Craving that irresistible honey butter you get at Outback Steakhouse? Forget paying restaurant prices! This copycat recipe lets you recreate that melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness right in your own kitchen. It's incredibly easy, requires minimal ingredients, and is the perfect complement to steaks, chicken, corn on the cob, biscuits – you name it! This is one of those simple recipes that delivers maximum flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Get ready to elevate your meals to a whole new level!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup honey (preferably a lighter-colored honey for best color)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sweeteners
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, honey, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer or a strong whisk, beat the mixture until it's smooth and creamy. This is crucial for achieving that perfectly smooth, spreadable texture.
Step 2: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat again until everything is well combined. The heavy cream adds richness and helps create a wonderfully luxurious texture.
Step 3: Add the Cinnamon
Stir in the ground cinnamon. This warm spice complements the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar perfectly.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Transfer the honey butter to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. This chilling step is important to allow the flavors to meld and make it easier to spread. Once chilled, serve alongside your favorite dishes and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Honey Butter:
- Soften the butter properly: Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted. Room temperature is ideal.
- Honey variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of honey, such as clover honey or wildflower honey, for varied flavor profiles.
- Storage: Store the leftover honey butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Honey Butter: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Lemon Honey Butter: Stir in the zest and juice of half a lemon for a zesty twist.
- Garlic Honey Butter: Mince a clove of garlic and add it to the mixture for a savory edge.
Nutritional Information (per tablespoon):
- Calories: Approximately 70-80
- Fat: Approximately 8g
- Sugar: Approximately 4g
This approximate nutritional information is a guideline and may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient brands.
This homemade honey butter is a simple yet impressive addition to any meal. Its versatility makes it a perfect pantry staple for easy weeknight dinners or a special touch to holiday feasts. Enjoy experimenting with different flavor combinations and find your perfect honey butter match!