Strawberry Honey Butter

This Strawberry Honey Butter is a delightful treat that elevates any meal, making it perfect for breakfast or as a sweet spread. Combining fresh strawberries with the natural sweetness of honey, this homemade preserve surpasses any store-bought jam. It’s a fantastic option for brunches, picnics, or simply enjoying on toast. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how versatile it can be in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Natural Sweetness: The combination of strawberries and honey creates a naturally sweet flavor that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
• Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in jars, this strawberry honey butter makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
• Versatile Use: Spread it on toast, pancakes, or waffles, or use it as a dip for fruits and desserts.
• Long Shelf Life: Properly canned, this delicious preserve can last for months in your pantry.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious strawberry honey butter, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Canning jars
• Jar lifter
• Food processor
• Deep pot
• Headspace tool

Importance of Each Tool

• Canning jars: These are crucial for storing your strawberry honey butter safely while preserving its freshness.
• Jar lifter: This tool protects your hands from hot jars during the canning process and prevents spills.
• Food processor: A must-have for pureeing strawberries quickly and efficiently, ensuring a smooth consistency.
• Deep pot: Ideal for cooking down the strawberry mixture without splattering.

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 Canning Setup

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

Step 2: Puree the Strawberries

1. Place the hulled strawberries into a food processor.
2. Blend 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: Cook Until Thickened

1. Lower the heat and let it simmer until very thick—this should take about 60-90 minutes.
2. Stir frequently; any foam produced will disappear as it cooks.

Step 5: Fill Jars

1. Use a jar lifter to grab one 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 using a headspace tool and wipe the rim of the jar.

Step 6: Seal Jars

1. Center the lid on each jar and apply the band; adjust to fingertip tightness.
2. Place each filled jar into your boiling water canner.

Step 7: Process Jars

1. Once boiling, process jars for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude if necessary).
2. Turn off heat and let jars stand covered in water for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8: Cool Down

1. Carefully remove jars from the canner.
2. Let them cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours before checking seals; they should not flex when pressed at center.

Enjoy making this delightful strawberry honey butter that brightens up any meal!

How to Serve Strawberry Honey Butter

Strawberry honey butter is a delightful spread that can elevate many dishes. It pairs wonderfully with various foods and can be served in numerous creative ways.

On Toast

• Use on warm, toasted bread or bagels for a sweet breakfast treat.

With Pancakes and Waffles

• Drizzle over fluffy pancakes or waffles for a fruity twist on your morning favorites.

As a Dip

• Serve with fresh fruit like apple slices or strawberries as a refreshing snack.

In Desserts

• Spread onto freshly baked muffins or scones to enhance their flavor and moisture.

Accompanying Cheese Boards

• Pair with cheese like goat cheese for an exciting contrast of flavors on your cheese platters.

How to Perfect Strawberry Honey Butter

Achieving the perfect strawberry honey butter requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you master this recipe.

• Use fresh strawberries: The fresher the strawberries, the better the flavor. Look for ripe, sweet strawberries for optimal taste.

• Adjust sweetness: Taste the mixture as it cooks and adjust honey or sugar if preferred sweeter.

• Monitor thickness: Keep an eye on the cooking time; a thicker consistency enhances the spreadability and flavor depth.

• Cool completely before sealing: Allow jars to cool at room temperature before sealing them to ensure proper preservation.

• Store properly: Keep sealed jars in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness. Refrigerate after opening.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Honey Butter

Strawberry honey butter complements various side dishes beautifully. Here are some great pairings to consider.

1. Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are perfect for slathering with strawberry honey butter.
2. Pancakes: A stack of fluffy pancakes becomes even more delicious with this sweet topping.
3. Scones: Pair with warm scones for a delightful afternoon tea experience.
4. Oatmeal: Stir into oatmeal for added sweetness and flavor; it’s a comforting breakfast option.
5. Fruit Salad: Drizzle over fresh fruit salad to enhance the natural sweetness of seasonal fruits.
6. Cornbread: Serve alongside cornbread for a sweet contrast that enhances its savory notes.
7. Crepes: Fill crepes with strawberry honey butter for an elegant dessert option.
8. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer in yogurt parfaits for added sweetness and texture in your breakfast routine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes is key to making the perfect Strawberry Honey Butter. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using overripe strawberries: Overripe strawberries can lead to a mushy texture. Always choose fresh, firm strawberries for the best results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can alter the consistency and flavor. Use standard measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Skipping the boiling water canner step: This step is crucial for food safety. Always prepare your jars in hot water before filling them.
• Not allowing enough cooking time: Cooking too quickly can result in a runny texture. Be patient and let it simmer until thickened properly.
• Ignoring seal checks: A proper seal is essential for preservation. Always check that the lids are sealed correctly after cooling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Freezing Strawberry Honey Butter

• Use freezer-safe jars or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Reheating Strawberry Honey Butter

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish covered with foil.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a small saucepan, stirring constantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Strawberry Honey Butter:

What is Strawberry Honey Butter?

Strawberry Honey Butter is a sweet spread made from fresh strawberries, honey, and other simple ingredients. It’s perfect for toast or as a topping.

How do I use Strawberry Honey Butter?

Spread it on toast, pancakes, or muffins. It also makes a delightful dip for fruits or as a filling for pastries.

Can I customize my Strawberry Honey Butter?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or mix in other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for different flavors.

How long does homemade Strawberry Honey Butter last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Honey Butter is not only delicious but also versatile. Its sweet flavor pairs well with various breakfast items or desserts. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or fruits to make it uniquely yours!