Strawberry Honey Butter

This Strawberry Honey Butter recipe is a delightful twist on traditional preserves that will elevate your breakfast or snack time. Combining fresh strawberries and sweet honey results in a spread that’s much better than anything you can find in stores. Perfect for toast, pancakes, or even as a gift, this homemade delight is sure to impress anyone who tries it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have delicious strawberry honey butter ready in no time.
• Fresh Flavor: Using fresh strawberries and honey creates a vibrant taste that store-bought options can’t match.
• Versatile Use: Spread it on toast, use it in desserts, or pair it with cheese; the possibilities are endless!
• Perfect for Gifting: Fill pretty jars and share with friends and family for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Healthy Ingredients: This recipe uses natural sweeteners like honey and fresh fruit, making it a healthier choice.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your strawberry honey butter, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Canning jars
• Boiling water canner
• Food processor
• Jar lifter
• Headspace tool

Importance of Each Tool

• Canning jars: Essential for storing your strawberry honey butter safely while preserving its freshness.
• Boiling water canner: Necessary for processing your jars to ensure they are sealed correctly.
• Food processor: Makes pureeing strawberries quick and easy, resulting in a smooth texture.
• Jar lifter: Helps safely handle hot jars without burning your hands.

Ingredients

This strawberry honey butter is an easy and delicious recipe for homemade preserves. Fresh strawberries and honey make it so much better than store bought jam! This recipe makes 4 half pint jars.

For the Main Mixture

• 3 pounds strawberries (washed and hulled)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup honey
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp bottled lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt

How to Make Strawberry Honey Butter

Step 1: Prepare Your Canner

First, prepare your boiling water canner. Heat four half pint jars in simmering water until ready to use, but do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set aside with bands.

Step 2: Puree the Strawberries

Puree the strawberries in a food processor until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Combine the strawberry puree with the sugar, honey, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt in a deep pot set over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened

Lower the heat and simmer until the mixture is very thick, about 60-90 minutes, stirring frequently. Any foam produced by the strawberries will disappear with the cooking process. The strawberry honey butter is finished cooking when it holds shape on a spoon.

Step 5: Jar the Butter

Using a jar lifter, grab one canning jar, place it on a towel or wooden cutting board, then ladle hot butter into a hot jar leaving a 1/4 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles with a headspace tool. Wipe jar rim.

Step 6: Seal Jars

Center lid on jar and apply band; adjust to fingertip tight. Place jar in boiling water canner. Repeat until all jars are filled.

Step 7: Process Jars

Once the water is boiling, process the jars for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off the heat, remove lid, and let jars stand in the water for 5 minutes.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove the jars and let them cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check lids for seal; they should not flex when the center is pressed.

How to Serve Strawberry Honey Butter

Strawberry honey butter is a delightful spread that can elevate many dishes. Its sweet and creamy texture makes it perfect for breakfast or as a topping for snacks. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this homemade treat.

On Toast

• Whole Wheat Toast: Spread a generous amount on warm whole wheat toast for a hearty breakfast.
• Sourdough Bread: The tanginess of sourdough contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of strawberry honey butter.

With Pancakes and Waffles

• Pancakes: Use strawberry honey butter in place of regular butter to add a fruity twist to your pancakes.
• Waffles: Drizzle over waffles for enhanced flavor, making every bite irresistible.

As a Dip

• Fruit Platter: Serve as a dip alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or banana chunks.
• Pretzels: Pair with soft pretzels for a sweet and salty snack experience.

How to Perfect Strawberry Honey Butter

Achieving the best strawberry honey butter requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your preserves turn out perfectly every time.

• Choose Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your butter.
• Watch the Cooking Time: Simmer until very thick, but don’t rush; cooking it too fast can lead to scorching.
• Use Proper Canning Techniques: Ensure jars are sanitized and filled correctly to avoid spoilage.
• Adjust Sugar to Taste: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.
• Cool Jars Completely: Allow jars to cool undisturbed after processing for optimal sealing.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Honey Butter

Strawberry honey butter pairs well with various side dishes, enhancing their flavors. Here are some great options that complement its sweetness.

1. Cream Cheese Muffins: Soft muffins topped with cream cheese create a satisfying contrast with the sweet butter.
2. French Toast Sticks: These crispy treats dipped in strawberry honey butter make for a fun breakfast option.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside strawberry honey butter for an elegant appetizer.
4. Biscuits: Flaky biscuits slathered with this sweet spread offer a comforting treat any time of day.
5. Granola Bars: A simple snack made even better when served with a dollop of strawberry honey butter.
6. Savory Crackers: Cracker varieties, especially those with herbs or spices, provide an interesting balance when paired with sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry honey butter can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overcooking the mixture: Cooking the strawberry honey butter too long can lead to a burnt flavor. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently, especially as it thickens.
• Ignoring jar preparation: Not properly sterilizing your jars can result in spoilage. Always ensure jars are clean and hot before filling them with your strawberry honey butter.
• Skipping the headspace: Leaving insufficient headspace can cause the jars to overflow during processing. Remember to leave a 1/4 inch headspace when filling your jars.
• Not checking seals: Failing to check the jar lids after cooling can lead to wasted ingredients. Ensure the center of each lid is pressed down and does not flex.
• Using unripe strawberries: Selecting underripe strawberries will affect flavor and sweetness. Choose fresh, fully ripe strawberries for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or keep it in the filled jars.
• It will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Honey Butter

• Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Can be frozen for up to 6 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Strawberry Honey Butter

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 15-20 seconds until warmed through, stirring after each interval.
• Stovetop: Gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strawberry Honey Butter?

Strawberry honey butter is a sweet spread made primarily from pureed strawberries and honey, perfect for toast or desserts.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them first and drain excess liquid before pureeing.

How long will strawberry honey butter last?

Properly sealed jars of strawberry honey butter can last up to a year if stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within two weeks.

Is Strawberry Honey Butter suitable for gift giving?

Absolutely! Homemade strawberry honey butter makes a fantastic gift. Just make sure to label the jars with the date and storage instructions.

Can I customize the flavors of my Strawberry Honey Butter?

Certainly! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even mix in other fruits like raspberries for a twist on traditional flavors.

Final Thoughts

This strawberry honey butter recipe is not only easy but also incredibly versatile! Whether you’re spreading it on warm biscuits or using it as a dip for fruit, its rich flavor will impress everyone who tries it. Feel free to customize it by adding spices or experimenting with different fruits. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat!