Butter has been part of the human diet for thousands of years, and nothing compares to the rich, creamy taste of butter made directly from raw milk. Unlike store-bought butter, raw milk butter retains its natural flavor, nutrients, and freshness. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment to make it at home. With just a little patience and some simple kitchen tools, you can easily learn how to make butter from raw milk in your own kitchen.
In this guide, we’ll walk step by step through the process of how to make raw milk butter, explain why raw butter is different from conventional butter, explore its benefits, and even help you discover where to buy raw butter if you don’t have access to fresh milk.
What Is Raw Milk Butter?
Raw milk butter is made by churning cream that comes from raw, unpasteurized milk. Because the milk is not heated or processed, the butter preserves active enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and vitamins that are often lost in commercial production. This old-fashioned butter packs more flavor and richness, making it prized among homesteaders, natural food enthusiasts, and anyone looking to connect more directly with their food.
Why Choose Raw Milk Butter?
There are several reasons people are making the switch from store-bought butter to butter crafted at home with raw milk:
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Nutritional Value: Raw butter is high in vitamins A, D, E, and K2, which are fat-soluble and crucial for bone, skin, and immune health.
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Probiotics and Enzymes: Unlike processed butter, raw butter may contain natural probiotics and enzymes that support digestion.
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Authentic Flavor: Homemade butter tends to have a deeper, creamier flavor that varies with the seasons and the cow’s diet.
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Cost-Effective and Sustainable: Knowing how to make butter with raw milk is not only budget friendly but reduces reliance on commercial products.
How to Collect Cream from Raw Milk
Before you can churn butter, you need cream, which naturally rises to the top of raw milk when left to sit. Here’s what you should do:
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Pour your fresh, raw milk into a wide glass jar or bowl.
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Place the container in the refrigerator for 12–24 hours. During this time, the cream will separate naturally from the milk and rise to the top.
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Skim off the cream using a spoon or ladle and place it in another clean jar.
This cream is the foundation of your butter-making process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How Do You Make Butter from Raw Milk?
If you’ve ever wondered how do you make butter from raw milk, here’s a detailed, hands-on method that doesn’t require expensive butter churners.
What You Need:
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Fresh cream from raw milk
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A large mixing bowl or mason jar with a tight lid
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A whisk, hand mixer, or food processor (or just the jar and your muscles!)
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Strainer and cheesecloth (optional, for excess buttermilk)
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Salt (optional, for flavor)
The Process:
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Prepare the Cream
Let the cream reach room temperature. Cold cream will take much longer to churn into butter. -
Agitate the Cream
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If using a mason jar, fill it halfway with cream, screw the lid tightly, and shake vigorously.
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If using a whisk or mixer, beat the cream in a bowl.
Continue shaking or whisking until you notice the cream turning thick and then separating into yellow butter solids and liquid buttermilk.
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Separate the Butter from Buttermilk
Drain off the liquid buttermilk (you can save it for baking pancakes, biscuits, or bread). The remaining clumps are your fresh butter. -
Wash the Butter
Place the butter solids in a bowl of cold water and press them with a spoon or spatula. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear. This step helps preserve the freshness and prevents sourness. -
Add Flavor (Optional)
Sprinkle in some sea salt for salted butter, or get creative by adding herbs and garlic for flavored spreads.
That’s it—you’ve just made delicious homemade butter using nothing but raw milk cream and a little effort!
How to Make Butter with Raw Milk: Tips for Success
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Use Fresh, High-Quality Milk: The better the milk, the higher the yield and flavor of your butter.
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Let Cream Thicken Naturally: Room temperature cream churns faster than cold cream.
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Be Patient: Depending on your method, making raw milk butter may take anywhere from 10 minutes (with a food processor) to 30 minutes (with a jar).
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Preserve Properly: Store your raw butter in the fridge in an airtight container; it should last 7–10 days. For longer storage, freeze it.
Common Questions About Raw Butter
How long does it take to make butter from raw milk?
It usually takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the method.
Can you make butter without a churn?
Absolutely. A jar, whisk, or hand mixer works perfectly fine for small batches.
Is raw butter safe to eat?
This depends on the source of your milk. Raw butter made from healthy, grass-fed cows and handled with proper care can be enjoyed safely, but always buy from trusted local dairies.
Where to Buy Raw Butter
If you don’t have access to raw milk or prefer to skip the step-by-step process, you might be wondering where to buy raw butter. Farmers’ markets, local dairies, and raw milk co-ops are often the best places to look. Some specialty health stores also stock it, though availability varies by region due to local food laws.
To better understand the nutritional differences and benefits of butter types, resources like Healthline’s guide on butter and other dairy fats provide expert insights into why homemade and minimally processed versions may be healthier.
The Benefits of Making Your Own Raw Milk Butter
When you learn how to make raw milk butter, you gain more than just a kitchen skill—you take control of your food supply. Homemade butter ensures freshness, free of unnecessary processing, additives, or preservatives. Plus, the satisfaction of making a wholesome food item with your own hands is unmatched.
Many people also find they save money by making butter at home, especially if they already have access to farm-fresh milk. Plus, you get bonus by-products like buttermilk, which can be used in countless recipes.
Creative Ways to Use Raw Butter
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Spread on warm, homemade bread
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Melt over steamed vegetables or rice
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Whip with honey or cinnamon for a sweet treat
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Bake with it for extra-rich cakes, biscuits, and cookies
Because raw butter has a fresher, creamier flavor, you’ll notice a big difference in any recipe where butter is the hero ingredient.
Read More: 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Butter from Raw Milk
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to make butter from raw milk gives you a rewarding skill and a deeper connection with traditional foods. Whether you’re passionate about homesteading, eating naturally, or simply tasting butter the way it was made centuries ago, raw butter offers an experience no store brand can match.
If access to raw milk is limited where you live, explore options for where to buy raw butter from natural food suppliers or trusted farms. And if you do have access, all you need is patience and a good shake of a jar to enjoy buttery goodness made right in your own kitchen.
