Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate holiday spread—Maple Cranberry Butter! This silky, sweet-tart butter is bursting with rich maple flavor and bright, tangy cranberries, making it the perfect spread for toast, biscuits, pancakes, and even roasted meats. It’s smooth, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to put it on everything!
Why You’ll Love Maple Cranberry Butter
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about adding a touch of cozy, homemade goodness to your meals. Whether you’re making breakfast extra special or adding a flavorful twist to your holiday table, this butter is a must-try!
Versatile: Use it on toast, muffins, pancakes, waffles, or even as a glaze for meats.
Budget-Friendly: Made with just a few simple ingredients, but the flavor is next level.
Quick and Easy: Ready in 15 minutes, with almost no effort!
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, add a dash of cinnamon, or even throw in some orange zest for extra flair.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed favorite for holiday gatherings, brunches, and cozy mornings. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Maple Cranberry Butter
Here’s what makes this butter so deliciously special:
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries bring that gorgeous tart flavor and a pop of color.
Maple Syrup: The star sweetener that adds deep, caramel-like richness.
Unsalted Butter: Soft, creamy, and the perfect base for this spread.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavors.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and makes everything taste even better.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Cranberries
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries and maple syrup. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to burst and soften.
Blend Until Smooth
Remove from heat and let the cranberry mixture cool slightly. Transfer it to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
Add the Butter
Cut the softened butter into chunks and add it to the food processor along with vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Blend again until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Chill and Serve
Transfer the Maple Cranberry Butter to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve at room temperature for easy spreading!
Notes
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: Approx. 100 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Maple Cranberry Butter
This rich and velvety butter is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Slather it on warm toast, biscuits, or English muffins
- Drizzle over pancakes or waffles for a sweet-tart kick
- Use it as a filling for croissants or pastries
- Spread it on roasted turkey or pork for a festive twist
- Stir into oatmeal or yogurt for an instant flavor boost
Additional Tips
- Use high-quality butter for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Want a citrusy twist? Add a teaspoon of orange zest to brighten it up.
- Prefer a chunkier texture? Pulse the cranberries less for a slightly rustic feel.
- Make it extra smooth by straining the cranberry mixture before blending.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh or frozen cranberries work best, but you can use dried cranberries if you soak them in hot water first to soften them.
2. Can I make this butter ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld.
3. How long does Maple Cranberry Butter last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks.
4. Can I freeze it?
Absolutely! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before using.
5. What’s the best way to soften the butter before blending?
Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using.
6. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes! Honey will give it a slightly different but equally delicious sweetness.
7. Is this butter too sweet?
Nope! The cranberries balance out the maple syrup, so it’s perfectly sweet-tart.
8. Can I add spices?
Yes! A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves would be amazing.
9. What can I do if my butter is too thick?
Blend in a teaspoon of warm water until it reaches your desired consistency.
10. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes! Just reduce or skip the added salt to balance the flavors.
Conclusion
This Maple Cranberry Butter is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and ridiculously versatile—perfect for cozy breakfasts, holiday meals, or just because! Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Give it a try, and thank me later!
Print
Maple Cranberry Butter
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Maple Cranberry Butter is a smooth, sweet, and tangy spread made with fresh cranberries, maple syrup, and butter. Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or pancakes, this festive-flavored butter is a must-have for the holiday season.
Ingredients
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries and maple syrup. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the cranberries soften and burst.
2. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
3. In a food processor or blender, add the cranberry mixture, softened butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
5. Transfer the butter to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
6. Serve on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or as a spread for baked goods. Enjoy!
Notes
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
– Adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup if desired.
– For a whipped texture, beat the butter with a mixer before blending with the cranberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 90kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg