A luscious and creamy spread made with just three ingredients, this honey butter is rich, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet with a hint of salt. I love how simple yet indulgent it is—perfect for slathering on warm cornbread, pancakes, toast, or muffins. Whether I’m putting together a brunch board or just want something special for my morning toast, this homemade honey butter never disappoints.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup honey
1/8 tsp salt (optional, but enhances flavor)
Directions
I start by placing the softened butter in a medium mixing bowl.
Then I add the honey and salt to the bowl.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, I beat the mixture on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until it becomes light, fluffy, and fully combined.
I give it a quick taste and adjust the sweetness or salt if needed.
Once it’s just right, I transfer it to a jar or serving dish and refrigerate it until I’m ready to serve.
For that irresistibly whipped texture, I let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before spreading.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 120 kcal
Variations
Cinnamon Honey Butter: I like to add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a cozy twist.
Maple Honey Butter: Replacing half of the honey with pure maple syrup gives it a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Herbed Honey Butter: For a savory-sweet version, I sometimes mix in a pinch of thyme or rosemary.
Spicy Honey Butter: A dash of cayenne or a few drops of hot honey gives it a gentle heat that pairs amazingly with cornbread.
Storage/Reheating
I store my honey butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it keeps well for up to 2 weeks. When I want to use it, I let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so it’s soft and spreadable again. I don’t recommend microwaving it, as it may melt and lose that fluffy texture.
FAQs
How do I soften butter quickly for this recipe?
I usually cut the butter into small cubes and leave it at room temperature for about 15 minutes. If I’m short on time, I microwave it for just 5–10 seconds—watching carefully to avoid melting.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, I’ve used salted butter in a pinch. I just skip the added salt or adjust to taste after mixing.
Can I freeze honey butter?
Absolutely. I freeze it in small containers or wrapped portions. It keeps for up to 3 months. When I want to use it, I let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
What kind of honey works best?
I prefer using raw or local honey for the best flavor. But any honey I have on hand works—light, amber, or even a flavored variety.
Can I use a food processor instead of a mixer?
I’ve tried using a food processor, but it doesn’t whip the butter as well. A hand mixer or stand mixer gives the fluffiest results.
Conclusion
This honey butter is one of those simple joys that instantly elevates any meal. Whether I’m hosting brunch or just indulging in a cozy breakfast, it adds a sweet, creamy touch that’s hard to resist. With just three ingredients and a few minutes, I get a homemade spread that’s far better than anything store-bought.
Recipe:
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The BEST Honey Butter
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luscious, creamy, and irresistibly sweet honey butter made with just three ingredients. Perfect for spreading on warm cornbread, toast, muffins, or pancakes, this whipped butter is light, fluffy, and has a touch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup honey
1/8 tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
- Place the softened butter in a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the honey and salt to the bowl.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until light, fluffy, and fully combined.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or salt if needed.
- Transfer the honey butter to a jar or serving dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before spreading for a whipped texture.
Notes
Cinnamon Honey Butter: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a cozy flavor.
Maple Honey Butter: Replace half the honey with maple syrup for deeper flavor.
Herbed Honey Butter: Mix in a pinch of thyme or rosemary for a savory twist.
Spicy Honey Butter: Add a dash of cayenne or hot honey for a gentle heat.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Let it sit at room temperature before serving to regain fluffy texture.
Do not microwave to reheat—soften naturally at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: Whipped
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
