The health benefits of butter in coffee.
The health benefits of butter in coffee. is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 215 calories per serving. Recipe by Dave Asprey on YouTube.
Prep: 7 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 12 min
Cost: $1.00 total, $1.00 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 fl oz Coffee (Freshly brewed, hot (around 190°F))
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Grass‑Fed Butter (Room temperature or slightly softened for easier blending)
- 1 tbsp MCT Oil (Provides quick‑acting ketones; optional but recommended)
- 1 packet Stevia Sweetener (optional) (Adjust to taste; can be omitted for pure flavor)
Instructions
Brew Coffee
Brew 8 fl oz of coffee using your preferred method, aiming for a temperature of about 190°F (88°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 190°F
Add Butter and MCT Oil
Place 1 tbsp unsalted grass‑fed butter and 1 tbsp MCT oil into the blender cup.
Time: PT1M
Combine Hot Coffee
Carefully pour the hot coffee into the blender, covering the butter and oil.
Time: PT1M
Blend Until Frothy
Secure the lid and blend on high for 30–45 seconds until the mixture becomes creamy and a foamy layer forms on top.
Time: PT45S
Serve
Pour the butter coffee into a mug and enjoy immediately while hot.
Time: PT30S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 215
- Protein
- 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 0 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Keto, Paleo, Low‑Carb, High‑Fat, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Coffee: Espresso, Strong French‑press coffee
- Instead of Unsalted Grass‑Fed Butter: Ghee, Coconut oil
- Instead of MCT Oil: Coconut oil, Avocado oil
- Instead of Stevia Sweetener (optional): Erythritol, Monk fruit sweetener
Equipment Needed
- Blender
- Coffee Maker
- Mug
- Measuring Spoons (optional)
- Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Blending hot coffee with butter and MCT oil to create a stable emulsion.
- Ensuring the blender lid is securely fastened to prevent hot liquid splatter.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality, grass‑fed butter for the best flavor and nutrient profile.
- Pre‑warm the blender jar with hot water, then dry it before adding ingredients – this helps maintain temperature during blending.
- A tiny pinch of sea salt enhances the buttery mouthfeel and reduces perceived bitterness.
Troubleshooting
Butter does not fully emulsify and the drink looks oily.
Make sure the butter is softened, start the blender on low speed, and blend longer (up to 1 minute). Adding a splash of hot coffee first can help start the emulsion.
Blender lid pops off or leaks hot coffee.
Check that the lid is locked securely; if your blender has a vent, close it while blending hot liquids.
Taste is too bitter.
Add a pinch of sea salt or a small amount of sweetener (stevia, monk fruit) to balance the bitterness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Can be stored in a sealed container for up to 24 hours; re‑heat and blend again before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended – texture changes dramatically when frozen.
Room temperature: Consume within 2 hours; otherwise the butter may separate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑measure butter and MCT oil into a small container for quick access.
- Keep coffee hot on a stovetop or in a thermal carafe while you prepare the blender.
- If you need to make it ahead, blend, store in a sealed jar, and re‑blend briefly before drinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of butter coffee in Tibetan butter tea tradition?
Tibetan butter tea, made with yak butter and barley flour, has been a staple for centuries in high‑altitude regions where food is scarce. It provides sustained energy and warmth, a concept that modern bulletproof coffee adapts by using cow butter and coffee for a similar high‑fat, quick‑energy drink.
How does butter coffee differ from traditional Tibetan butter tea in terms of ingredients and preparation?
Traditional Tibetan butter tea uses yak butter, salt, and sometimes barley flour, brewed with tea leaves. Butter coffee replaces tea with coffee, uses grass‑fed cow butter, adds MCT oil for extra ketones, and is blended to create a frothy emulsion rather than being boiled.
What occasions or celebrations is butter coffee traditionally associated with in modern biohacking culture?
In the biohacking community, butter coffee is often consumed as a morning ritual to boost mental clarity and energy before work, workouts, or fasting periods. It’s also popular at keto‑focused gatherings and health‑conferences as a functional beverage.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for butter coffee versus acceptable modern substitutes?
Authentic ingredients are freshly brewed coffee, high‑quality grass‑fed butter, and MCT oil. Acceptable substitutes include ghee or coconut oil for butter, and coconut oil or avocado oil for MCT oil, though the flavor and ketone profile may vary.
What other keto‑friendly dishes pair well with butter coffee in a low‑carb breakfast?
Butter coffee pairs nicely with avocado toast on almond‑flour bread, scrambled eggs cooked in butter, or a handful of macadamia nuts, all of which keep the meal high in healthy fats and low in carbs.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making butter coffee at home?
Common mistakes include using cold butter (which won’t emulsify), blending for too short a time (resulting in a greasy texture), and not securing the blender lid, which can cause hot splatter. Also, overheating the butter can create a burnt flavor.
Why does this butter coffee recipe use MCT oil instead of regular coconut oil?
MCT oil is a concentrated source of medium‑chain triglycerides that are rapidly converted into ketones for quick energy, whereas regular coconut oil contains longer‑chain fats that digest more slowly. The recipe aims for an immediate energy boost, so MCT oil is preferred.
Can I make butter coffee ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can blend and store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before drinking, gently re‑heat and give it a quick blend or shake to re‑emulsify the fats.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the butter coffee is properly blended?
A successful butter coffee has a creamy, glossy texture with a light, frothy foam on top, similar to a latte. There should be no visible separation of butter or oil.
What does the YouTube channel Dave Asprey specialize in?
The YouTube channel Dave Asprey focuses on biohacking, performance nutrition, and cutting‑edge health protocols, often featuring recipes like bulletproof coffee that aim to optimize energy, cognition, and longevity.
How does the YouTube channel Dave Asprey's approach to keto coffee differ from other health‑food channels?
Dave Asprey emphasizes scientific research, proprietary formulations, and the use of high‑quality, grass‑fed butter and pure MCT oil, whereas many other channels may use generic butter or omit the MCT component, focusing more on taste than metabolic impact.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
