The Sassy Prepper's Guide to Making Homemade Butter: The Cream of the Crop

The Sassy Prepper's Guide to Making Homemade Butter: The Cream of the Crop

When you think of survival food prep, you may not immediately think of butter—but trust me, this rich, creamy, golden delight should absolutely be on your list. Making homemade butter is not only surprisingly easy, but it’s a game-changer when it comes to flavor, sustainability, and keeping things fresh in your prepper pantry. Plus, it’s an essential part of creating high-quality meals and snacks with simple ingredients.

If you’re looking to up your butter game (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), this guide is for you! Whether you're preparing for long-term survival or just looking for a way to add a little luxury to your kitchen, homemade butter is your ticket to creamy, buttery goodness on demand.

Why You Should Make Your Own Butter

➡ You Control the Ingredients: The best part about making your own butter is that you know exactly what goes into it. All you need is heavy cream (and a little salt, if you like). No added preservatives, weird oils, or artificial ingredients.

➡ Sustainable and Cost-Effective: Butter is a staple in many homes, but buying it regularly can add up. Making your own is not only cheaper but allows you to preserve it for longer periods of time. It’s a great skill to have if you want to go off the grid or be more self-sufficient in the kitchen.

➡ Flavor Packed: Homemade butter is fresher, richer, and more flavorful than anything you can buy at the store. Plus, you can customize it to your liking by adding herbs, garlic, or even honey for a unique twist!

➡ Shelf Stable (With Proper Storage): Homemade butter can be stored and preserved for a long time—ideal for preppers. If you have access to a freezer, you can freeze batches to use later.

How to Make Homemade Butter: Step-by-Step

The process of making butter is actually really simple, and all you need is heavy cream and a little bit of patience. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream (for about 1 cup of butter)

Salt (optional, about 1/4 teaspoon per cup of cream if you want salted butter)

Tools:

A stand mixer, hand mixer, or a food processor (you can also do it by hand if you’re feeling adventurous)

A bowl (large enough for the cream to move around)

Cheesecloth or a clean dish towel (for draining the buttermilk)

A spatula or butter paddle (for shaping)

A container for storage

Instructions:

1. Whip the Cream:

Pour the heavy cream into the bowl of your stand mixer or food processor. Start mixing on a low speed to prevent splattering. Gradually increase the speed as the cream starts to thicken.

2. Watch for the Stages:

As you mix, the cream will go through several stages: First, it will turn into whipped cream (this is the fluffy stage you know and love). Keep going past that, and you’ll soon see the butterfat separate from the liquid (this is the buttermilk).

3. Separate the Butter:

Once you see the separation happening, continue mixing for a few more seconds until the butter and buttermilk are fully separated. You’ll notice the buttermilk is a thin, milky liquid, and the butter is solidifying.

4. Strain the Buttermilk:

Place cheesecloth or a clean towel over a strainer and pour off the buttermilk. You can save this for baking or cooking if you like. (Or if you’re feeling a little daring, use it for homemade buttermilk pancakes later!)

You can also save the buttermilk for future recipes, as it makes a great addition to biscuits, pancakes, or even salad dressings.

5. Knead and Rinse the Butter:

Now, take your butter and knead it with your hands or a spatula. This helps remove any remaining buttermilk, which will make the butter last longer. You can rinse the butter under cold water to help speed this process along. Keep kneading and rinsing until the water runs clear.

6. Season (Optional):

If you like salted butter, now is the time to add your salt. Mix it in thoroughly with a spatula or your hands.

7. Shape and Store:

Once you’re happy with your butter, you can either shape it into a log using wax paper or just put it into a jar or container. Store it in the fridge, and you’ll have delicious homemade butter ready to go!

Tips for Making Perfect Butter Every Time

➡ Use Fresh Cream: Fresh, high-quality heavy cream makes the best butter. Avoid ultra-pasteurized cream, as it won’t churn as well as fresh cream.

➡ Make a Larger Batch: If you’re prepping for long-term storage, you can make larger batches and freeze your butter. Just make sure to store it in airtight containers to avoid freezer burn.

➡ Save the Buttermilk: Don’t throw away that buttermilk! Use it in recipes like biscuits, cornbread, or pancakes. You can also freeze it for later use.

➡ Customize Your Butter: If you want to get fancy, you can infuse your butter with herbs, garlic, honey, or other spices. Fresh rosemary, thyme, or garlic add a lovely twist to your homemade butter.

➡ Use Cold Cream for Better Churning: For the best results, start with cold cream. It churns better and faster, leading to a quicker butter-making process.

➡ Store in the Fridge: Keep your homemade butter in the fridge for up to a few weeks. If you want to keep it longer, freezing it will help maintain freshness.

Sassy Prepper’s Pro Tips for Homemade Butter

➡ Use a Stand Mixer: If you want to make butter in large batches with minimal effort, a stand mixer is your best friend. You’ll be able to walk away and let the mixer do all the hard work.

➡ Freeze for Longer Storage: If you make large amounts of butter, you can freeze it. Freeze it in smaller portions for easy access when needed, or freeze it in a butter log shape for long-term storage.

➡ Use Leftover Buttermilk: Buttermilk doesn’t just make great pancakes—it can also be used in baking (hello, cornbread!), or in savory dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or a salad dressing base.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠ Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cream will turn it into butter but also make it too soft or greasy. Make sure you stop once you see the butterfat and buttermilk separate.

⚠ Not Kneading Enough: If you don’t knead and rinse your butter enough, you’ll end up with watery butter that will spoil more quickly. The goal is to remove as much buttermilk as possible.

⚠ Not Storing Properly: Butter can go rancid if not stored properly. Always store it in an airtight container, and use it within a few weeks if you keep it in the fridge.

Why Butter Is Perfect for Preppers

Butter is a necessity in any kitchen. But when you make it yourself, you’re not only saving money, you’re also gaining full control over what’s in your butter. You can store it in the fridge or freezer, and it can be used in virtually any recipe. Whether it’s used for cooking, baking, or even spread on toast, butter is a staple that will keep you nourished and satisfied during the toughest times.

Making your own butter is an essential survival skill that every prepper should master. It’s delicious, it’s useful, and it’s something you can make from basic, affordable ingredients. So get to churning and enjoy the sweet rewards of homemade butter in your pantry!