Mama Likes To Cook

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Easy Homemade Lemon Butter Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) 🍋🧈

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Creamy Lemon Butter Spread for Bread, Muffins, and More

lemon butter with zest

Capture the sunshine with this simple, zesty Lemon Butter recipe.

Use your backyard harvest to create a vibrant spread that’s perfect for everyday meals and special gatherings.

lemons with seeds

🌳🍋 Zesty Fresh Lemon Butter: A Treat from My Southern California Garden  

There is nothing quite like the bright, zesty scent of fresh citrus in the kitchen, and this Easy Lemon Butter is the perfect way to capture that sunshine in a jar.

With its beautiful pale yellow color and refreshing tang, this spread is a delight for the senses! ✨

Living here in Southern California, I am so grateful for my garden.

California is truly fantastic for growing citrus, and when my lemon trees are heavy with fruit, I’m always looking for creative ways to use up a bumper crop.

This recipe is a wonderful alternative to standard jams or lemon curd, offering a creamy, savory-sweet balance that feels special yet simple. 🌴🍋

Whether you are looking for a delicious everyday spread for your morning toast or a sophisticated addition to a shared brunch, this lemon butter fits the bill.

It’s quick to whip up and brings a vibrant, fresh flavor to any meal. 🥂

ingredients for lemon butter

Fresh from the Backyard 🏡

When you have your own lemon trees, you know that the flavor of homegrown citrus is unmatched.

The zest is fragrant, and the juice is incredibly bright and fresh.

If you don’t have a tree in your yard, look for heavy, thin-skinned lemons at our local Southern California farmer’s market or grocery store (they often have the most juice and the best essential oils in the rind for this recipe)! 🍋💛

lemon butter on board

Best Ways to Use Lemon Butter 🍞

This citrusy spread is incredibly versatile.

When you want to make a meal feel like a special occasion, try these serving ideas:

  • Breakfast: Spread it over warm blueberry muffins, scones, or sourdough toast. 🥯
  • Brunch: It is divine melted over a stack of buttermilk pancakes or French toast. 🥞
  • Vegetables: Toss a dollop into a bowl of steamed asparagus or green beans for a bright, buttery finish. 🥦
  • Tea Time: Serve it alongside tea sandwiches or petite biscuits for an afternoon treat. ☕

feature lemon butter bowl

🍋🧈 Easy 3-Ingredient Lemon Butter Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1 cup

Ingredients 🛒

  • 1/2 cup Butter, softened to room temperature (Salted or Unsalted)
  • 2 T Fresh Lemon Juice 
  • 1 T Lemon Zest, finely grated
  • Pinch of Salt (if using unsalted butter)

Supplies 🥣

Instructions 📋

  1. Softened Success: Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature. When the butter is too cold, the lemon juice will not emulsify properly.
  2. Zest First: Zest your lemons before juicing them. It is much easier to grate the rind when the fruit is still whole and firm! 🍋
  3. Combine: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it is light and fluffy.
  4. Incorporate: Slowly add the salt, lemon juice and the zest. Continue beating until the liquid is fully incorporated into the butter. 
  5. Chill & Serve: Transfer the mixture to a small jar or crock. Optionally, use a silicone butter mold to form your butter shape. You can serve it immediately for a soft spread, or refrigerate it to allow the flavors to deepen. 🧊

Storage & Tips 💡

Storage: Keep your lemon butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. When you want to serve it, take it out about 15 minutes early so it reaches a spreadable consistency. ❄️

Freezing: This butter freezes remarkably well! I like to roll it into a log using parchment paper or press it into silicone molds. When you have a massive harvest from your lemon trees, making a large batch and freezing it is a great way to save that California sunshine for later in the year. 🧊✨

Variations to Try 🌿

Herbed Lemon Butter: When serving this with savory dishes like roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables, stir in a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary from the garden. 🌿

Honey Lemon Butter: Add a tablespoon of local Southern California honey for a rich, floral sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tart lemon. 🍯🍋

simple lemon butter

🍽️ More from Mama Likes To Cook 

Butter Recipes

Lemon Dessert Recipes

Dinner Lemon Recipes

Lemon Drink Recipes

Are you ready to have some delicious fun in the kitchen?

lemon butter board