for a natural, floral sweetness.
With these tips, your strawberry butter will be restaurant-worthy every time. Now, let’s tackle some common questions!
FAQ – Answering Common Questions
1. What is the difference between strawberry jam and strawberry butter?
The biggest difference is texture and ingredients. Strawberry jam is made by cooking strawberries with sugar and sometimes pectin to create a thick, spreadable preserve. It has a gel-like consistency and is much sweeter. Strawberry butter, on the other hand, is a whipped blend of fresh strawberries and butter, making it rich, creamy, and smooth. It’s not cooked, and it has a lighter, buttery texture rather than a jelly-like consistency.
2. What is the benefit of strawberry butter?
Strawberry butter is the perfect balance of sweet and creamy, making it a versatile spread for all kinds of baked goods. It’s:
- Quick and easy – Takes just 5 minutes to make!
- Naturally sweet – A little sugar enhances the berries without overpowering them.
- Rich and smooth – Adds a buttery, fruity twist to toast, pancakes, biscuits, and more.
- Customizable – You can adjust the sweetness, texture, or even add flavors like vanilla or cinnamon.
3. How do you thicken strawberry buttercream?
If your strawberry buttercream (or even your strawberry butter) is too thin, try these fixes:
- Drain the strawberries – Excess moisture from fresh berries can make it runny.
- Refrigerate it – Chilling for 15-20 minutes firms up the butter.
- Add more butter or powdered sugar – This helps absorb extra liquid and stiffen the mixture.
- Use freeze-dried strawberries – Instead of fresh, blend freeze-dried strawberries into a powder and mix them in. They add flavor without excess moisture.
4. What is strawberry body butter?
Unlike edible strawberry butter, strawberry body butter is a skincare product made with ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or coconut oil infused with strawberry extract or fragrance. It’s designed to moisturize and nourish the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. So while it smells amazing, it’s definitely not something you’d want to spread on toast!
5. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work just as well. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing to prevent the butter from getting too runny.
6. How long does homemade strawberry butter last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, strawberry butter will stay fresh for up to a week. If you don’t think you’ll finish it in time, freezing is a great option!
7. Can I freeze strawberry butter?
Absolutely! Spoon the butter into an airtight container or wrap it in parchment paper, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
8. What can I serve strawberry butter with?
So many things! Some of our favorite ways to enjoy it include:
- Toast, bagels, and English muffins
- Waffles, pancakes, and French toast
- Biscuits, croissants, and scones
- Melted over warm cornbread
- Spread on banana bread or muffins
9. Can I make it dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Just swap out the butter for a dairy-free or vegan alternative, like plant-based butter or coconut oil.
10. Why is my strawberry butter too soft?
This usually happens if there’s too much moisture from the strawberries. Try draining the strawberries before mixing or refrigerating the butter for 15-20 minutes to help it firm up.
11. Can I make a larger batch?
Of course! Simply double or triple the recipe and store extra portions in the fridge or freezer.
Now that you know everything about making strawberry butter, let’s check out some other delicious breakfast ideas to pair it with!
More Sweet Spreads & Breakfast Ideas
If you love strawberry butter, you’ll definitely want to try these other delicious spreads and breakfast recipes! Whether you’re looking for more fruity flavors or the perfect pairing for your butter, these recipes will take your morning routine to the next level.
1. Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal
A warm, comforting, and protein-packed breakfast that pairs perfectly with a dollop of strawberry butter on top!
2. Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
If you’re obsessed with strawberries, these creamy and indulgent cheesecake bars will be your new favorite treat.
3. Protein Waffles
Fluffy, crispy waffles packed with protein—made even better with a generous spread of strawberry butter!
4. Healthy Oatmeal Apple Pancakes
Soft, fluffy, and naturally sweetened, these pancakes are a perfect base for a drizzle of melted strawberry butter.
No matter how you enjoy it, strawberry butter is the ultimate way to add a touch of sweetness to your mornings. Now, let’s wrap things up with the full recipe card so you can get started!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup fresh strawberries hulled and finely chopped or mashed
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar or honey/maple syrup
- Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of cinnamon, or lemon zest for extra flavor
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Instructions
- Prep the strawberries – Wash, hull, and chop them finely. For a smoother texture, mash or purée them.
- Whip the butter – Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the strawberries & sweetener – Fold in the mashed strawberries and powdered sugar. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Taste & adjust – Add more sugar if you want it sweeter or a pinch of lemon zest for brightness.
- Chill & store – Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.
Notes
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate: Keeps for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.