Homemade Whipped Cherry Butter: The Perfect Sweet & Tart Spread for Breakfast and Beyond

If you’ve been searching for a delightful way to elevate your everyday breakfast or brunch spread, look no further than this incredible Whipped Cherry Butter. This quick and easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, sweet, and subtly tart fruit-flavored butter that you’ll want to slather generously over all your favorite breads, pastries, and baked goodies. Prepare to discover your new obsession!

Imagine the delightful fusion of slightly tart cherry pie filling, combined with the rich, creamy texture of butter and a whisper of almond flavor, all sweetened with powdered sugar. The result is a luxurious, thick cherry spread – the ultimate whipped compound butter that will tantalize your taste buds. The classic combination of cherries and butter creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting, perfect for enhancing any meal.

This isn’t your average cherry jelly or jam. Unlike preserves that are fruit-based and gelled, this delightful creation is made with real butter, giving it an unparalleled richness and creaminess. It offers a unique texture and flavor that stands out, making it a truly special addition to your table. While it shares the spreadability of jam, its buttery foundation makes it an indulgent treat that melts beautifully into warm baked goods.

I absolutely adore having a fresh batch of this cherry butter recipe on hand, especially for those lazy Sunday morning brunches. There’s nothing quite like pulling warm waffles and fluffy pancakes straight off the griddle and topping them with a generous dollop of this cherry compound butter. Watching it slowly melt, infusing every bite with its lovely tart and buttery flavor, is pure bliss. It’s a simple touch that transforms an ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience that everyone, from kids to adults, will rave about.

One of the many perks of this homemade cherry butter spread is how easily you can prepare it in advance. It stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for several days, making it ideal for meal prepping or having on hand for impromptu gatherings. For longer storage, simply pop it into the freezer. You can even freeze this vibrant fruit-flavored butter in an ice cube tray, allowing you to conveniently thaw and use just a single cube at a time whenever a craving strikes.

Beyond breakfast staples, this versatile spread pairs beautifully with a variety of baked goods. Here are some of my personal favorite ways to enjoy this luscious cherry butter:

• Warm, crusty Peasant Bread
• Light and airy Pop Overs, where it melts into every crevice
• Soft and savory Poppyseed Rolls, adding a touch of sweetness
• Classic toasted bagels or English muffins
• Fluffy biscuits and scones
• Even a dollop on plain yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of flavor

Understanding Compound Butter: The Magic Behind Cherry Butter

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s briefly discuss what compound butter is. Compound butter, also known as beurre composé, is simply butter that has been mixed with other ingredients to add flavor. These ingredients can be sweet or savory, creating an incredibly versatile condiment. While savory compound butters often feature herbs, spices, and garlic (perfect for steaks, fish, or vegetables), sweet compound butters incorporate sugars, fruits, and extracts, making them ideal for enhancing baked goods, pancakes, or desserts. Our cherry butter is a fantastic example of a sweet compound butter, offering a convenient way to infuse a rich cherry flavor without the fuss of fresh fruit preparation.

The beauty of compound butter lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize flavors. By using high-quality butter as a base, you can easily create unique spreads that elevate even the most basic dish. This cherry butter, with its vibrant color and delightful taste, is a testament to the transformative power of compound butter.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Cherry Butter Recipe

There are countless reasons why this whipped cherry butter will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few common ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a gourmet-tasting spread in minutes. No complex techniques or special equipment required.
• Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of rich butter, sweet powdered sugar, a hint of almond, and the bold tartness of cherries creates a perfectly balanced and incredibly delicious flavor profile.
• Versatility: As mentioned, it’s fantastic on everything from breakfast staples to dinner rolls. Think beyond just bread – try it melted over a slice of pound cake or even with roasted pork!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It stores wonderfully in the fridge or freezer, allowing you to prepare it when you have time and enjoy it whenever you wish.
• Elevates Any Meal: This butter transforms ordinary into extraordinary. A simple piece of toast becomes a special treat, and a brunch spread suddenly feels more upscale.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet and fruity taste makes it a hit with children, encouraging them to enjoy their meals.

Ingredients Needed To Make This Delightful Cherry Butter Recipe

You will find the complete recipe, precise measurements, and detailed instructions at the bottom of this post in the printable recipe card. However, let’s break down the key players that make this cherry butter so special.

Butter – For the best results, I highly recommend using unsalted butter. This gives you complete control over the salt content in your final product. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you begin. This is crucial for achieving that light, fluffy, whipped consistency. Cold butter will result in a lumpy, unspreadable butter, so plan ahead!

Powdered sugar – Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar is essential for both sweetening the butter and contributing to its smooth, creamy texture. Granulated sugar would leave a gritty texture, so powdered sugar is a must for that luxurious mouthfeel.

Almond extract – A small dash of almond extract works wonders in enhancing and complementing the cherry flavor beautifully. Cherries and almonds are a classic pairing, and this extract really makes the cherry notes pop. Don’t skip it if you can help it!

Cherry pie filling – This is the star ingredient that provides the luscious cherry flavor and vibrant color. Using canned cherry pie filling is an absolute game-changer, saving you time and effort. There’s no need to spend time digging out the cherry pitter, stemming pounds of fresh cherries, or cooking them down. The pre-made filling offers a consistent flavor and texture that makes this recipe incredibly quick and convenient.

How To Make This Irresistible Cherry Butter Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting this delicious whipped cherry butter is surprisingly simple and requires just a few minutes of your time. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

Step 1: Whip the Butter to Perfection. Begin by placing your softened unsalted butter into a mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, cream the butter on medium-high speed until it becomes light, fluffy, and visibly thicker. This step incorporates air, giving the butter its characteristic whipped texture and making it incredibly spreadable. Don’t rush this process; proper creaming is key!

Step 2: Incorporate the Sweeteners and Flavor. Next, add the almond extract and the powdered sugar to the creamed butter. Start mixing on low speed to prevent the powdered sugar from flying everywhere, then gradually increase to medium-high. Continue beating until all the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well mixed.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling. Finally, it’s time to introduce the star flavor! Add the cherry pie filling to the butter mixture. Again, start mixing on low speed to gently combine, then increase to medium until the pie filling is fully integrated. If you prefer a completely smooth butter without any cherry chunks, you can pulse the pie filling in a blender or food processor before adding it to the butter.

Step 4: Mix Until Pureed and Serve. Continue to beat the mixture until it forms a uniform, butter-like puree with a beautiful pinkish-red hue. It should be light, airy, and easily spreadable. Once achieved, your delicious cherry butter is ready to serve! Transfer it to a serving dish and get ready to enjoy.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Homemade Cherry Butter

This versatile spread is not just for breakfast. Unleash your culinary creativity with these serving suggestions:

• Breakfast Classics: A natural fit for pancakes, waffles, French toast, muffins, croissants, and scones.
• Toast & Bagels: Elevate your morning toast or bagel spread beyond plain cream cheese.
• Dessert Enhancement: Spread it on pound cake, shortbread, or even a plain vanilla cupcake. A dollop on warm fruit crumbles or apple crisp adds a wonderful dimension.
• Savory Pairings: For a surprisingly delightful combination, try it with savory dishes like roasted pork or duck, where the sweet and tart notes can cut through the richness of the meat.
• PB&J Twist: Absolutely! If you love peanut butter and jelly, try this cherry butter with some creamy peanut butter for a gourmet twist on a classic sandwich. It’s so good!
• Charcuterie Boards: Add a small bowl to your next cheese or charcuterie board for a sweet element that pairs beautifully with mild cheeses and crackers.
• Holiday Brunches: Its vibrant color and festive flavor make it a perfect addition to holiday breakfast tables.

Love it? Pin it!

If you love this fantastic recipe for Cherry Butter, make sure that you don’t lose it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go so you can easily find it later when a craving hits or you’re planning your next brunch!

FAQs About Homemade Compound Cherry Butter

Here are some common questions you might have about making and using this delicious cherry butter:

• What exactly can you use compound butter on? Compound butter is incredibly versatile! You can spread it on toast, bagels, croissants, muffins, pancakes, or waffles. It’s also delicious dolloped onto warm scones or biscuits, melted over sweet potatoes, or even added to a hot bowl of oatmeal for extra flavor. For a more adventurous pairing, sweet compound butters can be served alongside roast chicken or pork, providing a delightful contrast.
• How long does fresh compound butter last? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade compound butter should last just as long as plain butter, typically for up to 10-14 days. Always refer to the best-before date on your original butter package as a general guideline. For longer storage, you can freeze compound butter in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 1 month.
• What is an example of compound butter? A perfect everyday example of compound butter is often found in restaurants, where they might bring butter flavored with fresh herbs like chives or parsley to accompany your bread. Another classic example is garlic butter. And of course, this very recipe for butter infused with cherry pie filling is a wonderful example of a sweet compound butter!
• Should compound butter be refrigerated? Yes, it’s highly recommended to keep compound butter refrigerated. Because it contains dairy, keeping it cold helps maintain its freshness and prevents spoilage. Before serving, simply take it out of the fridge about 15-30 minutes beforehand to allow it to soften and become easily spreadable.
• How do you make cherry butter? Making cherry butter is incredibly simple! You combine softened butter with some powdered sugar, almond extract, and cherry pie filling. The ingredients are then whipped together until light, fluffy, and well combined, creating a smooth and delicious fruit-flavored spread.
• How to use cherry butter? You can use cherry butter anywhere you’d use regular butter or jam. We especially love to serve it with popovers and freshly baked scones for an elegant touch. It’s also fantastic on quick breads, cinnamon rolls, or even as a unique frosting for certain desserts. The possibilities are truly endless!
• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling? While cherry pie filling makes this recipe super quick, you can absolutely use fresh or frozen cherries. You would need to cook them down with a little sugar and possibly a touch of cornstarch or pectin until they form a thick, jam-like consistency, then cool completely before incorporating them into the butter. This will add extra prep time, but offers a fresh, homemade cherry flavor.
• What kind of butter is best for whipping? Unsalted, good-quality butter is generally preferred for compound butters. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall seasoning, and a higher quality butter will yield a richer flavor and smoother texture.

Craving a Savory Butter instead?

While our cherry butter is undeniably sweet, the world of compound butters extends to savory delights as well. If you’re in the mood for something different, I highly recommend my Roasted Garlic Butter, which makes the most delectable garlic cheese bread. And for an elevated main course, this aromatic Herb Butter is my secret ingredient when I prepare Filet Mignon in the oven. Simply divine!

Customization and Flavor Substitutions

The beauty of making compound butter is the endless possibilities for customization. While this cherry butter recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to experiment and make it your own!

There are truly no limitations to the different kinds of fruit-flavored compound butter you can create. Instead of cherry, consider whipping up a batch of any fruit butter like apple butter, using organic apples for a crisp, fall-inspired spread. Peach, raspberry, blueberry, or even mixed berry butter would be excellent choices using your favorite seasonal fruits or whatever you have on hand. The general principle remains the same: a fruit puree combined with softened butter and sweetener.

If you don’t have almond extract on hand, don’t fret! You can easily substitute it with vanilla extract. Vanilla is a universally loved flavor that pairs well with most fruits and will still add a lovely aromatic depth to your cherry butter.

Should you find yourself without a can of cherry pie filling in your pantry, you can certainly make your own homemade cherry base. This is a fantastic option if you have an abundance of fresh cherries, whether they are tart cherries, sour cherries, black sweet cherries, or even those from your own cherry tree. You’ll need to cook the pitted cherries with a small amount of water or a splash of lemon juice and a touch of fruit pectin (if you want a thicker consistency) over medium heat until they soften and thicken into a jam-like consistency. You can add a touch of apple juice or any fruit juice to sweeten it up to your desired taste. Remember to cool your homemade cherry mixture completely before incorporating it into the softened butter to avoid melting the butter.

Another wonderfully sweet butter that is an absolute must-try is my Copycat Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Whipped Cherry Butter

Achieving the perfect consistency and flavor for your cherry butter is easy with these helpful tips:

• Room Temperature Butter is Key: Always bring your butter to true room temperature before you begin whipping. This usually takes about 30-60 minutes sitting out on the counter. Softened butter creams easily, incorporates air for a fluffy texture, and blends smoothly with the other ingredients, preventing lumps and ensuring a homogenous mixture.
• Sift Your Powdered Sugar: To ensure a silky-smooth cherry butter free of any gritty sugar lumps, consider sifting your powdered sugar before adding it to the butter. Alternatively, you can add it gradually while mixing, and beat well to break up any small clumps.
• Smooth Cherry Puree Option: If you prefer your cherry butter to be completely smooth without any pieces of cherry from the pie filling, simply place the cherry pie filling in a blender or food processor and pulse until pureed to your desired consistency before adding it to the whipped butter.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your butter after mixing and adjust the sweetness or almond flavor to your preference. You can add a tiny bit more powdered sugar for extra sweetness or another drop of almond extract if you desire a stronger flavor.
• Chill for Firmer Consistency: If you find your whipped butter is a bit too soft after mixing, particularly on a warm day, you can pop it into the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to firm up slightly before serving or shaping.

More Delicious Cherry Recipes to Love

If you’re a fan of the sweet and tart flavor of cherries, then you’ll love exploring these other delightful cherry-infused recipes:

• No Bake Cherry Dessert(pictured above) – A refreshing and easy dessert perfect for any occasion.
• Cherry-Filled Coffee Cake – A wonderful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
• Chocolate Cherry Brownies – The ultimate indulgent combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries.
• White Chocolate Cherry Cookies – A delightful cookie with a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Cherry Cheese Bread – A unique and delicious sweet and savory bread.

This homemade whipped cherry butter recipe is truly a game-changer when you are looking for a flavorful and exciting alternative to plain butter. Its vibrant color and irresistible taste make it a fantastic addition to any weekend brunch table, holiday gathering, or even just a simple weekday breakfast. Your family and guests will absolutely love being able to slather this creamy, fruity spread on their bagels, sourdough toast, fluffy waffles, or golden pancakes. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and let’s make some!