Bulletproof Coffee with Butter: A Simple Recipe
Quick answer
- Use good quality coffee beans. Freshly ground is best.
- Blend hot coffee with unsalted butter and MCT oil until frothy.
- Start with 1-2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of MCT oil per cup.
- Don’t over-blend; you want it emulsified, not whipped cream.
- Use unsalted butter for a cleaner taste.
- Experiment with ratios to find your sweet spot.
Who this is for
- Anyone looking to try the bulletproof coffee trend.
- People seeking a richer, more filling coffee experience.
- Those interested in a keto or low-carb morning drink.
What to check first
Brewer type and filter type
This recipe works with most coffee brewing methods. Drip, French press, AeroPress – they all get the job done. The key is a strong brew. Paper filters are fine, but metal filters might let more oils through, which some folks dig.
Water quality and temperature
Good water makes good coffee. If your tap water tastes funky, your coffee will too. Use filtered water. For bulletproof coffee, you want it hot, but not boiling. Around 195-205°F (90-96°C) is the sweet spot. Too cool, and the butter won’t emulsify right.
Grind size and coffee freshness
Freshness is king here. Grind your beans right before brewing if you can. A medium grind usually works well for most drip brewers. Too fine, and it might get bitter. Too coarse, and it’ll be weak.
Coffee-to-water ratio
You want a strong coffee base. Think richer than your usual cup. A good starting point is about 1:15 to 1:17 coffee to water. So, for a 12 oz mug, maybe 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds. Adjust to your taste, but don’t go too weak.
Cleanliness/descale status
Make sure your brewer is clean. Old coffee oils can turn rancid and ruin the taste. If you’ve got hard water, descale your machine regularly. A clean machine is a happy machine, and it makes better coffee.
Step-by-step (brew workflow)
1. Brew your coffee.
- What to do: Make a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method. Aim for about 12 oz.
- What “good” looks like: A robust, flavorful coffee. Not watery or bitter.
- Common mistake: Brewing too weak. This makes the final drink taste off. Avoid by using enough grounds and the right water temp.
2. Add butter and MCT oil.
- What to do: Pour your hot coffee into a blender. Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of MCT oil.
- What “good” looks like: The ingredients are ready to blend.
- Common mistake: Using salted butter. It can make the drink taste weirdly savory. Stick to unsalted.
For the best flavor and texture, we recommend using high-quality unsalted butter. Consider trying this unsalted butter for your bulletproof coffee.
- UNSALTED BUTTER: Each package comes with 4 sticks of Vital Farms Unsalted Butter made with cream from cows raised on family farms.
- 90% GRASS-FED: The girls enjoy a diet of 90% grass, while the remaining 10% is nutritionally balanced feed to ensure a well-rounded diet.
- PASTURE-RAISED: The farmers we work with raise their four-legged ladies with care and respect on family farms where cows enjoy outdoor access 200 days per year on average.
- HIGH BUTTERFAT: The girls supply a rich cream that’s churned into creamy, melt-in-your mouth butter
- CONSCIOUS CAPITALISM: Vital Farms is a Certified B Corporation with a purpose to improve the lives of people, animals, and the planet through food.
3. Blend on low speed.
- What to do: Start blending on a low setting for about 10-15 seconds.
- What “good” looks like: The butter and oil start to break down and mix with the coffee.
- Common mistake: Blending too fast too soon. This can create a mess. Start slow.
4. Increase speed and blend.
- What to do: Increase the blender speed to high and blend for another 30-45 seconds.
- What “good” looks like: The mixture is frothy, creamy, and emulsified, with no visible oil slick.
- Common mistake: Over-blending. You don’t want stiff peaks like whipped cream. Just a nice, smooth froth.
5. Check consistency.
- What to do: Stop the blender and check the texture.
- What “good” looks like: A smooth, latte-like consistency with a light foam on top.
- Common mistake: Not blending long enough. You’ll see separation if it’s not fully emulsified.
6. Pour into your mug.
- What to do: Carefully pour the blended coffee into your favorite mug.
- What “good” looks like: A visually appealing, creamy beverage.
- Common mistake: Leaving some in the blender. Get it all in the mug!
7. Taste and adjust.
- What to do: Take a sip.
- What “good” looks like: It tastes delicious and satisfying.
- Common mistake: Not tasting. You might miss an opportunity to make it perfect for you.
8. Add more if needed.
- What to do: If you want it richer or sweeter, add a tiny bit more butter or oil, or a calorie-free sweetener. Blend briefly again.
- What “good” looks like: The perfect balance of flavor and richness for your palate.
- Common mistake: Going overboard with additions. Start small and add more if necessary.
Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)
| Mistake | What it causes | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using weak coffee | Bland, watery drink that doesn’t satisfy | Brew with more grounds or a finer grind. |
| Using salted butter | Unpleasant savory taste, clashes with coffee | Always use unsalted butter. |
| Not blending long enough | Oil and water separate, greasy mouthfeel | Blend until fully emulsified, about 30-45 seconds on high. |
| Over-blending | Too much air incorporated, texture like whipped cream | Stop blending once it’s frothy and smooth, not stiff. |
| Using cold ingredients | Butter and oil won’t emulsify properly | Ensure coffee is hot and ingredients are at room temp or slightly warm. |
| Using low-quality ingredients | Off-flavors, less enjoyable experience | Opt for good quality coffee beans and grass-fed butter if possible. |
| Not cleaning the blender | Rancid oil residue, impacts future drinks | Rinse the blender immediately after use. |
| Adding too much MCT oil at once | Digestive upset, stomach discomfort | Start with 1 tbsp and gradually increase as tolerated. |
| Using the wrong filter | Can affect oil content and mouthfeel | Paper filters are fine, but metal filters can enhance richness. |
| Not letting it cool slightly | Can be too hot to drink safely | Let it sit for a minute before drinking. |
Decision rules (simple if/then)
- If your coffee tastes bitter, then try a coarser grind or less brew time because finer grinds can over-extract.
- If your bulletproof coffee separates, then blend it longer or make sure your coffee was hot enough because proper emulsification needs heat and time.
- If you experience digestive discomfort, then reduce the amount of MCT oil because some people are sensitive to it initially.
- If the drink is too thin, then add a little more butter or oil and blend again because this adds richness and body.
- If you want a sweeter taste, then add a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener because these don’t add carbs.
- If your blender struggles, then let the coffee cool for a minute before blending because very hot liquids can expand.
- If you’re new to this, then start with 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of MCT oil because you can always add more.
- If the taste is too “buttery,” then use less butter next time or ensure your coffee is strong enough to balance it.
- If you notice a greasy film on top, then you likely didn’t blend long enough or the coffee wasn’t hot enough because emulsification failed.
- If you want a thicker consistency, then try using a more concentrated coffee brew or slightly more butter.
FAQ
What kind of butter should I use?
Unsalted, grass-fed butter is generally recommended for the best flavor and quality. Avoid salted butter, as it can make the drink taste savory.
How much MCT oil should I use?
Start with 1 tablespoon per cup. Some people use more, but it’s best to start slow to see how your body reacts. You can always add more later.
Can I use regular coconut oil instead of MCT oil?
Yes, you can, but MCT oil is processed to have a higher concentration of medium-chain triglycerides, which are the desired fats. Regular coconut oil will work but might yield a slightly different result.
Will this make me full?
For many people, the fat content in bulletproof coffee makes it very satiating, helping to keep hunger at bay for several hours.
Can I add anything else to it?
Some people add a dash of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a sugar-free sweetener. Just be mindful of what you add, as it can affect the overall flavor and nutritional profile.
Is bulletproof coffee healthy?
It’s a high-fat, low-carb drink that can be part of a ketogenic or low-carb diet. Its health benefits are debated, and it’s not a meal replacement for everyone.
How long does it take to blend?
You want to blend for about 30-45 seconds on high speed until it’s frothy and emulsified. Don’t overdo it.
What if I don’t have a blender?
It’s tough to get the right emulsified texture without one. You might end up with oily coffee. A high-speed blender is really key for this recipe.
What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)
- Specific health claims or benefits associated with bulletproof coffee.
- Detailed nutritional breakdowns for various ingredient combinations.
- Advanced coffee brewing techniques for the base coffee.
- Recipes for other blended coffee drinks.