Tired of plain old butter? Transform your toast, scones, and pancakes with this incredibly simple yet decadent Strawberry Vanilla Butter. In just a few minutes, you can whip up a creamy, sweet, and vibrant spread that captures the essence of fresh strawberries and fragrant vanilla. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of gourmet flair to your breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Once you’ve tried homemade compound butter, you’ll never look back!
Ingredients
• 200g / 7 oz unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp icing sugar, sifted
• ½ vanilla pod, seeds scraped out
• 75g / 2.6 oz strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, sifted icing sugar, and vanilla seeds until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. You can use a wooden spoon or a food mixer with the beater attachment.
2. Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Use the strawberry butter immediately, or transfer it to a small dish or mould, cover, and chill in the fridge until firm.
Nutritional Information
• Estimated per 1 tbsp serving
• Calories: 80 kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Please note this is an estimate and can vary based on used.
Pro Tips
• For the richest flavour and creamiest texture, use the best quality unsalted butter you can afford.
• For longer storage, roll the finished butter into a log using parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice off rounds as needed.
• Experiment with other berries! Finely chopped raspberries or blueberries also work beautifully in this recipe.
• For a savoury twist, omit the sugar and vanilla. Instead, mix in lemon zest, smoked sea salt, or crushed peppercorns to serve on jacket potatoes or greens.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this strawberry butter vegan
A: Absolutely! To make a vegan version of this strawberry butter, simply substitute the dairy butter with a high-quality, plant-based butter block. Look for one that has a firm texture at room temperature for the best results.
Q: How long does this vegetarian strawberry butter last
A: Because it contains fresh fruit, this butter should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within one week. For longer storage, you can roll it into a log using parchment paper and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q: What vegetarian dishes can I serve this with
A: This sweet butter is incredibly versatile for vegetarian meals. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, scones, pancakes, waffles, and muffins. You can also add a dollop to a bowl of warm oatmeal or serve it with fresh cornbread for a delightful treat.
Q: Is there a substitute for icing sugar in this recipe
A: Yes, if you prefer not to use icing sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. Please note that using a liquid sweetener may result in a slightly softer butter, but it will still be delicious.
