How long can you keep honey butter?

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Properly stored honey butter can last 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator or up to 12 months in the freezer. To extend its shelf life, keep honey butter refrigerated in an airtight container and make sure there is no moisture inside that could cause mold growth. Freezing is best for long-term storage.

How Is Honey Butter Made?

Honey butter is a creamy condiment made by blending together honey, butter or margarine, and sometimes spices, extracts, or citrus zest. It has a smooth, spreadable texture and sweet flavor.

To make basic honey butter at home, the ingredients needed are:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup honey
1/4 teaspoon salt

Spices, extracts, or zest (optional)

The butter should be softened at room temperature so it blends smoothly with the honey. Here are the steps to make honey butter:

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.

Add the honey and salt and beat for 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated.
Add any optional ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla, orange zest and mix until combined.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue mixing for 2-3 more minutes until light and fluffy.

Transfer the honey butter to an airtight container, jar, or bowl. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent a skin from forming.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

The honey butter can be served immediately or stored refrigerated or frozen to enjoy later.

How Long Does Honey Butter Last in the Fridge?

Properly stored, honey butter will generally last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. The butter and honey preserve each other, allowing the spread to maintain quality and fresh taste during this time.

Here are some tips for maximizing the refrigerator shelf life of honey butter:

Use clean, dry utensils and containers.

Store in an airtight glass or plastic container, mason jar, or butter dish. Plastic wrap pressed onto the surface can also help prevent a skin from forming.
Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below. Consistent refrigeration preserves freshness.
Use clean utensils each time when removing honey butter to avoid introducing bacteria.

Keep the container of honey butter free of moisture to prevent mold growth.

If stored properly using these tips, honey butter can last 2-3 weeks past the expiration date printed on the container. However, if you notice any changes in texture, smell or appearance such as mold, dryness or separation, it’s best to discard the honey butter.

Signs Honey Butter Has Gone Bad

Here are some signs that honey butter has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat:

Mold growth – this appears as fuzzy spots or unusual colors on the surface.
Curdling – the butter begins to separate and a clear liquid appears on top.
Air bubbles – tiny bubbles throughout the butter indicate fermentation.

Dry texture – the butter is no longer smooth and spreadable.
Sour smell – rancid honey butter will have a distinctive sour odor.
Off flavors – taste honey butter first if you notice any changes in appearance or texture.

When in doubt, don’t risk getting sick – throw away honey butter once it shows any signs of spoilage.

Does Honey Butter Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes, honey butter should always be refrigerated. Leaving honey butter out at room temperature for more than 2 hours is not recommended.

Refrigeration is important for preventing honey butter from spoiling for a few reasons:

It slows down mold growth. The cold temperature inhibits mold spores from growing.
It slows down bacterial growth. Refrigeration minimizes the spread of dangerous bacteria like staphylococcus.
It preserves freshness. Cooler temperatures keep honey butter from deteriorating as quickly.

For food safety, it’s best to keep honey butter stored in the refrigerator anytime it’s not being actively used. Let refrigerated honey butter sit out at room temperature just long enough to softly spread onto biscuits, toast or corn bread before returning to the fridge.

Can You Freeze Honey Butter?

Yes, honey butter can be frozen for long-term storage. Properly frozen, honey butter can last in the freezer for up to 1 year before quality starts to decline.

To freeze honey butter:

Scoop the honey butter into a freezable airtight container, allowing headspace for expansion. Mason jars or plastic freezer-safe containers both work well.
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the honey butter.
Seal the container and label with the date.

Freeze for up to 1 year.

Well-frozen honey butter maintains its flavor and texture when thawed. Let the container thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. For a quick thaw, place the sealed jar in a bowl of room temperature water for 30 minutes.

Once thawed, use the honey butter within 1 week and keep refrigerated. Do not refreeze thawed honey butter. Freezing prevents moisture loss and other damage that affects quality over time.

Tips for Freezing Honey Butter

Freeze when fresh – newly made honey butter freezes at its peak quality.
Ensure the container has an airtight seal to prevent freezer burn.
Leave 1⁄2-inch headspace in jars, more for plastic containers.

Place wax paper between the lid and honey butter to prevent sticking.
Label jars with contents and freeze date.
Store frozen containers on a stable shelf, not the door.

Avoid temperature fluctuations which can cause moisture condensation.

How Long Does Honey Butter Last at Room Temperature?

Honey butter can be kept at room temperature for a very limited time – no more than 2 hours. After sitting out for longer than this, it is safest to discard the honey butter.

Here’s why honey butter spoils rapidly if left out:

Bacteria spreads quickly at room temperature. Refrigeration keeps bacteria growth in check.
Mold spores in the air can contaminate the butter.
The texture and flavor start deteriorating.

Leaving butter-based products like honey butter out for too long carries a high risk of foodborne illness if contaminated and then consumed. Always err on the side of caution and refrigerate opened honey butter after any use.

How to Store Honey Butter

Follow these guidelines for proper storage to extend the shelf life of honey butter:

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight glass or plastic container. Mason jars work well.

Press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing.
Keep on a refrigerator shelf, not in the door.
Use clean utensils every time when removing honey butter.

Watch for signs of spoilage like mold and discard if seen.
Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks from the preparation date.

Freezer

Freeze in airtight plastic containers or freezer bags.

Leave 1⁄2-inch headspace to allow for expansion.
Avoid temperature fluctuations by keeping frozen containers stable.
Label jars with contents and freeze date.

Store frozen for up to 12 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.

Pantry

Do not store honey butter at room temperature. Refrigerate opened containers.

An unopened shelf-stable honey butter product can be stored in the pantry up to the expiration date.
Consume pantry items within 6 months for best quality.

Proper refrigerated and frozen storage helps maximize the shelf life of honey butter. Discard if you see any signs of spoilage.

How to Tell If Honey Butter Is Bad

Honey butter can go bad both when refrigerated and if left out at room temperature for too long. Here are some signs to check for:

Mold – Check if there are any unusual spots or fuzzy growth on the butter. Discard moldy honey butter.
Separation – Fresh honey butter is creamy and uniform. Separation of clear liquid indicates spoilage.

Curdling – The texture becomes chunky and begins to harden.
Fermented smell – Rancid or unpleasant odors signal the honey butter is no longer fresh.
Air bubbles – Tiny bubbles are a sign of fermentation happening.

Dry texture – The butter is no longer smooth and spreadable.
Discoloration – A change from its original light yellow color indicates deterioration.

When inspecting honey butter, use both sight and smell. If anything seems off from its fresh state, err on the side of caution and toss the honey butter. Only consume honey butter that appears and smells as expected.

Does Honey Butter Need to Be Refrigerated After Opening?

Yes, honey butter should always be refrigerated after opening. An opened container of honey butter can no longer be stored safely at room temperature.

Refrigerating opened honey butter is important for the following reasons:

Prevents bacteria growth – Refrigeration slows the growth of dangerous bacteria like Listeria.

Inhibits mold – The cold temperature keeps mold spores from growing.
Maintains texture – Refrigeration prevents honey butter from softening and separating.
Retains moisture – Less moisture is lost from refrigerated honey butter, keeping it spreadable.

Keeps flavor – Cooler temperature retains the sweet honey taste longer.

For food safety, it’s always best to promptly refrigerate butter-based products like honey butter after any use. Tightly seal opened containers before returning to the fridge. With proper refrigerated storage, honey butter stays fresh for 2-3 weeks after opening.

Conclusion

With proper storage techniques, honey butter can be enjoyed for 2-3 weeks when refrigerated, or up to 1 year if frozen. Keep honey butter in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and dispose at the first signs of mold or spoilage. Refrigerating after opening is essential to inhibit bacteria growth and extend the shelf life of this sweet spread.

Making homemade honey butter allows you to control the quality of ingredients for a fresher tasting product. When stored correctly in the refrigerator or freezer, homemade honey butter lasts just as long as store-bought versions. Always use clean utensils and containers to keep honey butter safe for consumption.

Refrigeration provides the ideal conditions to maximize honey butter’s shelf life after opening. Finished with plastic wrap directly on the surface, honey butter stays spreadable in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. Freezing prevents deterioration for even longer term storage, retaining the honey butter’s flavor and texture when thawed.

By understanding how long honey butter lasts in the fridge or freezer and watching for signs of spoilage, you can safely enjoy this honey-sweetened spread. Follow the recommended storage guidelines to keep honey butter fresh and prevent waste.