How to Make Fresh Homemade Butter from Cream in the Thermomix

If you’ve ever wondered how to make homemade butter from cream, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is with the Thermomix. With just one main ingredient—full-fat whipping cream—you can transform liquid cream into rich, creamy butter in minutes.

Making Thermomix butter at home is not only satisfying, but it’s also economical, especially when cream is discounted or nearing its use-by date. Instead of wasting it, you can turn it into fresh, preservative-free butter that tastes better than many store-bought options.

This easy DIY butter recipe is perfect for spreading on toast, baking cakes, cooking vegetables, or creating flavored compound butters for special meals.

Why Make Butter at Home?

There are several compelling reasons to prepare your own butter:

✔ More Cost-Effective

When cream is on sale, homemade butter can be significantly cheaper than supermarket butter.

✔ No Additives or Preservatives

Store-bought butter sometimes contains stabilizers or additives. Homemade butter is pure and natural.

✔ Perfect for Baking & Cooking

Fresh butter enhances baked goods, sauces, and savory dishes.

✔ Great Way to Use Discounted Cream

Instead of discarding cream close to expiry, convert it into butter and extend its usefulness.

The Science Behind Turning Cream into Butter

Butter is made by agitating cream until the fat solids separate from the liquid (buttermilk). When whipped long enough, the fat molecules clump together, forming butter grains. The remaining liquid is fresh buttermilk.

The Thermomix simplifies this process by providing consistent, controlled mixing. You’ll actually hear a change in sound once the cream separates—this is your cue that butter has formed.

What You’ll Need to Make Thermomix Butter

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity.

Full-Fat Whipping Cream (600 mls)

The higher the fat content, the better the butter yield. Always use full-fat cream for best results.

Ice-Cold Water (1500 g total for rinsing)

Washing the butter removes excess buttermilk, which helps extend shelf life.

Salt (½ teaspoon, optional)

Salt enhances flavor and helps preserve the butter longer.

Step-by-Step: How Butter Forms in the Thermomix

1. Whipping the Cream

Insert the butterfly whisk and add the cream. Mix on speed 4. Within 1–4 minutes, the cream will go through stages:

• Soft whipped cream
• Stiff peaks
• Grainy texture
• Sudden separation

You’ll notice the sound of the blades change, indicating that butter has formed.

2. Separating the Buttermilk

Once separated, strain through the simmering basket or sieve. The liquid collected is fresh buttermilk—perfect for pancakes, waffles, and baking recipes.

3. Washing the Butter

Rinsing is crucial. Add 500 g ice-cold water and mix briefly. Strain and repeat until the water runs clear. This removes remaining buttermilk and prevents spoilage.

4. Salting (Optional)

After the final rinse, add ½ teaspoon salt and mix briefly to incorporate.

5. Removing Excess Water

Squeeze out remaining moisture using your hands. Shape into a log or ball.

Why Washing Butter Is Important

Skipping the rinsing process can reduce shelf life. Residual buttermilk causes butter to spoil faster. Washing ensures:

• Longer freshness
• Cleaner taste
• Better storage stability

How Long Does Homemade Butter Last?

• Unsalted butter: Best used within a few days
• Salted butter: Can last 2–3 weeks refrigerated
• Frozen butter: Up to 3 months

Proper wrapping prevents freezer burn.

Can You Freeze Homemade Butter?

Yes. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before use.

Best Type of Cream for Butter Making

Always use:

• Full-fat whipping cream
• Fresh cream (not ultra-pasteurized if possible)
• Cold cream for faster separation

The freshness and fat content directly impact yield and texture.

How Long Does It Take?

The entire process takes approximately 20 minutes, including washing and shaping. The actual churning stage may take as little as 1–4 minutes.

Creative Ways to Use Homemade Butter

Fresh butter elevates everyday dishes:

• Spread over warm toast
• Melt into mashed potatoes
• Use in baking cakes and cookies
• Stir into pasta sauces

Flavored Butter Ideas

Once you’ve mastered basic butter, you can experiment with compound butters.

Garlic & Parsley Butter

Perfect for bread rolls, grilled steak, corn on the cob, or seafood.

Herb Butter

Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives.

Honey Butter

Blend with honey for a sweet spread.

Why Thermomix Makes Butter Effortless

Using the Thermomix means:

• No hand churning
• No guessing
• Controlled mixing speed
• Quick cleanup

The machine does the heavy work while you monitor texture.

Texture & Flavor Profile

Homemade butter has:

• Creamy, rich mouthfeel
• Fresh dairy flavor
• Smooth spreadable consistency

It often tastes lighter and cleaner than commercial butter.

Yield Information

From 600 mls of cream, you can expect approximately 210 grams of butter, depending on fat content.