Homemade Butter Recipe (Traditional Irish Method)

If you love traditional Irish cooking, making your own butter at home is a delightful way to connect with authentic Irish food culture. While you can easily buy butter, homemade butter from whipping or double cream is well worth the effort. Plus, you get a lovely byproduct – buttermilk – which is perfect for baking Irish favourites like Irish soda bread or Irish soda scones.

Jump to Recipe

The buttermilk liquid you drain after the first whip is a fantastic ingredient to keep for baking, so don’t discard it. It adds a subtle tang and tenderness to your breads and cakes, enhancing the flavour and texture.

Recipe

Method

1. Whip the cream in a stand mixer until it turns yellow and curdles. This indicates the butterfat has separated.

2. Drain the liquid (buttermilk) and set it aside for use in baking recipes such as Homemade Irish Soda Bread with Raisins or raisin scones.

3. Rinse the butter with ice-cold water through a fine strainer to remove residual buttermilk.

4. Return the butter to the mixing bowl and whip again until smooth.

5. Place the butter in a bowl of ice water to rinse out remaining casein proteins, then remove and squeeze out excess water.

6. Mix in the salt using a spatula or spoon. You can adjust the salt quantity to your taste or leave the butter unsalted if preferred.

The butter should keep for 2-3 weeks in the fridge, depending on how thoroughly you rinse out the liquid and casein.

Have a go at making your own butter and enjoy the fresh flavour that complements many Irish dishes, from a full Irish breakfast to a simple spread on your Irish potato bread.

All the best,
Chris – Your Irish Baker Abroad

How to Store Homemade Butter

Store your homemade butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavours. Properly rinsed butter can last up to three weeks. For best results, keep it wrapped in parchment or wax paper inside the container.

Can You Freeze Homemade Butter?

Yes, you can freeze homemade butter! Wrap it tightly in cling film or foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen butter can keep for up to six months. Thaw it slowly in the fridge before use to preserve texture and flavour.

Why Is My Homemade Butter Too Soft?

If your butter is too soft, it may be due to insufficient rinsing of buttermilk or casein, which can affect firmness. Also, butter made from cream with lower fat content tends to be softer. Ensure you rinse thoroughly with cold water and use full-fat cream for best results.

For more inspiration on traditional Irish baking, check out Chris’s Irish Baker Abroad stories and try your hand at recipes like Chris’s Traditional Irish Soda Bread. You might also enjoy exploring other classic dishes such as the traditional Irish stew recipe or a warming Guinness Shepherd’s Pie.

Discover more about traditional Irish cooking and the rich food heritage that makes Ireland a food lover’s paradise.

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