In a medium bowl, take your unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat them together until creamy and smooth. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy, which usually takes about two to three minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a spatula to incorporate everything evenly.
Next, grab your fresh strawberries. Rinse them under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. This is important because excess moisture can dilute the butter. Once dried, slice the strawberries into tiny pieces. You want them small enough to blend seamlessly into the butter.
Add the chopped strawberries to the butter mixture along with the lemon zest and vanilla bean seeds (if using a vanilla bean). The combination of these flavors is what makes this butter so exceptional. Mix everything together gently until the strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
Continue to whip the mixture for about one minute. You’ll notice the color of the butter beginning to change to a lovely pink hue as the strawberries release their juices. Make sure everything is well incorporated and that no pockets of unblended butter remain.
Now it’s time to transfer the butter. If you have a ramekin with a lid, scoop the whipped butter into it. Alternatively, lay out a piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Transfer the butter onto the center of the wrap and shape it into a log. Twist the ends of the wrap to seal it tightly.
Place the ramekin in the fridge, or if you shaped it into a log, put it in the fridge to chill. This allows the butter to firm up, making it easier to spread later on. Let it chill for at least one hour for the best texture.
When you’re ready to serve your Whipped Strawberry Butter, remove it from the fridge. If you used a log, unwrap it and slice it into rounds. Allow it to come to room temperature for about ten minutes before serving to soften it slightly. This will make spreading much easier.
Enjoy your Whipped Strawberry Butter on toast, scones, pancakes, or simply by the spoonful! It pairs beautifully with cream cheese or soft cheeses for a delightful treat.
