I discovered this blueberry butter recipe during a weekend experiment when I was looking for a way to use up the abundance of fresh blueberries from our local farmers’ market. What started as a simple kitchen experiment quickly became one of my family’s favorite spreads! There’s something magical about the way the sweet-tart blueberries blend with creamy butter to create a spread that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
The first time I served this vibrant purple spread at a brunch gathering, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. Moreover, they were shocked when I told them how simple it was to make. Furthermore, I’ve been perfecting this recipe ever since, and now I’m thrilled to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This blueberry butter isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. Additionally, you can spread it on toast for a quick breakfast, dollop it onto pancakes instead of syrup, or serve it alongside a cheese board for an impressive appetizer. Besides that, it makes a lovely homemade gift when packed in a decorative jar with a ribbon.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. In fact, you only need four simple ingredients to create something that tastes like it came from a specialty food shop. Meanwhile, if you catch blueberries on sale during peak season, you can make several batches to enjoy year-round. Subsequently, you can freeze portions for later use.
Ingredients for Blueberry Butter
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How to Make Blueberry Butter
Creating this beautiful purple butter is easier than you might think. Initially, you’ll need just a small saucepan and about 20 minutes of your time. After that, the refrigerator does the rest of the work! First, gather all your ingredients before starting so the process flows smoothly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Blueberry Butter
The process begins by combining fresh blueberries and honey in a small saucepan. Then, place the pan over medium heat and allow the mixture to warm up gradually. As a result, the blueberries will begin to burst and release their vibrant juices. Consequently, you’ll want to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help the berries break down evenly.
You’ll know the cooking stage is complete when most berries have burst and the mixture has thickened slightly. In addition, the color will deepen to a gorgeous purple-blue. Next, remove the pan from heat and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. Therefore, the mixture won’t be too hot when combining with butter.
Once slightly cooled, transfer the blueberry mixture to a bowl. Then, mash it thoroughly with a fork or blend it briefly with an immersion blender. However, I prefer leaving some tiny berry pieces for texture rather than making it completely smooth. Subsequently, add the softened butter and lemon juice to the blueberry mixture.
Mix everything together until well combined. As a result, you’ll have a beautiful purple-streaked butter that’s ready to be transferred to a storage container. Finally, refrigerate the blueberry butter until firm, which usually takes about 2-3 hours.
Quick and Easy
Despite its impressive appearance, this blueberry butter comes together in less than 30 minutes of active preparation. Afterward, it just needs time to chill. Furthermore, the recipe requires minimal kitchen equipment – just a saucepan, bowl, and something to mash the berries.
Customizable
This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your preferences. For instance, you can adjust the sweetness by using more or less honey. Additionally, you might try substituting other berries like strawberries or blackberries for equally delicious variations. Moreover, adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract can create different flavor profiles.
Crowd-Pleasing
Whenever I serve this blueberry butter, guests are instantly intrigued by its beautiful color. Then, once they taste it, they’re completely won over! In particular, children love the sweet berry flavor and purple hue. Consequently, it’s become my go-to for making special breakfast occasions more memorable.
Print
Homemade Blueberry Butter
- Total Time: 2-3 hours
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup 1x
Description
A simple 4-ingredient spread that combines fresh blueberries with butter for a delicious fruity spread perfect for breakfast or as an impressive addition to a cheese board.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine blueberries and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries burst and release their juices (approximately 8-10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes.
- Transfer the blueberry mixture to a bowl and mash with a fork or blend briefly with an immersion blender until mostly smooth but still retaining some texture.
- Add the softened butter and lemon juice to the blueberry mixture.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer the blueberry butter to an airtight jar or container.
- Refrigerate until firm, about 2-3 hours.
- Spread on toast, muffins, scones, pancakes, or waffles.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the blueberry mixture completely before adding butter.
- Try using different sweeteners like maple syrup instead of honey for varied flavor profiles.
- If using frozen blueberries, you may need to cook slightly longer to reduce extra moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
FAQs
How long does blueberry butter last in the refrigerator? When stored in an airtight container, this blueberry butter will last about 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. However, if you notice any changes in color, smell, or taste, it’s best to discard it.
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh? Absolutely! In fact, frozen blueberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Nevertheless, you might need to cook them a bit longer to evaporate the extra moisture. Subsequently, the final product will be just as delicious.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan? Yes, you can substitute the regular butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Additionally, you may replace honey with maple syrup to make it fully vegan.
Can I double this recipe? Certainly! This recipe doubles or even triples very well. Therefore, it’s perfect for making larger batches during blueberry season.