Recipe

Yes, You Can Make Your Own Butter Using a Mason Jar

By Olivia Chadwick at North Carolina State University

DIY food projects are oh-so-satisfying, incredibly fun, and one of my guilty pleasures, especially when the project is 100% foolproof, like making your own butter.

I was one of the few children who did not make DIY butter in grade school, so upon finding this easy recipe, my mind was completely blown and I knew I had to recreate it ASAP.

In only 10 minutes, you will go from heavy cream to smooth butter. The act of shaking the Mason jar is very similar to churning of butter.

However, we don't have time for that.

You are going to make your own butter the easy way, using one ingredient, and a touch of arm strength. Quick and painless.

Homemade Butter

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 10 mins
  • Servings: 8
Ingredients
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 pint sized Mason jar
  • cold water for rinsing

Olivia Chadwick

Step 1

You are going to want to use a pint-sized Mason jar for this recipe. Make sure it has a tight lid!

Olivia Chadwick

Step 2

Grab your heavy cream. I recommend purchasing the generic brand at your local grocery store. The heavy cream should be around 38% fat content to create your butter.

Olivia Chadwick

Step 3

Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the Mason jar. It should fill it almost halfway. Screw the lid on tightly.

Olivia Chadwick

Step 4

Shake the Mason jar fairly violently for 5-7 minutes. After a few minutes, it will resemble whipped cream.

Olivia Chadwick

Step 5

Once it appears to have formed a solid, shake for 1 minute more. You will now have a solid substance and white, thin liquid (buttermilk!) in the Mason jar.

Olivia Chadwick

Step 6

Use the buttermilk for your next baking project, or discard it. Place the solids into a small bowl.

Olivia Chadwick

Step 7

Rinse the butter with cold water and use hands to squish into a ball. Rinse two more times with water.

Olivia Chadwick

Step 8

You now have your DIY butter! I added a pinch of salt to mine to create salted butter.

Olivia Chadwick

Feel free to add chopped herbs or a drizzle of honey to really make your homemade butter pop. It tastes just like the creamy, smooth butter you buy at the store, except for the fact that you made this flavorful bowl of deliciousness all by yourself.

Ahh, the satisfaction.

DIY butter in a Mason jar is perfect for all ages, making for a fulfilling afternoon activity for young children, adults, and grandparents alike. The butter will last around a week or so in the refrigerator, and can be used in any of your favorite entrees, sides, breads, desserts, and more.

Butter makes everything better, amirite?

So pick up some heavy cream at the store, find a Mason jar, and get shakin'.