Pour the cold whipping cream into your stand mixer and whisk at medium speed. You can also use an electric whisk if you don't have a stand mixer.Keep mixing without stopping as the cream will go through 3 stages when turning into butter: whipped cream, stiff peaks, and finally butter. The fat solids will separate from the liquid and have a familiar, buttery consistency.
Strain the buttermilk from the fat solids – you can sieve these or strain them by hand with a cheesecloth or fine mesh cloth. If you want, reserve the separated liquid to use in other recipes.
Fill a bowl with ice-cold water. Put the butter into a fine mesh cloth and submerge in the water, kneading and squeezing to remove any leftover buttermilk. You can also use a spatula if you prefer or keep the butter fat in the sieve and use that to keep your butter stable as you remove the buttermilk. The water can get cloudy quickly, so I usually do this a few times to make sure there's no buttermilk left.
Remove your homemade butter from the mesh and, using your hands, squeeze and knead it into a rectangular, block shape. Do this on a clean chopping board or surface until you have your desired shape.
How to store
To store: Keep it in the fridge for 1-3 weeks. How long it will last exactly will depend on how fresh your whipping cream is and if there's any buttermilk left over.To freeze: Wrap the fresh butter in beeswax wrap and place in a silicone or Ziplock bag to protect against freezer burn. Keep in the freeze for up to 6 months. To use, allow the frozen butter to thaw overnight in the fridge. Or soften it in the microwave for increments of 10-15 seconds, flipping over in-between.
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Notes
How to use leftover buttermilk? Buttermilk, the liquid left when making butter, is a versatile ingredient. Use it in baking for extra moist cakes, pancakes, and biscuits. Or use it instead of egg to drench crispy fried chicken in (it keeps the chicken extra tender). You can also whisk it into smoothies, dressings, sauces, and marinades. It's packed with protein and adds a wonderfully tangy flavor.