Magical Maple Cranberry Butter Recipe for Cozy Breakfasts

Whipping up a batch of maple cranberry butter can turn an ordinary morning into a delightful culinary adventure.

Sweet maple syrup mingles perfectly with tart cranberries, creating a spread that dances across your taste buds.

Rustic and vibrant, this condiment brings warmth to your breakfast table.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a homemade touch that store-bought spreads can’t match.

Rich amber hues and ruby-red specks make this butter a visual treat for anyone who appreciates simple, elegant flavors.

Each knife swipe promises a burst of tangy-sweet goodness that will make you smile.

Come explore this simple recipe and add a splash of joy to your morning routine.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just add them directly to the pot without thawing, which might slightly increase cooking time.

• How do I know when the cranberry butter is ready?

The mixture will thicken, cranberries will pop open, and it will have a jam-like consistency. When you run a spoon through it, it should leave a clear path that doesn’t immediately fill back in.

• What can I do if my cranberry butter is too runny?

Return the mixture to the saucepan and continue cooking on low heat, stirring frequently. The natural pectin will help thicken the butter as it reduces and cools.

Maple Cranberry Butter Appeal

• Quickly Create Gourmet Spread: Transform simple cranberries into a luxurious butter that feels like a professional chef crafted it with minimal kitchen skills.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Pair this maple cranberry butter with toast, muffins, pancakes, or use as a unique condiment that elevates everyday meals from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Preservation Power: Learn advanced canning techniques that allow you to store this delightful spread for weeks, ensuring you always have a delicious homemade treat ready to enjoy.
• Nutrient-Rich Flavor Explosion: Packed with natural ingredients and zero preservatives, this recipe offers a healthy alternative to store-bought spreads while delivering an incredible burst of tangy-sweet flavor.

Maple Cranberry Butter Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

Fresh Cranberries: A tart and vibrant berry that provides the base and natural pectin for the butter.

Maple Syrup: A pure and rich sweetener that adds depth and balanced sweetness to the cranberry mixture.

• Blender or Food Processor: Essential tool for creating a smooth and silky texture in the butter.

• Clean Jars, Lids: Sterile containers for storing and preserving the Maple Cranberry Butter safely.
• Boiling Water Bath Accessories: Equipment needed for proper canning and long-term preservation of the butter.

• Dishcloth: Used to cover the blender lid when blending hot mixtures to prevent splatters.
• Cloth or Towel: Helpful for handling hot jars during the canning process.

Making Maple Cranberry Butter

Step 1: Prepare Cranberries

Thoroughly rinse cranberries under cold water to remove any dirt. Transfer the clean berries into a large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven.

Step 2: Add Sweet Maple Goodness

Pour maple syrup over the cranberries, ensuring they are completely coated. The syrup will create a delightful balance between sweet and tart flavors.

Step 3: Cook and Simmer Cranberries

Heat the mixture on high until it reaches a boil. Reduce heat and let the berries simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Watch as the cranberries pop open and soften. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and protect yourself from hot splatters.

Step 4: Cool Down the Mixture

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry mixture cool slightly.

Step 5: Blend to Smooth Perfection

Transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender or food processor.

Blend until completely smooth and silky. If the mixture is hot, cover the blender lid with a dishcloth to prevent any messy spills.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency

Check the butter’s thickness. If needed, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook longer until it reaches your desired texture.

Remember it will continue to thicken while cooling.

Step 7: Store and Preserve

Spoon the finished cranberry butter into clean jars.

Allow it to cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating. The butter will stay fresh for 3-4 weeks.

Canning Instructions:

Step 8: Prepare for Long-Term Storage

Pour hot butter into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Clean jar rims thoroughly.

Step 9: Process in Water Bath

Secure lids tightly and process jars in boiling water for 10 minutes. Adjust time for high altitude locations.

Step 10: Cool and Seal

Remove canner from heat and let jars sit for 5 minutes. Allow jars to cool for 12-24 hours.

Check seals by pressing lid centers – a properly sealed lid will not flex.

Tips for Smooth Maple Cranberry Butter

• Stir the cranberry mixture frequently to avoid sticking and scorching at the bottom of the pan.
• Blend the mixture thoroughly in a high-speed blender for a silky, uniform consistency without lumps.
• Continue cooking if the butter seems too runny, as it will naturally thicken when cooled in the refrigerator.
• Ensure jar rims are completely clean before sealing to create a proper vacuum and prevent contamination.
• Modify canning time based on your specific elevation to guarantee proper preservation and food safety.

Flavor Twists for Maple Cranberry Butter

• Honey Berry Butter: Replace maple syrup with local honey for a floral, golden sweetness and use mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries for colorful variation.
• Orange Spiced Cranberry Spread: Add orange zest and ground cinnamon to enhance the cranberry flavor, creating a warm winter-inspired condiment perfect for toast and pastries.
• Vegan Coconut Cranberry Spread: Substitute maple syrup with agave nectar and incorporate coconut butter for a rich, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture and tangy profile.
• Low Sugar Berry Butter: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of maple syrup, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the natural cranberry tartness for health-conscious individuals.

Pairing Maple Cranberry Butter

• Spread this luscious maple cranberry butter on freshly toasted brioche, cinnamon raisin bread, or warm buttermilk biscuits for a delightful breakfast experience that balances sweet and tangy flavors.
• Serve alongside creamy brie, sharp aged cheddar, or goat cheese to complement the butter's rich maple and tart cranberry notes, creating a stunning appetizer or elegant dessert pairing.
• Drizzle or spread over fluffy pancakes, golden waffles, or tender scones to elevate your breakfast with a burst of seasonal cranberry and maple sweetness that will make taste buds dance.

Storage Guidelines for Maple Cranberry Butter

• Transfer maple cranberry butter to airtight glass containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. Keep the container sealed tightly to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness.
• Pack the butter in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, labeling with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Gently warm the butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Alternatively, microwave in short 10-15 second intervals, stirring between each interval until desired temperature is reached.

Maple Cranberry Butter Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Maple cranberry butter brings festive magic to morning toast with its rich, tangy essence. Creamy seasonal spread promises warmth and comfort you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pure maple syrup

Sweetening Options:

• Brown sugar (alternative to maple syrup)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse cranberries under cold running water, eliminating any debris. Select a large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven for optimal cooking.
2. Incorporate maple syrup, ensuring cranberries are uniformly coated, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors.
3. Elevate heat to high, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil. Reduce temperature and simmer for 7-8 minutes, watching as cranberries burst and release natural pectin. Stir intermittently to prevent scorching, being mindful of potential hot splatters.
4. As the mixture thickens and cranberries soften, remove from heat and allow brief cooling.
5. Transfer to a high-powered blender or food processor. Puree until achieving a velvety smooth consistency. Use a dishcloth to cover the blender lid if mixture remains hot, preventing potential splashing.
6. Evaluate the butter’s texture. If additional thickening is required, return to the pan and continue cooking until reaching desired density. Remember the mixture will further condense during chilling.
7. Carefully distribute the cranberry butter into sanitized glass containers. Allow to cool completely at room temperature before sealing and refrigerating. Properly stored, the butter maintains quality for 3-4 weeks.
8. For long-term preservation, sterilize glass jars and pour hot butter, maintaining 1/4 inch headspace. Meticulously clean jar rims to ensure proper sealing.
9. Secure lids tightly and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, adjusting time for higher altitudes if necessary.
10. After processing, remove from heat and let jars rest for 5 minutes. Allow 12-24 hours for complete cooling.
11. Validate seal integrity by gently pressing jar lids. A properly sealed lid will not flex when touched.

Notes

• Choose fresh, plump cranberries for the most vibrant flavor and best texture in your maple cranberry butter.
• Use pure maple syrup for an authentic, rich sweetness that complements the tart cranberries perfectly.
• Blend thoroughly to achieve a smooth, silky consistency that spreads easily on toast or pastries.
• Consider freezing extra batches in airtight containers for up to 3 months, preserving the seasonal delight for later enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg