Homemade blueberry butter is a luscious and versatile spread that can elevate your breakfasts and desserts to a whole new level. I love butter, and I mean LOVE. How could you not enjoy creamy fat from a cow? Lather it on bread or dollop it into a myriad of recipes. Butter goes great with anything, in my opinion, so why not make a blueberry butter?
Made with ripe blueberries, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of spice, this slow cooker recipe will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. In this delicious recipe blog, I will walk you through the steps to create this culinary masterpiece and one of my favorite homestead delights.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we dive into the preparation process, let's gather the essential ingredients:
- 4 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
The Slow Cooker Magic
The slow cooker is the secret weapon in this recipe, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the blueberries to transform into a rich, buttery consistency. One reason I love having a slow cooker is because you can combine all of the ingredients in the beginning of the day and allow them to meld together as the day goes on. Minimal maintenance and low-fuss recipes bloom with the slow cooker.
Here's how to make homemade blueberry butter step by step:
1. Prep the Blueberries
Start by washing and rinsing the blueberries thoroughly. If you're using frozen blueberries, make sure they are completely thawed and drained. By using fresh or high-quality frozen blueberries, you ensure that your blueberry butter will have the best flavor and color. You can use the drained blueberry juice from frozen blueberries to add to milk or top other desserts with.
2. Combine Ingredients
In your slow cooker, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Give it a gentle stir to ensure the sugar and spices coat the blueberries evenly. The combination of spices adds depth and warmth to the flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the blueberry butter.
3. Cook on Low
Set your slow cooker to the low heat setting and cook the mixture for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the blueberries to break down and the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the blueberries fully release their juices and develop a concentrated, jam-like consistency.
4. Blend to Smoothness
Once the blueberry mixture has cooked down and thickened considerably, remove it from the slow cooker. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Be cautious, as it will be hot. Blending the mixture creates a silky, creamy texture, making the blueberry butter perfect for spreading.
5. Add Finishing Touches
Return the pureed blueberry mixture to the slow cooker, and stir in the lemon juice and pure vanilla extract. Continue to cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully incorporate. The addition of lemon juice adds a bright and zesty note, balancing the sweetness of the blueberries, while vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and taste. If you wanted to get fancy, you could grate in some lemon zest for an extra zing of flavor.
6. Test for Consistency
To check if your blueberry butter has reached the desired consistency, perform the "plate test." Spoon a small amount onto a chilled plate and let it sit for a minute. If it doesn't run when you tilt the plate, it's ready. If it's too runny, continue cooking and test again. Achieving the right consistency ensures that your blueberry butter is easy to spread and has a luxurious texture.
7. Cool and Store
Once your blueberry butter is ready, turn off the slow cooker and let it cool. Transfer it to clean, sterilized jars while it's still warm. Seal the jars tightly and store them in the refrigerator. The blueberry butter will continue to thicken as it cools. Properly sealed jars ensure that your blueberry butter remains fresh and delicious for an extended period.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade blueberry butter is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
1. Breakfast Bliss
Spread it on toast, English muffins, pancakes, or waffles for a burst of fruity goodness in the morning. Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. I may be overindulging, but I love to put blueberry butter on top of melted butter already. Seriously, the more butter the better, so my buttered toast gets a dollop of blueberry butter.
2. Dessert Delight
Use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or cheesecake. It adds a delightful fruity twist to your favorite desserts. Drizzle warm blueberry butter over vanilla ice cream for a quick and impressive dessert. If you prefer to get plain yogurt and dress it as I do to avoid preservatives and funky fillers, this is the perfect yogurt topper.
3. Culinary Creations
Incorporate it into savory dishes by glazing roasted meats, such as chicken or pork, or using it as a condiment for grilled cheese sandwiches. The subtle sweetness and spices complement savory flavors beautifully.
I have topped oven-baked pork chops with this and it was a culinary masterpiece. Usually, I use homemade applesauce to pair with my porkchops, but I thought I would give this a try. I would recommend if you love a slightly sweet pairing with your pork chops.
4. Gourmet Gifts
Homemade blueberry butter also makes for a thoughtful and delicious gift. Fill small jars, add a ribbon, and share the homemade goodness with friends and family. Personalized jars make for delightful presents, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. I love creating homemade gifts for friends, family, and neighbors. They love getting blueberry butter as a gift!
You are ready to make your own blueberry butter
Creating homemade blueberry butter in your slow cooker is not only easy but also immensely rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year round. This delightful spread will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen, adding a burst of flavor to your breakfasts and desserts.
The slow cooking process and careful selection of ingredients ensure that your blueberry butter captures the essence of fresh, ripe blueberries while infusing it with aromatic spices. So, fire up that slow cooker and embark on a culinary journey that your taste buds won't soon forget!
