Citrus Blossom Butter

Let’s talk about Citrus Blossom Butter, the spread that will make your toast, muffins, pancakes, and even veggies sing with fresh, bright flavor! If you’ve never made compound butter before, this is the perfect introduction. It’s so easy, so delightful, and it adds that extra “wow” factor to almost anything you spread it on. The combination of zesty lemon and orange with a hint of floral honey is so refreshing—it’s like a burst of sunshine in every bite.

This is the kind of butter you whip up when you’re in the mood to make everyday meals feel just a little bit more special. It’s also the perfect homemade gift, or a sweet touch for a brunch gathering. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be finding all sorts of ways to incorporate this citrusy goodness into your day!

Why You’ll Love Citrus Blossom Butter

Here’s why this butter will quickly become your favorite go-to spread:

• Bright and Refreshing: The mix of citrus zest and honey gives this butter a light, sweet, and tangy flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
• Versatile: Use it on everything from bread and muffins to roasted vegetables or grilled fish. It’s a great way to elevate simple dishes.
• Easy to Make: No fancy techniques required—just whip everything together and you’re ready to go! It’s a foolproof recipe for anyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook.
• Perfect for Gift Giving: Package it up in a cute jar and you’ve got a lovely homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
• Customizable: Want more floral notes? Add a few drops of vanilla extract. Looking for a deeper sweetness? Swap the honey for maple syrup. It’s flexible and fun to play with!

Ingredients

Citrus Blossom Butter uses just a handful of ingredients to create a bright, flavorful spread. Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy, fresh compound butter:

• Unsalted Butter: The base of any good compound butter, bringing a rich, creamy texture.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a fresh, tangy bite and a lovely citrus aroma.
• Orange Zest: Complements the lemon and adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
• Honey: Sweetens the butter and enhances the floral flavors.
• A pinch of Sea Salt: To bring everything together and balance the sweetness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making Citrus Blossom Butter is super simple! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch ready to go in minutes.

Step 1: Soften the Butter

Start by allowing the butter to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You want it soft enough to easily mix, but not melted.

Step 2: Zest the Citrus

Use a microplane or fine grater to zest both the lemon and orange. You’ll want about 1 tablespoon of zest from each fruit. The zest gives the butter that bright citrus flavor, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, citrus zest, honey, and a pinch of sea salt. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to thoroughly mix everything together until it’s smooth and well-incorporated. Taste and adjust the honey or salt if needed—more honey for sweetness or more salt for balance.

Step 4: Chill and Firm Up

Once everything is mixed, transfer the butter to a small jar or container. Place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up. This also helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once chilled, your Citrus Blossom Butter is ready to spread! Try it on fresh toast, warm pancakes, scones, or roasted veggies. It’s also fantastic as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, adding that perfect citrusy zing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 80
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 40mg
Total Carbohydrates: 3g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 0g
Vitamin D: 5%
Calcium: 0%
Iron: 0%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Citrus Blossom Butter

This fresh, flavorful butter pairs beautifully with many dishes. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• On Toast or Bread: Spread it generously on a warm slice of toast, a freshly baked scone, or buttery croissant. The citrusy sweetness will elevate your morning breakfast!
• Pancakes & Waffles: Top off your pancakes or waffles with a dollop of this creamy butter and a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra-special brunch treat.
• Roasted Vegetables: Stir some of this butter into roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a sweet and tangy finish.
• Grilled Meats and Fish: A small spoonful on grilled chicken or fish makes the perfect finishing touch, adding just the right amount of brightness.
• With Muffins and Biscuits: It’s also fantastic with freshly baked muffins, biscuits, or even cinnamon rolls!

Presentation Tips

For an extra special touch, serve the Citrus Blossom Butter in a pretty dish or small jar. You can even garnish it with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for a pop of color and added aroma.

Additional Tips

• Storage Tips: Keep your butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage—just let it thaw in the fridge before using.
• Make it Vegan: Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Customize the Flavor: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist on the classic flavor combination.
• Double the Batch: If you’re making this as a gift, consider doubling the recipe and packaging it in small jars with a cute label. Your friends and family will love it!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A1: You can, but be mindful of the added salt. I’d suggest reducing or omitting the pinch of sea salt in the recipe to avoid making it too salty.

Q2: How long does this butter last in the fridge?
A2: Stored in an airtight container, it will last for about 1-2 weeks in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!

Q3: Can I use other citrus fruits in this recipe?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with lime or grapefruit zest for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the amount of honey or salt if you’re using a more tart citrus.

Q4: Can I make this butter ahead of time?
A4: Yes! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together even more. Just store it in the fridge and take it out when you’re ready to use it.

Q5: Can I use this butter on savory dishes?
A5: Definitely! It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even on top of a baked potato. The citrus adds a nice brightness to savory dishes.

Q6: What’s the best way to serve this butter?
A6: The best way to serve it is at room temperature. Just take it out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before you plan to use it, so it’s soft enough to spread easily.

Q7: Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
A7: Yes! Maple syrup will add a different sweetness, but it works beautifully in this recipe if you prefer that flavor.

Q8: Can I make this butter without citrus zest?
A8: You could omit the zest, but it will lose the fresh, zesty flavor that makes this butter so unique. You might want to add a little lemon or orange juice instead to bring in some citrusy tang.

Q9: Can I use a mixer to make this butter?
A9: Absolutely! You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend the butter, zest, honey, and salt. Just make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to fully incorporate everything.

Q10: Can I use this butter in baking?
A10: Yes, you can! It would be wonderful in baked goods like muffins or cakes. You could even use it as a filling for pastries or to add a citrusy twist to cookies.

Conclusion

This Citrus Blossom Butter is a simple yet spectacular way to elevate everyday meals. With just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes, you can create a spread that bursts with bright, sunny flavors. Whether it’s for breakfast, dinner, or as a gift, this butter adds that extra special touch to anything it’s paired with. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!

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