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2-Ingredient Cultured Butter Recipe

4.4 from 151 reviews

This simple 2-Ingredient Cultured Butter recipe transforms heavy cream and buttermilk into rich, creamy homemade butter with a tangy depth from natural culturing. By culturing cream at room temperature, whipping it to separate butterfat, and washing the butter, you get fresh butter you can season and enjoy with rustic breads or fresh vegetables. Optional clotted cream enriches the texture and flavor, while flaky sea salt adds the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients

  • 2 pints heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk + 1 Tbsp

Optional Ingredients

  • 3 oz clotted cream (optional)
  • flaky sea salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Culture the Cream: In a clean mason jar, combine the heavy cream and buttermilk thoroughly. Cover the opening with cheesecloth and loosely secure the lid to allow air circulation. Let it culture at room temperature for 48 hours in a spot away from direct sunlight, allowing natural fermentation to develop flavor and texture.
  2. Chill Before Whipping: After culturing, transfer the cream to the refrigerator for about 1 hour to cool to roughly 60°F. Cooling helps the cream whip better and achieve optimal consistency.
  3. Whip the Cream: Pour the cultured cream into a stand mixer bowl along with clotted cream if using. Using the whisk attachment, whip on medium-high speed until it thickens into whipped cream, then continue whipping for 7 to 8 minutes until the butterfat separates from the liquid buttermilk. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed to ensure even whipping.
  4. Drain the Butter: Strain out the liquid (buttermilk) through a fine mesh strainer and save if desired for other uses. Place the solid butter into cheesecloth and rinse under cold water while squeezing gently to wash out remaining buttermilk. Continue rinsing and squeezing until the water runs clear to prevent spoilage.
  5. Season and Serve: Transfer butter to a serving dish and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to taste. Serve fresh cultured butter alongside radishes, warm bread, or your favorite accompaniments for a delicious homemade treat.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality heavy cream and buttermilk for best flavor.
  • The optional clotted cream adds richness but is not required.
  • Culturing time may vary slightly depending on room temperature.
  • Save the strained buttermilk for baking or cooking recipes.
  • Store finished butter refrigerated and consume within 1-2 weeks for best freshness.

Keywords: cultured butter, homemade butter, buttermilk butter, 2-ingredient butter, cultured cream, clotted cream butter