If you’ve ever tasted Golden Corral honey butter, you know why it’s so loved-rich, creamy, and sweet. With this Golden Corral honey butter copycat recipe, you can make the same indulgent spread at home in minutes. It’s perfect for rolls, biscuits, pancakes, and anything that needs a touch of sweetness.
We’ve tried many homemade honey butter recipes, but this easy honey butter recipe is the one that truly matches the restaurant-style honey butter. Blending real butter and honey creates a soft, silky spread that’s spot-on every time.
Stick with us for simple steps, helpful tips, and the best method to get that perfectly whipped texture. Whether it’s breakfast, dinner, or a sweet snack, this homemade honey butter is a quick and delicious upgrade.
What is Golden Corral Honey Butter?
Golden Corral honey butter is more than just butter with honey-it’s a creamy, fluffy spread that has captured the hearts of diners nationwide. Its slightly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes it perfect for spreading over warm bread, biscuits, or cornbread.

The magic lies in the perfect balance of rich butter and natural honey. Unlike regular butter, this spread has a soft, whip-like texture that is easy to spread, making it irresistible. Many fans describe it as a “restaurant-style honey butter” that elevates any meal it touches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need for the perfect batch of Golden Corral-style honey butter:
-
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
-
1/3 cup honey (adjust sweetness to taste)
-
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for depth)
-
Pinch of salt (optional)
Using softened butter is key for achieving the creamy, whipped texture that makes this spread irresistible.
Kitchen Utensils Required
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Airtight storage container
- Optional: Silicone molds or ramekins
Preparation and Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
How to Make Honey Butter at Home
Making honey butter is surprisingly simple. With just a few ingredients and a little mixing, you can create a luscious spread in minutes. Homemade honey butter allows you to adjust sweetness, experiment with flavors, and enjoy a fresh, preservative-free version anytime.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soften the butter: Leave the butter at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.

2. Whip the butter: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter until fluffy.
3. Add honey: Slowly mix in the honey until fully incorporated.
4. Optional flavorings: Add vanilla extract or a pinch of salt if desired.
5. Whip again: Beat for another 1–2 minutes to achieve a light, airy texture.

6. Serve or store: Spread immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Honey Butter
Honey butter isn’t just for bread! Its rich, sweet flavor can enhance a variety of dishes:
-
Spread over warm biscuits, cornbread, or toast
-
Drizzle on pancakes or waffles for breakfast indulgence
-
Mix into mashed sweet potatoes or roasted vegetables for a subtle sweetness
-
Use as a glaze for roasted chicken or salmon to add a touch of golden sweetness
With a little creativity, your homemade honey butter can become a versatile kitchen staple.
Pairing Honey Butter with Other Foods
Golden Corral honey butter pairs beautifully with a range of flavors:
-
Savory dishes: Cornbread, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats
-
Sweet treats: Muffins, scones, or fruit-filled pastries
-
Breakfast favorites: Pancakes, waffles, and French toast
Pairing it thoughtfully can elevate simple dishes into memorable meals, showcasing the rich taste of your homemade honey butter.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Honey Butter
Achieving the perfect Golden Corral-style honey butter requires a few simple tips:
1. Use softened butter to ensure a light, airy texture.
2. Add honey gradually to prevent separation.
3. Whip thoroughly for smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Adjust sweetness based on your preference.
5. Optional flavors: Cinnamon, vanilla, or a pinch of sea salt can enhance the flavor profile.

Following these steps ensures that your homemade honey butter is always restaurant-quality.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage ensures your homemade honey butter stays fresh, creamy, and ready to enjoy. After making your Golden Corral-style honey butter, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to two weeks. If you want to preserve it for longer, freezing is a great option-honey butter can last up to three months in the freezer. For best results, portion it into small containers or silicone molds for easy use. Before serving, allow refrigerated honey butter to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.
Golden Corral Honey Butter Recipe
If you’ve ever tasted Golden Corral honey butter, you know why it’s so loved-rich, creamy, and sweet. With this Golden Corral honey butter copycat recipe, you can make the same indulgent spread at home in minutes. It’s perfect for rolls, biscuits, pancakes, and anything that needs a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup honey (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for depth)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
1. Soften the butter: Leave the butter at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
2. Whip the butter: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter until fluffy.
3. Add honey: Slowly mix in the honey until fully incorporated.
4. Optional flavorings: Add vanilla extract or a pinch of salt if desired.
5. Whip again: Beat for another 1–2 minutes to achieve a light, airy texture.
Notes
Proper storage ensures your homemade honey butter stays fresh, creamy, and ready to enjoy. After making your Golden Corral-style honey butter, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to two weeks. If you want to preserve it for longer, freezing is a great option-honey butter can last up to three months in the freezer. For best results, portion it into small containers or silicone molds for easy use. Before serving, allow refrigerated honey butter to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
5Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 90
FAQs About Homemade Honey Butter
1. How long can you keep homemade honey butter?
From our experience, if stored in an airtight container in the fridge, homemade honey butter stays fresh for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freezing works well for about 3 months.
2. Does whipped honey butter need to be refrigerated?
Yes! Even though it’s whipped and creamy, we always keep ours refrigerated to maintain flavor and prevent spoilage.
3. What is the shelf life of Epicurean butter?
We’ve found that Epicurean butter generally lasts about 1–2 weeks in the fridge, similar to other high-quality butters, but always check the expiration date on the package.
4. Does Downey’s honey butter need to be refrigerated?
Absolutely. From experience, storing Downey’s honey butter in the fridge keeps it fresh and prevents it from becoming too soft or separating.
5. Can I make honey butter ahead of time?
Yes! We often make it a day or two ahead. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.
6. Can I adjust the sweetness of honey butter?
Definitely. We like to add honey gradually and taste as we go. This way, you can make it lightly sweet or extra rich depending on your preference.
7. Can I use flavored honey in the recipe?
Yes, we’ve experimented with cinnamon or wildflower honey, and it adds a unique twist. Just remember the flavor will be stronger, so start with a small amount.
8. Can I make honey butter with salted butter?
We usually prefer unsalted butter for control over flavor, but salted butter works too. If you use it, we recommend skipping any added salt in the recipe.
9. What’s the best way to serve honey butter?
From our experience, honey butter tastes amazing on warm biscuits, cornbread, pancakes, or toast. We also love a small dollop melted over roasted vegetables.
10. Can I freeze homemade honey butter?
Yes! We freeze ours in small portions using silicone molds or ramekins. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Making Golden Corral honey butter at home is easier than you think. With simple ingredients and a few minutes of whipping, you can enjoy a creamy, sweet, and irresistible spread anytime.
Whether it’s for breakfast, dinner, or a special treat, this homemade honey butter recipe brings restaurant-quality indulgence straight to your kitchen. Try it today and taste the magic for yourself!
You can also follow us on Pinterest, and YouTube for more delicious updates and kitchen inspiration. Your feedback and support mean the world to us!

