How to Make Butter Coffee
How to Make Butter Coffee is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 440 calories per serving. Recipe by Jesse Mason on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 14 min
Cost: $45.50 total, $45.50 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Grass-Fed Butter (cut into small pieces; grass‑fed, unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons MCT Oil (medium‑chain triglyceride oil, blend of coconut and palm kernel oils)
- 2 tablespoons Freshly Ground Coffee Beans (medium roast, coarsely ground for pourover)
- 250 ml Hot Water (just off boil, about 95°C)
Instructions
Rinse Filter
Place the paper filter in the pourover cone, pour boiling water over it to rinse, then discard the water. This removes paper flavor and pre‑heats the cone and mug.
Time: PT1M
Add Butter and MCT Oil
Add 2 tablespoons unsalted grass‑fed butter and 2 tablespoons MCT oil into the warmed mug (or directly into the cone) and let them melt slightly.
Time: PT1M
Add Coffee Grounds
Place the pourover cone back on the mug and add 2 tablespoons (≈10 g) freshly ground coffee to the filter, then level gently.
Time: PT1M
Bloom the Grounds
Pour a small splash of hot water (about 30 ml) over the grounds, just enough to wet them, and wait 30 seconds for gases to release.
Time: PT30S
Temperature: 95°C
Pour Brewing Water
Slowly spiral the remaining hot water (≈220 ml) over the coffee in a steady, controlled stream, keeping the water away from the filter walls. Continue until all water is poured.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 95°C
Stir and Froth
Remove the cone, stir the coffee vigorously with a spoon or fork, then use a handheld milk frother to create a creamy latte‑like foam.
Time: PT1M
Finish Brew and Clean Up
Place the cone back, allow the last drops to finish brewing while you clean the used supplies. Discard the grounds and enjoy your butter coffee.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 440
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 0 g
- Fat
- 48 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Keto, Low‑Carb, High‑Fat, Gluten‑Free, Paleo‑Friendly (if using coconut‑based MCT oil)
Allergens: Dairy (butter), Coconut (MCT oil)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Grass-Fed Butter: Ghee, Coconut oil
- Instead of MCT Oil: Coconut oil, Avocado oil
- Instead of Freshly Ground Coffee Beans: Coarse pre‑ground coffee
Equipment Needed
- Pourover Coffee Cone
- Paper Filter
- Gooseneck Kettle
- Mug
- Spoon or Fork
- Handheld Milk Frother
- Scale (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Rinse the paper filter to eliminate paper taste and pre‑heat the equipment.
- Bloom the coffee grounds to release trapped gases and improve extraction.
- Vigorous stir and froth to fully emulsify butter and MCT oil into a creamy foam.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality, freshly roasted bean for the best "buzz".
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the butter before mixing for a smoother mouthfeel.
- If you don’t have a handheld frother, shake the coffee in a tightly sealed jar for 30 seconds.
Troubleshooting
The coffee separates and the oil rises to the top.
Froth for a few extra seconds or blend the coffee in a blender to fully emulsify the fats.
The coffee tastes overly bitter.
Use fresher beans, adjust the grind to be slightly coarser, and reduce the brew time by a few seconds.
Butter does not melt completely.
Make sure the water is near boiling and pre‑warm the mug; stir the butter into the hot water before adding coffee.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover butter coffee in a sealed container for up to 24 hours; reheat gently and give a quick stir before serving.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the fats may separate.
Room temperature: Best enjoyed immediately; can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour but may separate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑measure butter and MCT oil into a small jar for quick access.
- Grind coffee beans just before brewing for optimal flavor.
- Rinse the filter while the kettle is heating to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of butter coffee in the modern keto community?
Butter coffee, popularized as "Bulletproof Coffee," originated from the paleo and keto movements as a high‑fat, low‑carb breakfast replacement. It is celebrated for providing sustained energy without a carbohydrate spike, fitting the lifestyle of many low‑carb enthusiasts.
How does butter coffee differ from traditional coffee drinks in American cuisine?
Traditional American coffee is usually brewed plain or with milk and sugar, while butter coffee adds grass‑fed butter and MCT oil, turning it into a high‑fat, creamy beverage that mimics a latte without dairy milk.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for butter coffee versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic ingredients are unsalted grass‑fed butter and MCT oil (a blend of coconut and palm kernel oils). Acceptable substitutes include ghee or coconut oil for butter, and pure coconut oil or avocado oil for MCT oil.
What occasions or celebrations is butter coffee traditionally associated with in the keto lifestyle?
Butter coffee is not tied to a specific holiday but is commonly consumed as a morning ritual, pre‑workout fuel, or as a fasting‑friendly beverage during intermittent fasting periods.
How does butter coffee fit into the broader American coffee culture?
While American coffee culture traditionally focuses on drip coffee, espresso drinks, and flavored syrups, butter coffee adds a high‑fat, dairy‑free twist that aligns with health‑focused trends and the growing interest in functional beverages.
What other keto‑friendly American drinks pair well with butter coffee?
Keto‑friendly drinks that complement butter coffee include bulletproof tea (tea with MCT oil), sparkling water with a splash of lemon, and low‑carb smoothies made with avocado or spinach.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making butter coffee using the pourover method?
Common mistakes include not rinsing the paper filter (leaving a papery taste), skipping the bloom step (resulting in under‑extracted coffee), and failing to froth long enough, which prevents proper emulsification of the butter and oil.
Why does this butter coffee recipe use a pourover method instead of a French press or blender?
The pourover method provides precise control over water temperature and pour rate, yielding a cleaner coffee flavor that blends smoothly with the fats. A French press can leave more sediment, and a blender adds unnecessary air and can over‑heat the drink.
Can I make butter coffee ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can brew a batch, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and gently reheat. Give it a quick stir or froth again before serving to re‑emulsify the fats.
What does the YouTube channel Jesse Mason specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jesse Mason, part of "Teach Me with Butter Coffee," focuses on simple, science‑backed food and beverage tutorials that emphasize functional nutrition, especially high‑fat, low‑carb recipes like butter coffee.
How does the YouTube channel Jesse Mason's approach to keto coffee differ from other coffee channels?
Jesse Mason combines clear, step‑by‑step visual instructions with explanations of the physiological benefits of fats in coffee, whereas many other coffee channels focus mainly on flavor techniques without discussing the health aspects.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
