Whipped Strawberry Basil Butter

This whipped strawberry basil butter transforms ordinary toast into something extraordinary. The delicate balance of sweet strawberries, aromatic basil and creamy butter creates a spread that's both elegant and comforting, perfect for elevating your breakfast or afternoon tea.

I first made this butter for a summer brunch party and it was the unexpected star of the table. Even my nephew who claims to hate "green things" in his food kept sneaking more onto his biscuits.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: At room temperature. Quality matters here as it's the foundation of your spread. European-style butter with higher butterfat works particularly well.
• Kosher or sea salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Fresh strawberries: Look for ripe, fragrant berries. The sweeter they are naturally, the less honey you'll need.
• Fresh basil: The aromatic oils in fresh basil are key. Choose bright green leaves without any dark spots.
• Honey: Optional but adds a lovely floral sweetness that complements both the strawberries and basil.

How To Make Whipped Strawberry Basil Butter

Whip the butter:

Place room temperature butter and salt in a medium bowl and whip with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. The butter should increase in volume and become noticeably paler. This creates the perfect base for incorporating the fruit.

Prepare the strawberries:

Mash fresh strawberries with a fork until you have a chunky puree. Aim for about 2 tablespoons of puree including the natural juices. The small bits of strawberry throughout the butter create bursts of flavor in every bite.

Combine butter and strawberries:

Add the strawberry puree to the whipped butter and beat again until fully incorporated. The mixture will turn a beautiful light pink and maintain its fluffy texture. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.

Finish with basil and honey:

Gently fold in the chopped fresh basil until evenly distributed throughout the butter. Taste and add honey if needed, especially if your strawberries aren't particularly sweet. The honey should complement, not overpower, the natural fruit flavor.

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The fresh basil is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I grow several varieties in my garden, and have found that Genovese basil offers the perfect balance of sweetness and pepperiness that makes this butter truly special. The first time I served this at a family gathering, my grandmother asked for the recipe and she's been making it every summer since.

Storage Tips

This flavored butter keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Store it in a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or wrap it in parchment paper and secure with a rubber band. The flavor actually improves after a day or two as the herbs infuse more deeply into the butter. Just remember to remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften to a spreadable consistency.

Creative Serving Ideas

While toast may be the obvious choice, this strawberry basil butter has so many delicious applications. Try it melted over warm cornbread or biscuits straight from the oven. It's divine spread on banana bread or zucchini bread for an extra layer of flavor. For a savory application, melt a pat on top of grilled chicken or fish just before serving. The butter also makes a wonderful gift when packed in a small jar with a handwritten label.

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Flavor Variations

The basic method for this recipe can be adapted countless ways with different fruit and herb combinations. Try blueberries with lemon thyme for a different summer variation, or orange zest with honey and rosemary for a fall-inspired version. Blackberries pair beautifully with mint, while peaches and lavender create an elegant combination. The key is maintaining the proper ratio of fruit to butter to ensure the spread holds its consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to prevent it from being overly salty.

→ How long does this spread last?

This whipped butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Wrap it in parchment paper or store it in a glass jar for freshness.

→ Can I substitute another herb for basil?

Yes, mint or thyme can be excellent substitutes for basil, offering different yet complementary flavors to the strawberries.

→ What can I serve this butter with?

This butter is delicious on toast, biscuits, cornbread, muffins, or even warm scones. It also works well as a topping for pancakes or waffles.

→ Can I make it ahead of time for an event?

Absolutely! Prepare it up to two weeks in advance, refrigerate it, and allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

You can use a dairy-free butter substitute to make this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet. Ensure the substitute can be whipped to achieve the desired texture.