Lemon Honey Butter Recipe – Bright, Citrusy, and Sweet

If you love the fresh, zesty flavor of lemon, this Lemon Honey Butter is the perfect spread! Combining the sweetness of honey with the bright, tangy flavor of lemon, this butter adds a fresh, citrusy twist to everything from toast to muffins. It’s also great on pancakes, waffles, or even grilled fish or vegetables for a sweet and tangy finish.

Let’s dive into this refreshing lemon honey butter recipe!

Ingredients for Lemon Honey Butter

This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a spread that’s sweet, creamy, and bursting with lemon flavor.

Basic Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • ¼ cup honey (your favorite variety)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (finely grated)

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:

  • A pinch of sea salt: enhances the sweetness and balances the citrus.
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: adds a sweet undertone.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Lemon Honey Butter

This quick and easy recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare and is packed with fresh lemon flavor.

Step 1: Soften the Butter

Let your butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until softened. Soft butter ensures that the ingredients will blend together smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Butter, Honey, Lemon Juice, and Zest

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. If you’re adding sea salt or vanilla extract, mix them in now.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Taste your lemon honey butter and adjust the flavors as needed. If you want a stronger lemon flavor, add more zest or juice. For extra sweetness, drizzle in a little more honey.

Step 4: Store Your Lemon Honey Butter

Transfer the butter to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Let it soften at room temperature before serving for easy spreading.

How to Serve Lemon Honey Butter

This bright and citrusy butter is versatile and adds a burst of freshness to many dishes. Here are some serving ideas:

  • Spread on toast, muffins, or scones: A perfect way to start your morning.
  • Serve with pancakes, waffles, or French toast: Melts beautifully over warm breakfast foods.
  • Use as a topping for grilled fish or vegetables: Adds a sweet and tangy glaze to savory dishes.
  • Spread on cornbread or biscuits: The lemon flavor complements both sweet and savory breads.

Tips for the Best Lemon Honey Butter

  • Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor. Bottled juice may have a slightly bitter or artificial taste.
  • Adjust lemon-to-honey ratio: You can easily tweak the sweetness or tartness by adjusting the amount of honey or lemon to suit your preference.
  • Let it soften before serving: For a perfect spreadable consistency, let your butter sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using.