Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter Recipe
Imagine bright sunshine on a spring morning, captured in a spread – that’s the magic of Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter. This vibrantly flavored butter is kissed with fragrant zests, sweet honey, and the pure essence of oranges and lemons, all swirled into creamy perfection. Each bite tastes like breakfast in a citrus grove, elevating everything from morning toast to fancy brunch scones. Trust me, once you try Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter, you’ll want to find new excuses to slather it on just about everything!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter is just how delightfully simple, yet impactful, the ingredients are. Each one brings its own burst of color or flavor, creating a butter that’s as stunning to taste as it is to behold.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The rich, creamy base that lets all the bright flavors shine through – make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds a gentle floral sweetness that balances the tangy citrus beautifully.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Packs in bold aromatic oils, giving a note of pure orange sunshine.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Lends a lively, sharp edge that makes the butter sing with brightness.
- Fresh orange juice (1 tablespoon): Infuses the butter with juicy, sweet-tart depth – fresh-squeezed is best.
- Lemon juice (1/2 teaspoon): A splash of tartness magnifies that zesty citrus flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the butter with a gentle, warm undertone.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to make all the sweet and tangy flavors pop.
How to Make Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter
Step 1: Whip the Butter
Start by placing your softened unsalted butter in a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat it for about 2-3 minutes until it turns pale, light, and creamy. This crucial step is what gives Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter its irresistibly fluffy texture and makes it easy to blend in all those flavors.
Step 2: Add the Sweet and Zesty Flavors
Now, invite the sunshine into your bowl! Add the honey, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and that pinch of salt. Continue beating everything together until the mixture is smooth and all those citrus bits are perfectly folded in – you’ll see vibrant flecks and smell that uplifting aroma right away.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
Once your Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter is smooth and bright, transfer it to a small serving dish if you’ll use it soon, or spoon it onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a pretty log. Roll it up snugly, discarding any air pockets. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let all those flavors meld into something truly special. This brief rest is the secret to the butter’s floral-citrus depth.
Step 4: Spread and Enjoy
Pop the butter out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes if you prefer a softer spread. Then, slather it generously on warm bread, fresh muffins, pancakes, or even scones. Watch it melt into every nook, releasing a burst of sunny, fragrant flavor with every bite.
How to Serve Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter
Garnishes
For an elegant finishing touch, sprinkle the top of your Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter with a little extra orange and lemon zest just before serving. A few edible flower petals or a dusting of flaky sea salt can add a beautiful, brunch-worthy flair.
Side Dishes
This vibrant butter loves to mingle! Serve it alongside a basket of still-warm croissants, pillowy buttermilk biscuits, toasted brioche, or a stack of pancakes. It’s also a stunning match for blueberry muffins or afternoon scones during tea time.
Creative Ways to Present
Shape the butter into individual quenelles using two spoons for a classy touch, or press it into butter molds for a party-worthy presentation. For a brunch buffet, consider layering it between slices of pound cake, or dollop a spoonful atop grilled peaches as a summer dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter (though it tends to disappear quickly!), simply transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in your refrigerator for up to a week, ready to bring a spark of citrus sunshine to any meal.
Freezing
Want to make a double batch for future cravings? After shaping it into a log, wrap it extra tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, unwrapping just before use to keep those vibrant aromas intact.
Reheating
Because Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter is all about its creamy, spreadable texture, avoid microwaving it. Instead, simply let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to regain that soft, luxurious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead?
You can, but I recommend sticking with unsalted butter to control the salt level perfectly and let the honey and citrus flavors shine through. If you use salted butter, omit the pinch of salt in the recipe.
What’s the best way to zest the citrus?
A microplane is your best friend here! Gently zest only the colorful outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath. Fresh zest is key to that lively, aromatic flavor in Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter.
Can I add orange blossom water?
Absolutely! If you want a slightly floral note to echo the recipe’s name, add just a drop of orange blossom water when mixing in the other ingredients. A little goes a long way, so use a light hand.
Is Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter gluten-free?
Yes, the butter itself is naturally gluten-free, so it’s suitable for serving with gluten-free breads or muffins for anyone avoiding gluten.
Could I make this dairy-free?
You sure can – use a high-quality plant-based butter in place of dairy butter, and you’ll still get that luscious texture and springy citrus flavor! Just note the taste and structure may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to capture pure sunshine on your table, Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter is the answer. Every swirl is bursting with joy, color, and citrus brightness – just waiting to transform your breakfasts and brunches. I guarantee, once you try it, you’ll be looking for reasons to make another batch!
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Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the sunny flavors of this Sun-Kissed Citrus Blossom Butter, a delightful and aromatic spread perfect for breakfast treats. This sweet and tangy butter is a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Transfer the butter to a small serving dish or shape into a log using plastic wrap.
- Chill for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve spread over warm bread, muffins, pancakes, or scones.
Add the honey, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
Notes
Notes:
- For a floral twist, add a drop of orange blossom water.
- This butter can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
