Indulge in the delicious flavors of our Strawberry Honey Butter, brimming with juicy fresh strawberries, sweetened with honey, and enhanced with a hint of vanilla.
Discover the joy of preserving the sweetness of strawberry season with this easy beginner home canning recipe. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – this versatile preserve will elevate dishes of all kinds!
When you are lucky enough to have sweet and juicy strawberries on hand, there’s one way to make the flavor last all year long: preserve them! Home canning is always the best way to preserve ripe produce at its peak. You’ll love this easy homemade strawberry honey butter!
This post is sponsored by the makers of Ball® home canning products.*
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe:
This is an incredibly versatile recipe that can be used for any meal: breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Slather a dollop on toast, add a dash to your favorite salad dressing, or create a delicious meat glaze at dinnertime. The ideas are endless!
This recipe only calls for 6 simple ingredients you probably already have: strawberries, honey, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Preserving strawberries is done with a simple water bath method, which means you’ll need:
- Water Bath (large stock pot)
- Ball® mason jars (this recipe calls for half pint jars)
- Jar Lifter
- Home Canning Funnel
- Bubble Freer & Headspace Tool
If you’re just getting started – a canning starter kit is a great investment! Explore all jars here.
Why make your own strawberry honey butter?
Making your own strawberry jam is the perfect way to preserve the freshness of strawberry season all year long! This is a very easy recipe to make and comes together in no time at all. Bonus: this recipe doesn’t require pectin!
Another wonderful reason to preserve your own food is the ability to control the ingredients. This low-sugar strawberry preserve recipe only calls for 3/4 cup added sugar, allowing you to make the most of strawberry season without the added sugar that many strawberry jam recipes calls for.
Strawberry Honey Butter Ingredients
- Strawberries: Select juicy ripe strawberries at their peak to preserve their perfect flavor. You’re looking for bright red, shiny strawberries for the best results.
- Honey: Local honey is a great option if you have it available, not only does it add great flavor but local honey is full of beneficial nutrients!
- Sugar: Granulated sugar helps sweeten and preserve the fruit in home canning.
- Bottled Lemon Juice: Resist the temptation to use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice guarantees you have the correct pH level for safe home canning.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the strawberry honey butter.
- Salt: Salt helps balance out the sweetness of the sugar and berries.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Honey Butter
Be sure to scroll all the way down for a printable version and even more tips and tricks!
- Prepare you water-bath: boil water in a large pot or water canner. Heat the jars in the simmering water until ready for use, but don’t boil. Wash the lids in warm soapy water and set the bands aside.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash, dry, and hull the strawberries. Puree them in a food processor until smooth. If you prefer seedless, strain the puree through a fine mesh strainer.
- Prepare the Strawberry Butter: Combine the strawberry puree with the remaining ingredients in a deep pot set over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Lower the heat and simmer until the mixture is very thick, about 60-90 minutes, stirring frequently. Any foam produced by strawberries will disappear with the cooking process. The strawberry butter is finished cooking when it holds its shape on a spoon.
- Now we’re ready to can: Ladle the hot butter into a hot jar leaving a 1/4 inch of headspace. Remove any air bubbles and wipe the jar rim. Center the lid on the jar and apply the band, adjust to fingertip tight. Place the jar in the boiling water canner, you want 1” of water over top of the jar. Repeat until all of the jars are filled.
- Process the jars for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off the heat, remove the water canner lid and let the jars stand for 5 minutes. Remove the jars and let them cool for 12-24 hours. Check lids for proper sealing, they shouldn’t flex when the center is pressed.
How to enjoy Strawberry Honey Butter?
You’ll love strawberry butter at any time of day be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. Try it spread over toast, bagels, or scones.
Enjoy as a topping on pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal during breakfast and brunch. It also pairs wonderfully with desserts like shortcakes, ice cream, or cheesecake. I also suggest adding a dollop to your favorite salad dressing for a sweet twist!
How to store Strawberry Honey Butter?
Preserving your own food means that you’ll be able to enjoy an extended shelf life! Don’t be intimidated by home canning, this is a simple recipe for any beginner canner to try.
Store preserved jars in a cool dry place for up to 12 months. Once opened, be sure to store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Success & FAQs
Whenever preserving food, always select fruit and vegetables at their peak ripeness to preserve the best flavor and quality. Remember, you’re preserving the produce exactly as it is – you want it to be at its best to be enjoyed later on!
Yes. Bottled lemon juice is ideal for canning because of its consistent acidity levels to ensure food safety.
Yes! Just let them thaw and drain any extra liquid before pureeing. Follow the recipe from there.
The Recipe
Strawberry Honey Butter
Ingredients
- 3 pounds ripe strawberries washed and hulled
- 3/4 cup honey
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice bottled
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Start by boiling water in a large pot or water canner. Heat the jars in the simmering water until ready for use, but don't boil. Wash the lids in warm soapy water and set the bands aside.
- Wash, dry, and hull your strawberries and puree them in a food processor until smooth. If you prefer seedless, strain the puree through a fine mesh strainer.
- Combine your strawberry puree with the remaining ingredients in a deep pot set over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Lower the heat and simmer until the mixture is very thick, about 60-90 minutes, stirring frequently. Any foam produced by strawberries will disappear with the cooking process. The strawberry butter is finished cooking when it holds its shape on a spoon.
- Now we're ready to can! Ladle the hot butter into a hot jar leaving a 1/4 inch of headspace. Remove any air bubbles and wipe the jar rim. Center the lid on the jar and apply the band, adjust to fingertip tight. Place the jar in the boiling water canner, you want 1” of water over top of the jar. Repeat until all of the jars are filled.
- Process the jars for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off the heat, remove the water canner lid and let the jars stand for 5 minutes. Remove the jars and let them cool for 12-24 hours. Check lids for proper sealing, they shouldn't flex when the center is pressed.
More Recipes For You To Try
If you are looking for more canning recipes, try this strawberry kiwi jam or homemade apple butter.
To round out your flavored jam assortment you must try this carrot cake jam, apricot jam, or fig jam. They would make an amazing gift basket, one of each jar with some fresh biscuits or a biscuit mix (in a cute Ball® jar of course)!
*This is a sponsored post that is part of an ongoing partnership with the Fresh Preserving Division of Newell Brands. They have provided jars, equipment and monetary compensation. All thoughts and opinions expressed remain my own.
