Lemon Butter
Lemon Butter is a tangy, sweet spread with vibrant lemon flavors, perfect for desserts, scones, or toast. Its smooth texture and refreshing citrus taste make it an excellent choice for brunch or a delightful topping. Easy to prepare with fresh lemon and simple ingredients, it adds a bright flavor boost.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put grated lemon rind, lemon juice, salt, and sugar in a double boiler.
- Stir, then add the beaten egg.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and add butter.
- Stir until the butter is melted and incorporated.
- Chill the lemon butter in the refrigerator.
- Pour into small jelly glasses and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter for this Lemon Butter recipe. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup; however, adjust the quantity as these sweeteners are sweeter than sugar. Make sure to constantly stir while cooking to prevent the egg from scrambling. This lemon butter is perfect for spreading on muffins or toast.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon Butter is delightful on scones, pancakes, or waffles. It pairs beautifully with Baked Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows for a sweet and tangy contrast. You can also use it as a topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream or as a filling in pastries. Consider serving it alongside a cup of tea for a refreshing afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lemon butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until it softens. Avoid overheating to maintain its creamy texture. It can also be served cold directly from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Butter contains roughly 107 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1789mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. However, the taste may not be as vibrant. If using bottled juice, ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives for a more authentic flavor in your Lemon Butter.
What can I use if I don't have a double boiler?
If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create a makeshift one using a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Just ensure that the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. This method allows for gentle heating, which is essential for this recipe to prevent the egg from curdling.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of Lemon Butter, you can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit until gelatinous). Additionally, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, like coconut oil or vegan butter, for a deliciously creamy spread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).