If you’re searching for a quick way to brighten up any brunch or breakfast spread, Citrus Blossom Butter is about to become your new favorite secret weapon. Picture a silky, whipped butter, kissed with orange, lemon, and lime zest, sweetened ever-so-gently with orange blossom honey, and finished with just a whisper of vanilla and sea salt. Whether slathered thick on warm scones or melting over pancakes, this vibrant, aromatic compound butter transforms even the simplest baked goods into a memorable treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Citrus Blossom Butter is delightfully simple, yet each ingredient brings something essential—rich creaminess, a burst of sunny flavor, fragrant sweetness, and an irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a tip on making every element shine.
- Unsalted butter, softened: The creamy, neutral base lets all the citrus and honey notes come through—take it out in advance so it’s easy to mix.
- Orange zest: Adds a floral, sweet punch that creates that signature burst of sunshine.
- Lemon zest: Brings a tangy brightness, balancing the sweetness and layering the citrus flavor.
- Lime zest: Offers a fresh, zippy edge that keeps the butter from tasting flat.
- Orange blossom honey (or regular honey): Adds floral sweetness; orange blossom honey is worth seeking out, but regular honey works too.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the citrus notes and gives a whisper of warm complexity.
- Pinch of sea salt: Just enough salt lets all the other flavors sing without overpowering.
How to Make Citrus Blossom Butter
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Grab a medium mixing bowl and add your softened unsalted butter. Top with orange zest, lemon zest, lime zest, a drizzle of orange blossom honey, the vanilla extract, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. This colorful medley already smells like sunshine!
Step 2: Mix Until Smooth
Use a spatula or a hand mixer to whip everything together. The butter will turn creamy and pale as it incorporates the zest and honey—look for a fluffy, evenly speckled mixture. Give it a quick taste to see if you’d like a bit more zest or a touch of extra honey.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
Lay a piece of parchment paper on your counter. Scrape the butter onto the paper and use the edges to roll and gently shape it into a log. Twist the ends closed to seal, then refrigerate for at least one hour, until the Citrus Blossom Butter is nice and firm.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once the butter has chilled, unwrap it and use a sharp knife to slice off coins or thick pats. Watch for those gorgeous flecks of citrus zest! Serve right away, or store for later.
How to Serve Citrus Blossom Butter
Garnishes
Citrus zest curls or delicate edible flowers make effortless garnishes, echoing the flavors inside the butter. A sprinkle of flaky salt or a few tiny mint leaves can also add extra flair, especially if you’re entertaining and want every detail to pop.
Side Dishes
This is the ultimate partner for freshly baked scones, airy popovers, or warm cornbread. It melts beautifully over pancakes or waffles, and even makes a stunning addition to grilled fruit—think peach halves or pineapple rounds. Trust me: once you try Citrus Blossom Butter this way, you’ll dream up new pairings every weekend.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piping the butter into rosettes, slicing it into coins, or even pressing it into small decorative molds. Serve on a vintage butter dish, a wooden board surrounded by croissants, or spooned atop a warm muffin. For a brunch buffet, offer a trio: Citrus Blossom Butter, classic salted, and another sweet option, so your guests can taste and compare.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Citrus Blossom Butter tightly in parchment or plastic wrap, and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, always ready to dress up your breakfasts or snacks on short notice.
Freezing
Planning ahead? This butter freezes beautifully. After shaping it into a log, wrap with parchment and then a layer of foil. Slip it into a freezer bag, label it, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Citrus Blossom Butter is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. Simply let it sit out for several minutes to soften if it’s too firm—no need to microwave. It spreads best slightly softened, so plan to take it out just before your meal.
FAQs
Can I use just one type Condiment
Absolutely! While the blend of orange, lemon, and lime delivers a more complex, vibrant flavor, you can stick with your favorite (or whatever you have on hand). Feel free to experiment and make it your own—just keep the overall volume of zest the same.
What if I can’t find orange blossom honey?
Regular honey will work wonderfully; you’ll still get gorgeous sweetness and luscious texture. If you ever spot orange blossom honey, though, grab it—it brings subtle floral notes that echo the citrus and make Citrus Blossom Butter extra special.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter, just skip the pinch of salt in the recipe (or add a tiny bit to taste). The main goal is to let those citrus and honey flavors sing, without too much salt overpowering the subtle, aromatic notes.
How do I keep the butter from becoming too soft or too hard?
For the best texture, make sure your butter is just soft enough to blend easily at first, then chill it thoroughly to firm up. If it’s too hard straight from the fridge, leave it out for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Can I use this Citrus Blossom Butter in savory dishes?
Definitely! While it’s dreamy on all things sweet, try a dab on roasted carrots or grilled chicken for a unique citrusy twist. Just remember, the honey and vanilla do make it slightly sweet, so pair accordingly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making a compound butter before, Citrus Blossom Butter is the perfect place to start—simple, elegant, and endlessly versatile. Give it a whirl for your next brunch, dessert, or snack, and prepare to wow your friends (and yourself!) with every bright, creamy bite.
Print
Citrus Blossom Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your breakfast or brunch with this delightful Citrus Blossom Butter. Bursting with the zesty flavors of orange, lemon, and lime, combined with the sweetness of honey, this compound butter is a perfect spread for biscuits, pancakes, scones, or even grilled fruit. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom honey (or regular honey)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, orange zest, lemon zest, lime zest, orange blossom honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or zest as needed.
- Transfer the butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and shape it into a log.
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- You can use just one type of citrus zest if preferred, but a blend gives a more complex flavor.
- This butter is perfect on warm biscuits, pancakes, scones, or grilled fruit.
- For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
