Introduction
Do you love strawberries? Imagine turning them into a smooth, sweet, and rich spread that tastes like summer in a jar. That’s what roasted strawberry butter is! It’s thick, fruity, and full of flavor. Plus, this recipe is super easy because it’s made in a slow cooker. That means you don’t have to stand in the kitchen all day — just toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the magic.
You can use this strawberry butter on toast, pancakes, waffles, biscuits, or even mix it into yogurt or oatmeal. It’s also a great homemade gift for friends and family! Let’s get started with this simple and tasty treat.
Ingredients – Slow Cooker Strawberry Butter
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make roasted strawberry butter in a slow cooker:
- 3 pounds of fresh strawberries (washed and hulled)
- 1 cup of white sugar
- 1/4 cup of honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (added at the end)
Step-by-Step Process – Slow Cooker Strawberry Butter
Step 1: Wash and Prep the Strawberries
First, wash your strawberries well under cold water. Then remove the green tops (this is called “hulling”) and cut them in half if they’re large. Small strawberries can be left whole.
Step 2: Add to the Slow Cooker
Place all your strawberries in the slow cooker. Add the sugar, honey (if using), lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together so the strawberries are coated evenly.
Step 3: Slow Cook – Part 1
Cover your slow cooker with the lid slightly open (this helps the mixture cook down and thicken). Set your slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for about 6 to 8 hours. Stir every couple of hours if you can, but it’s okay if you forget — it’s a very forgiving recipe!
Step 4: Blend the Mixture
After 6 to 8 hours, your strawberries should be soft and dark red. Now it’s time to blend them. You can use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker or carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender. Blend until smooth.
Step 5: Slow Cook – Part 2
Pour the blended mixture back into the slow cooker if you took it out. Let it cook uncovered on low heat for another 1 to 2 hours, or until it reaches a thick, buttery texture. Stir every now and then to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 6: Add Vanilla and Store
Once it’s thick and smooth, turn off the slow cooker and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool for a bit, then spoon the strawberry butter into clean jars or containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
And that’s it! You now have a jar (or more!) of sweet, roasted strawberry butter ready to enjoy.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per 1 tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 10mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Vitamin C | 10% of daily value |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work just fine. Just thaw them before using so they blend and cook properly.
Q2: Do I have to use honey?
Nope! You can skip the honey or use more or less depending on how sweet your strawberries are. Some strawberries are naturally sweet enough.
Q3: What does it taste like?
It tastes like a richer, thicker version of strawberry jam — but smoother and deeper in flavor because of the slow roasting. It’s fruity, sweet, and slightly tangy.
Q4: Can I can this strawberry butter?
If you want to can it for long-term storage, you’ll need to follow proper canning safety rules and use sterilized jars. Otherwise, just store it in the fridge or freezer.
Q5: How can I use strawberry butter?
So many ways! Spread it on toast, English muffins, pancakes, waffles, or biscuits. Mix it into yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies. You can even drizzle it over ice cream or cheesecake.
Final Thoughts
Making roasted strawberry butter in a slow cooker is a fun and easy way to enjoy fresh strawberries in a new way. It takes a little time, but most of that time is just waiting while the slow cooker does all the work. The end result is a thick, sweet, and fruity spread that tastes amazing on just about anything.
Plus, it makes your kitchen smell heavenly while it’s cooking! Whether you’re making it for yourself or to give as a gift, this simple recipe is a winner. So grab some strawberries and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
