Name: Whipped Lemon Honey Butter
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, softened to room temperature; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 1 large lemon or 2 small lemons); 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

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A light, silky spread bursting with bright citrus and natural sweetness, this Whipped Lemon Honey Butter comes together in minutes and transforms any baked good into something special. The mellow richness of butter blends beautifully with fragrant lemon zest and smooth honey, creating a spread that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in color.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whipped Lemon Honey Butter is simple, refreshing, and incredibly versatile. It elevates everything from warm muffins to scones and berry breads. With only a handful of ingredients, you get a creamy, airy butter that feels gourmet yet takes just minutes to prepare. Its citrusy aroma, delicate sweetness, and smooth texture make it a delightful addition to breakfasts, brunches, and desserts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, softened to room temperature
3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 1 large lemon or 2 small lemons)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

Place the softened butter and honey in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and fully incorporated.
Using a microplane or fine zester, zest the yellow outer peel of the lemon, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith.
Add the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to the butter mixture.
Beat on high speed for about 2 minutes, or until the butter becomes light, airy, and whipped.
Taste and adjust by adding a little extra honey or lemon juice if desired.
Keep at room temperature for serving to maintain the whipped, silky texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 8 servings of whipped butter.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of vanilla extract for a delicate, sweet aroma.
Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
Mix in a pinch of lemon zest at the end for added texture and vibrant color.
Stir in a small amount of finely chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for a citrus-herb butter.

Storage/Reheating

Store the whipped butter in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for several hours when serving. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Refrigerated butter will firm up—simply let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving so it softens back into a spreadable consistency.

FAQs

How long does whipped lemon honey butter stay fresh?

It stays fresh for up to 1 week when stored in the refrigerator.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, but you may want to add a small pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Does the butter deflate if stored?

It may lose a bit of its whipped fluffiness when chilled, but will regain softness when brought to room temperature.

Can I freeze whipped butter?

Yes, freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

Absolutely. Add more or less honey to suit your taste.

What type of honey works best?

Any liquid honey works. Mild varieties like clover honey balance the lemon flavor well.

Can I make this without an electric mixer?

You can mix by hand, but achieving a truly whipped texture is much easier with a mixer.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the brightest flavor.

Is this butter good on savory foods?

It pairs best with mildly sweet or neutral items like breads and muffins.

Can I use lime or orange instead of lemon?

Yes, swapping citrus zest and juice will create delicious flavored variations.

Conclusion

Whipped Lemon Honey Butter is a simple yet standout spread that brings brightness, creaminess, and natural sweetness to any baked delight. Whether paired with warm muffins, fruity breads, or fresh pastries, it adds a refreshing twist that enhances every bite. This quick recipe delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort, making it a beautiful addition to your kitchen all year long.