Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Vanilla Honey Butter (Sweet, Creamy & Spreadable)

Sarah Smith
Nov 18, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Bread with spread and honey drizzle, jar of creamy vanilla, buns, and honey dipper on wooden board. Warm, cozy kitchen setting.

This Vanilla Honey Butter is smooth, creamy, and lightly whipped with fragrant vanilla and golden honey for the perfect touch of sweetness. It melts beautifully over warm rolls and biscuits, and is especially delicious spread onto homemade favorites like Southern Style Biscuits, Pumpkin Spice Bread, or a slice of Classic Southern Cornbread fresh from the oven. Whether served at breakfast, brunch, or alongside a cozy dinner, this sweet butter adds a simple homemade touch that makes everyday baking feel extra special.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Whip the butter

Add softened butter to a mixing bowl. Beat with a mixer for 1–2 minutes until creamy and pale.

2. Add remaining ingredients

Mix in the honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

3. Whip until fluffy

Beat for another 1–2 minutes, scraping the bowl, until smooth, airy, and evenly combined.

4. Serve or store

Transfer to a jar or container. Refrigerate up to 10 days.

Pairs beautifully with toast, muffins, or warm slices of Best Banana Bread.

FAQ

Q: Should I use vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste?

A: Both work beautifully! Vanilla extract gives a smooth, classic flavor. Vanilla bean paste adds a stronger vanilla flavor and pretty flecks throughout the butter.

Q: Can I use raw honey instead of regular honey?

A: Yes! Raw honey adds richer, deeper flavor, while regular honey gives a lighter sweetness. Either one is perfect in this butter.

Q: Why is my vanilla honey butter too runny?

A: The butter may be too warm. Pop it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes, and it will firm up into a creamy, spreadable consistency.

Q: Can I make whipped vanilla honey butter?

A: Absolutely! Beat softened butter for 2–3 minutes before adding honey and vanilla. This creates a light, airy, ultra-fluffy spread.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

A: Yes — just skip any added salt. Salted butter makes the vanilla and honey flavors pop slightly more.

Final Thoughts

Vanilla Honey Butter is one of those small details that makes a big difference. Easy to make and endlessly versatile, it turns simple baked goods into something truly memorable. Keep a batch on hand, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it anytime you want to add a little extra warmth and sweetness to your table