Honey butter is one of those simple yet indulgent condiments that elevate just about anything you spread it on. Whether you’re slathering it on warm cornbread, fluffy biscuits, roasted vegetables, or crispy fried chicken, this homemade whipped honey butter recipe is incredibly easy to make and takes only 5 minutes. Made with just three ingredients—butter, honey, and salt—this sweet and creamy spread adds a rich depth of flavor to your favorite dishes. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about honey butter, from how to make it, the best ways to use it, variations, and storage tips.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Recipe
- Easy to Make: Only 3 simple ingredients and 5 minutes needed.
- Rich and Creamy: Whipped to perfection for a light, fluffy texture.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The combination of butter, honey, and salt creates the ideal balance of sweet and savory.
- Versatile: Enhances everything from breakfast foods to savory dishes and desserts.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust sweetness, add spices, or even make a cinnamon or spiced version.
Ingredients for Homemade Honey Butter
You Only Need Three Ingredients!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
How to Make Whipped Honey Butter
Step 1: Beat the Butter
Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed until it turns light, smooth, and fluffy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Honey and Salt
Slowly pour in the honey and sprinkle the kosher salt into the butter. Continue beating on medium speed until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is light and airy.
Step 3: Scrape & Whip Again
Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed. Beat one final time for about 30 seconds until the honey butter reaches a smooth, whipped consistency.
Step 4: Store and Serve
Transfer the honey butter to a small glass jar or ramekin. You can leave it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
Best Ways to Use Honey Butter
Honey butter is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:
- Warm Cornbread – A classic Southern favorite, spread honey butter over freshly baked cornbread for the ultimate sweet and savory combo.
- Fluffy Biscuits – Slather it on warm biscuits for a delicious breakfast or side dish.
- Pancakes & Waffles – Drizzle over pancakes or waffles instead of syrup for a rich, creamy sweetness.
- French Toast – Spread it on freshly made French toast and top with powdered sugar for a gourmet twist.
- Dinner Rolls – Elevate store-bought or homemade rolls with a touch of honey butter.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Brush it on corn for a sweet and buttery glaze.
- Roasted Vegetables – Toss with roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for extra depth of flavor.
- Fried Chicken – A Southern-inspired pairing that takes crispy fried chicken to the next level.
- Steamed or Grilled Seafood – Use as a finishing butter for lobster, shrimp, or grilled salmon.
- Sweet Potatoes – A spoonful of honey butter on a baked sweet potato is absolutely delicious.
Flavor Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few delicious ways to customize honey butter:
- Cinnamon Honey Butter – Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Maple Honey Butter – Substitute 1 tablespoon of honey with pure maple syrup.
- Spicy Honey Butter – Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Vanilla Honey Butter – Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra sweetness.
- Pumpkin Spice Honey Butter – Blend in 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired version.
- Brown Sugar Honey Butter – Swap out 1 tablespoon of honey for brown sugar for a caramel-like depth.
Storage Tips for Honey Butter
- Room Temperature: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days in a covered container.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Allow it to soften at room temperature before using.
- Freezer: Freeze honey butter in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Honey Butter
- Use High-Quality Butter: Opt for unsalted, high-fat butter for the creamiest and richest taste.
- Soften the Butter Properly: Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before whipping to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you like a sweeter honey butter, add honey 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches your preferred taste.
- Whip for Extra Fluffiness: Beat the butter for an additional minute to make it light and airy.
- Use Kosher or Sea Salt: Avoid table salt, as it can make the butter taste too salty.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding cinnamon, vanilla extract, or maple syrup for a fun twist.
- Store Properly: Keep honey butter in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Bring to Room Temperature Before Serving: Cold honey butter can be difficult to spread, so let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before using.
- Make It Ahead: Honey butter can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or frozen for 2 months.
- Use Raw or Infused Honey: If you want extra depth, use raw honey or infused flavors like lavender honey for a unique taste.
Pairing Ideas for Honey Butter
- Cornbread & Biscuits – Honey butter is the perfect topping for warm, fluffy biscuits or classic Southern cornbread, making them even more irresistible.
- Pancakes & Waffles – Instead of syrup, spread honey butter on pancakes and waffles for a rich, indulgent touch.
- French Toast – A dollop of honey butter melts perfectly over crispy French toast, adding a caramelized sweetness.
- Dinner Rolls – Spread honey butter on freshly baked dinner rolls to elevate your holiday meals.
- Sweet Potatoes – A spoonful of honey butter on a baked or mashed sweet potato enhances its natural sweetness.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Brush honey butter over grilled corn for a delightful combination of smoky and sweet flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables – Toss honey butter with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash for a caramelized finish.
- Fried Chicken – The balance of sweet and savory works wonderfully with crispy fried chicken.
- Seafood – Spread a small amount over grilled salmon, shrimp, or lobster for a gourmet twist.
- Toast & Muffins – Use honey butter as a spread on warm toast, English muffins, or scones for a delightful breakfast treat.
- Oatmeal & Porridge – Stir a spoonful into warm oatmeal or porridge for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Popcorn – Drizzle melted honey butter over popcorn for a unique sweet-and-salty snack.
- Cheese & Charcuterie Boards – Serve alongside soft cheeses like brie or camembert for a luxurious appetizer.
- Baked Brie – Top baked brie with honey butter and pecans for a deliciously melty dish.
- Cookies & Cakes – Mix into cookie dough or frosting for a subtle honey flavor in baked goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Salted Butter?
Yes! If you use salted butter, reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon or adjust to taste.
Can I Make This Vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based butter alternative and swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup.
How Do I Make Honey Butter Thicker?
For a thicker consistency, chill the butter slightly before whipping. Alternatively, you can add powdered sugar to thicken it.
Can I Use Flavored Honey?
Absolutely! Flavored honeys like lavender, orange blossom, or clover honey add a unique taste.
Print
🍯 Homemade Honey Butter – Pure Bliss in Every Bite! 🧈
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Description
Some recipes are so simple yet so magical that they instantly become a household favorite. This whipped honey butter is one of them! Just three ingredients transform into a creamy, sweet, and slightly salty spread that takes cornbread, biscuits, pancakes, roasted veggies, and even fried chicken to the next level. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to plain butter again! 😍
Ingredients
✔️ 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
✔️ 3 tablespoons honey
✔️ 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
1️⃣ In a mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2️⃣ Add the honey and salt, then continue beating until smooth and airy.
3️⃣ Scrape down the sides and beat again for the perfect whipped texture.
4️⃣ Transfer to a ramekin or a 4 oz glass jar for easy serving.
5️⃣ Store covered on the counter for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks (bring to room temp before serving).
Notes
✨ Sweetness level: Start with 2 tbsp honey, then add more if needed.
✨ Salted or unsalted butter? Either works! Just adjust the salt to taste.
✨ Make it fancy! Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
✨ Storage hack: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 63 kcal
Final Thoughts
Homemade honey butter is one of the easiest yet most rewarding condiments you can make. Whether you enjoy it on cornbread, biscuits, or vegetables, its rich, sweet, and buttery taste is truly irresistible. Plus, with so many variations, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences.
Give this quick honey butter recipe a try and see how it transforms your meals! Let us know how you like to enjoy honey butter by leaving a comment below.