Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe

Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe

This Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe is a smooth and rich recipe, which features soft unsalted butter and warming brandy. It’s the perfect accompaniment for Christmas pudding, ready in about 10 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe Ingredients

  • 125g (4oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • 125g (4oz) icing sugar
  • 2 tbsp boiling water (optional, see tips)
  • 2–3 tbsp brandy, to taste
Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe
Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe

How To Make Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe

  1. Cream the base: Place the softened unsalted butter and the icing sugar into a mixing bowl. Using an electric whisk (or a wooden spoon and plenty of elbow grease), cream them together until the mixture is very light, pale, and fluffy. This aeration removes the yellow color of the butter.
  2. Add the liquids: Gradually beat in the boiling water (if using) and the brandy, adding just a tablespoon at a time. Beat thoroughly between each addition.
  3. Emulsify: Continue beating until the mixture is completely smooth, well combined, and flavored to your liking. If you add the liquid too fast, the mixture may curdle; if this happens, keep beating vigorously until it comes back together.
  4. Chill and serve: Transfer the brandy butter to a serving dish or ramekin. Chill in the refrigerator until firm (at least 1 hour) before serving alongside hot mince pies or Christmas pudding.
Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe
Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • The Boiling Water Trick: Mary Berry suggests adding boiling water if you prefer a milder brandy butter or if your butter wasn’t quite soft enough to incorporate smoothly. It helps create a lighter texture. If you want a strong, boozy kick, you can leave the water out.
  • Butter Texture: It is essential to use well-softened butter. If the butter is hard, it won’t mix with the sugar properly, and adding the cold brandy will cause it to split instantly.
  • Sugar Choice: While you can use caster sugar, icing sugar (powdered sugar) dissolves instantly without leaving a grainy texture, resulting in a much smoother “hard sauce.”
  • Flavor Variations: For a festive twist, add a drop of vanilla extract or some finely grated orange zest after the creaming stage.

What To Serve With Mary Berry Brandy Butter

This is a seasonal staple that belongs on the Christmas table.

  • Christmas Pudding: The cold, hard sauce melts beautifully over the hot pudding.
  • Mince Pies: Serve a dollop alongside warm pies.
  • Panettone: Spread on toasted slices of Italian fruit bread.
  • Steamed Sponges: Works well with treacle or ginger sponge puddings.
Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe
Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe

How To Store Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe

  • Refrigerate: Brandy butter stores exceptionally well. Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
  • Freeze: You can freeze brandy butter in an airtight container or rolled into a log in parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 110
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Protein: 0g

Nutrition information is estimated per tablespoon.

FAQs

Why did my brandy butter curdle?

Curdling (separating) happens if the liquid (brandy) is added too quickly or if there is a temperature difference between the ingredients. Add the brandy drop by drop while whisking fast to prevent this.

Can I use salted butter?

It is not recommended. The salt can be quite overpowering in a sweet condiment like this. Stick to unsalted butter for a creamy, sweet finish.

Can I use rum or whisky instead?

Yes. Rum butter (often made with brown sugar) and whisky butter are delicious variations. Use the same quantities.

Try More Recipes:

Mary Berry Brandy Butter Recipe

Course: DessertCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

110

kcal

A classic British “hard sauce” made from whipped butter, sugar, and cognac, designed to melt over hot festive desserts.

Ingredients

  • 125g (4oz) unsalted butter, softened

  • 125g (4oz) icing sugar

  • 2 tbsp boiling water (optional)

  • 2–3 tbsp brandy

Directions

  • Cream butter and icing sugar with an electric whisk until pale and fluffy.
  • Add boiling water (if using) and brandy, one tablespoon at a time.
  • Whisk vigorously between additions until smooth.
  • Transfer to a dish and refrigerate until firm.

Notes

  • Consistency: The final texture should be like whipped cream before chilling, but it will set firm like butter in the fridge.
  • Serving: Remove from the fridge 15 minutes before serving so it is scoopable.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *