Light Whipped Strawberry Butter

This whipped strawberry basil butter transforms ordinary bread into something extraordinary. The combination of sweet strawberries and aromatic basil creates a spread that's both unexpected and completely addictive, making even the simplest slice of toast feel like a special occasion.

I discovered this recipe during a summer when my garden produced more basil than I knew what to do with. What started as a creative way to use excess herbs quickly became my signature homemade gift for friends and neighbors.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: At room temperature. The quality of butter matters tremendously here. Look for European style butter with higher fat content if possible for the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
• Kosher or sea salt: The coarser texture helps distribute flavor throughout the butter and provides tiny pops of seasoning.
• Fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, fragrant berries that are deep red throughout. Local berries in season deliver the most intense flavor.
• Fresh basil: Young, bright green leaves provide the best flavor. Avoid any with brown spots or wilting.
• Honey: Optional but recommended to enhance the natural sweetness of the berries. Local raw honey works beautifully.

How To Make Whipped Strawberry Basil Butter

Whip the Base:

Place room temperature butter and salt in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer or whisk, whip vigorously for about 3 minutes until the butter becomes noticeably lighter in color and significantly fluffier in texture. The air incorporated during this stage creates the luxurious, spreadable consistency.

Prepare the Strawberries:

In a separate bowl, mash fresh strawberries with a fork until you achieve a chunky puree consistency. You want approximately 2 tablespoons of the resulting mixture. The natural juices released enhance the flavor and create the beautiful pink hue.

Combine and Whip Again:

Add the strawberry puree including its juice to the whipped butter. Whip again until fully incorporated and the mixture turns a delicate pink color throughout. The butter should maintain its light, airy texture while taking on the fruity aroma.

Finish with Herbs:

Gently fold in the freshly chopped basil using a spatula, distributing evenly throughout the butter. Taste and add honey if needed depending on the natural sweetness of your strawberries. The small specks of green basil create beautiful contrast against the pink butter.

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My favorite time to serve this butter is at summer brunches. Something about slathering it across warm homemade biscuits while sitting on the porch watching hummingbirds at our feeders feels quintessentially seasonal. My grandmother was initially skeptical about the basil addition but now requests I bring a jar whenever I visit.

Storage Tips

This flavored butter keeps remarkably well in the refrigerator. Store it in a sealed glass container or wrap tightly in parchment paper for up to two weeks. The key to maintaining its delicate flavor is ensuring it's well sealed to prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors. When serving from cold, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for the ideal spreadable consistency.

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Creative Serving Ideas

Beyond the obvious toast application, this whipped strawberry basil butter has countless delicious uses. Try melting a pat atop grilled fish for a surprising flavor contrast. For a memorable appetizer, spread on crostini and top with a slice of prosciutto. It makes an extraordinary finishing touch for pancakes or waffles, melting beautifully into the warm pockets. My personal favorite is spreading it on warm corn muffins where the sweetness plays beautifully against the cornmeal texture.

Flavor Variations

While strawberry and basil create a classic pairing, this recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Consider substituting the strawberries with raspberries or blackberries for a different berry note. The basil can be replaced with mint for a more traditional sweet profile, or try thyme for an earthier dimension. Lemon zest makes a brilliant addition to brighten the flavor profile even further. For a more decadent version, fold in a tablespoon of good quality white chocolate after whipping.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of compound butters lies in their adaptability. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings or gift-giving. Adjust the strawberry to basil ratio according to your preference more strawberry for a fruitier spread, more basil for an herbal accent. The optional honey can be replaced with maple syrup or even a splash of balsamic reduction for a sophisticated twist. The texture can also be adjusted by whipping longer for a lighter spread or less for a denser butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the spread.

→ How do I store the whipped butter?

Store the whipped butter in a glass jar or wrap it in parchment paper. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

→ Can I substitute the basil with other herbs?

Absolutely! Try using mint, thyme, or even rosemary for a different flavor profile.

→ What if my strawberries aren’t sweet enough?

If your strawberries are not sweet, simply add a bit of honey to taste. This will enhance the sweetness while maintaining the balance.

→ Can I scale this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, this recipe is easy to scale. Simply double or triple the ingredients as needed while keeping the proportions the same.

→ What are some serving suggestions for this butter?

Spread it on toast, biscuits, cornbread, waffles, pancakes, or even add a dollop to roasted vegetables for a unique flavor boost.