Strawberry Honey Butter

This Strawberry Honey Butter is a delightful blend of fresh strawberries and honey, creating a sweet and creamy spread that elevates any meal or snack. Perfect for breakfast on toast, as a topping for pancakes, or even as a dip for fruits, this homemade preserve is far superior to store-bought options. With its vibrant flavor and versatility, it’s ideal for gatherings, brunches, or simply enjoying at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious spread that anyone can enjoy.
• Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing fresh strawberries ensures a burst of flavor that store-bought jams can’t match.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for spreading on toast, adding to desserts, or using in savory dishes.
• Homemade Goodness: Control the sweetness by adjusting the sugar and honey levels to your preference.
• Gift-Worthy: Package it in pretty jars for thoughtful homemade gifts during holidays or special occasions.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your strawberry honey butter, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Canning jars (4 half pint)
• Boiling water canner
• Food processor
• Jar lifter
• Headspace tool

Importance of Each Tool

• Canning jars: Essential for storing your strawberry honey butter safely. They ensure freshness and longevity.
• Boiling water canner: This tool is crucial for properly processing your jars to create a vacuum seal.
• Food processor: Makes pureeing the strawberries easy and quick, ensuring a smooth consistency for your butter.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Honey Butter

• 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

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

Step 2: Puree Strawberries

1. Puree the strawberries in a food processor until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. In a deep pot over medium heat, combine the strawberry puree with sugar, honey, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Step 4: Simmer Mixture

1. Lower the heat and let it simmer until thickened, about 60-90 minutes. Stir often; any foam will disappear during cooking.
2. The strawberry honey butter is done when it holds shape on a spoon.

Step 5: Fill Jars

1. Using a jar lifter, grab one hot canning jar and place it on a towel or wooden cutting board.
2. Ladle hot butter into the jar leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.
3. Remove air bubbles with a headspace tool and wipe the rim of the jar.

Step 6: Seal Jars

1. Center the lid on the jar and apply the band, adjusting it to fingertip tight.
2. Place jar in boiling water canner and repeat until all jars are filled.

Step 7: Process Jars

1. Once boiling, process jars for 10 minutes, adjusting time based on altitude.
2. Turn off heat, remove lid from canner, and let jars stand in water for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8: Cool Jars

1. Carefully remove jars from the canner and let them cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
2. Check seals by pressing down in the center of each lid; they should not flex if sealed properly.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade strawberry honey butter!

How to Serve Strawberry Honey Butter

Strawberry honey butter adds a delightful twist to your meals and snacks. Its sweet and creamy texture makes it perfect for various serving options that can elevate your dining experience.

On Toast

• Toasted Bread: Spread strawberry honey butter generously on warm toasted bread for a delicious breakfast treat.
• Bagels: Use this sweet butter as a topping for bagels, adding a fruity layer to your morning routine.

With Pancakes or Waffles

• Drizzle Over Pancakes: Enhance your pancake stack with strawberry honey butter for a flavor boost.
• Waffle Companion: Serve alongside waffles for a sweet dip that complements the crispy texture.

As a Dip

• Fruit Platter: Use strawberry honey butter as a dip for fresh fruits, making for a tasty and healthy snack.
• Pretzels: Pair with soft pretzels for an interesting sweet and salty combination.

How to Perfect Strawberry Honey Butter

Achieving the perfect strawberry honey butter involves attention to detail. Follow these tips to enhance your results.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: The flavor of your butter will be best when using ripe, fresh strawberries. Look for bright red berries with no blemishes.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision in measuring sugar and honey can help balance sweetness and ensure the right consistency.
• Stir Frequently: To prevent scorching, stir the mixture often while cooking. This helps maintain an even texture.
• Check Thickness: Monitor the consistency during cooking; it should hold shape on a spoon when ready. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Proper Canning Technique: Ensure jars are hot before filling them with strawberry honey butter to create an airtight seal.
• Cool Undisturbed: Let the jars cool completely without moving them to ensure that seals form properly.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Honey Butter

Strawberry honey butter pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing their flavors. Here are some tasty options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of strawberry honey butter.
2. Buttermilk Biscuits: Flaky biscuits serve as an excellent base for spreading this delicious butter, adding richness.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and drizzle strawberry honey butter on top for added sweetness and flavor.
4. Cheese Platter: Complement cheeses like Brie or cream cheese with this sweet spread for a delightful contrast.
5. Pancake Bites: Mini pancakes or pikelets make great vessels for dipping into strawberry honey butter, perfect at brunch parties.
6. Savory Scones: Pair savory scones with strawberry honey butter to create a unique combination of flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry honey butter can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some to watch out for:

• Skipping the preparation of jars: Always heat your jars properly before filling them. This helps create a vacuum seal and prevents breakage.
• Not using fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries yield the best flavor. Avoid using overripe or mushy berries, as they can alter the texture.
• Ignoring cooking time: Ensure you cook the mixture long enough until it thickens properly. Rushing this step results in a runny consistency.
• Neglecting to check seals: After cooling, always check that jar lids are sealed correctly. If they flex when pressed, reprocess the jars or refrigerate them.
• Overfilling jars: Leave a 1/4 inch headspace while filling jars to allow for expansion during processing. This ensures proper sealing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Strawberry Honey Butter

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Reheating Strawberry Honey Butter

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warm, stirring in between to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Gently heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making strawberry honey butter.

What is Strawberry Honey Butter?

Strawberry honey butter is a sweet spread made from pureed strawberries, honey, and other ingredients. It’s perfect for toast, pancakes, or desserts.

Can I substitute other fruits?

Yes! You can experiment with fruits like raspberries or blueberries for different flavors while following the same process.

How long does Strawberry Honey Butter last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts up to two weeks. If frozen, it can last up to six months.

Is this recipe easy for beginners?

Absolutely! This strawberry honey butter recipe is straightforward and ideal for novice cooks looking to make homemade preserves.

Final Thoughts

This strawberry honey butter is not only delicious but also versatile. Spread it on toast, pancakes, or use it as a dip for fruits. Feel free to customize it by mixing in other fruits or spices for added flavor. Try this delightful recipe today!