Maple Cranberry Butter is the kind of seasonal delight you can’t help but swoon over, especially when you realize just how effortlessly the tartness of cranberries marries with pure maple syrup for a bright, spreadable treat. This Delicious Recipe requires only two humble ingredients and a little stovetop magic to yield a smooth, jewel-toned butter that’s perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or even holiday gifting. Whether you’re dolloping it on warm toast, swirling into oatmeal, or spooning onto pancakes, each bite offers a cheery pop of flavor that feels both nostalgic and new.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just two ingredients can create such depth of flavor until you try this Delicious Recipe for yourself. Each component plays an important role, so choose the best you can for the brightest color and smoothest texture.
- Cranberries: Use 24 ounces of fresh cranberries (two 12-ounce bags); their natural pectin thickens the butter and imparts a lovely, tart punch.
- Pure Maple Syrup: One cup of maple syrup envelopes the cranberries with a lush sweetness, keeping things balanced and adding a subtle, caramel note. (Brown sugar works in a pinch if you’re out!)
How to Make Delicious Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cranberries
Start by giving your fresh cranberries a quick rinse under cool water, picking out any stems or mushy berries. Pop them straight into a large, heavy saucepan or Dutch oven. This not only ensures even cooking but also prevents scorching and sticking as your butter simmers away.
Step 2: Stir in the Maple Syrup
Pour the pure maple syrup right over your cranberries. Give everything a gentle stir until each berry is glossy and well-coated. You’ll already catch an incredible sweet-tart aroma as the splashes of syrup hit those bright berries!
Step 3: Simmer and Pop
Bring the pan to a lively boil over high heat, then turn the heat down just a smidge. Let those cranberries bubble rapidly for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring every so often to keep the bottom from catching. You’ll notice the berries begin to pop, collapse, and transform into a chunky, ruby-red mixture—this is your homemade magic at work.
Step 4: Blend Until Silky Smooth
Once the cranberries have collapsed and thickened a bit, take the pot off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender or food processor. If you’re blending while the mixture is still hot, cover the blender lid with a dish towel—better safe than sorry! Blend it up until perfectly smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Adjust the Texture
Check your cranberry butter’s consistency. If you like it thicker, simply return the silky puree to your clean saucepan and cook gently for a few more minutes until it feels right for spreading. Remember, the mixture will thicken even more as it cools.
Step 6: Jar and Chill
Spoon the finished butter into clean glass jars, let them cool to room temperature, then secure the lids. Pop the jars in the fridge and know that this Delicious Recipe will keep beautifully for 3 weeks to a month.
Step 7: Preserving With Canning (Optional)
If you’d love to keep some for gifts or just want to preserve a batch for later, ladle the hot butter into pre-sterilized jars, leaving a quarter inch of headspace. Wipe the rims, secure the lids, and process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude as needed). Let the jars cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours, then check the seals—a perfectly canned batch ensures Delicious Recipe lasts well beyond cranberry season.
How to Serve Delicious Recipe
Garnishes
Top a spoonful of Maple Cranberry Butter with orange zest, a sprig of rosemary, or a scatter of toasted nuts. These simple finishing touches add gorgeous color and a little extra aroma, making every bite of this Delicious Recipe irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your cranberry butter with flaky biscuits, sourdough toast, or slather it onto warm scones for breakfast. You’ll also love it alongside savory dishes—try it with roasted turkey or chicken, or as a lively counterpoint to sharp cheeses and crackers on a cheeseboard.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present your Delicious Recipe swirled into Greek yogurt, layered between pancakes, or dolloped on cheesecake and baked brie. Small gift jars, tied with festive ribbon, make charming homemade presents everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Maple Cranberry Butter should go straight to the fridge in a tightly sealed jar or container. It stays fresh for up to a month, making it easy to enjoy a little each day or break it out for weekend brunches.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion your cranberry butter into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 6 months; simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using. The Delicious Recipe retains its brightness and spreadability beautifully after freezing.
Reheating
If you prefer your cranberry butter warm, scoop out what you need and gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in 10-15 second bursts, stirring between. This revives the intense aroma and makes it a dreamy addition to hot toast or muffins.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well—no need to thaw before cooking. This keeps the Delicious Recipe accessible year-round, not just during cranberry season.
Is it possible to make this Delicious Recipe less sweet?
If you prefer a sharper tang, start with a bit less maple syrup and taste after blending. You can always add a little more syrup at the end to hit your perfect level of sweetness without losing the cranberry’s zing.
Can I strain the butter for an extra-smooth finish?
Of course! After blending, you can press the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for a satiny-smooth cranberry butter, free of any seeds or skins. This extra step is worth it for a super-polished spread.
Does this Delicious Recipe work for canning?
Yes, it’s a fantastic recipe for canning! Just follow the boiling water bath instructions and be sure to use sterilized jars for safe, shelf-stable storage. Homemade gifts, coming right up!
What are some fun ideas for using up leftover cranberry butter?
Swirl a spoonful into oatmeal, mix it into muffin or cake batter, or use as a tangy glaze for roast meats. This Delicious Recipe is endlessly adaptable—wherever you might use jam or sweet sauce, cranberry butter shines.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a low-effort, high-impact homemade treat, this Delicious Recipe for Maple Cranberry Butter is sure to win you over. With gorgeous color, bursty flavors, and endless versatility, it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first spoonful!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop, Blender
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Maple Cranberry Butter is a simple, two-ingredient recipe that transforms fresh cranberries and maple syrup into a smooth, tangy-sweet spread. Cook the cranberries until they burst and thicken, blend until silky, and adjust the consistency to your liking. Perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over pancakes, or adding to baked goods, this versatile butter can also be canned for long-term storage. Whether enjoyed fresh or preserved for gifting, it’s a seasonal treat that’s as flavorful as it is easy to make!
Ingredients
- two 12-ounce bags
- or substitute with brown sugar if desired
24 ounces fresh cranberries
1 cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and place them in a large heavy saucepan or pot. A Dutch oven works great for this.
- Stir in the maple syrup until the cranberries are evenly coated.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat slightly and let the berries boil for 5-10 minutes until they pop open, soften, and the mixture thickens naturally from the pectin in the berries. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and be cautious of hot splatters.
- Allow the cranberry mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it 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 avoid spills.
- Check the consistency. If it’s not thick enough, return it to the cleaned saucepan and cook further until it reaches your preferred thickness. Remember, it will thicken more as it chills.
- Spoon the finished butter into clean jars, let it cool, then cap and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3 weeks to a month.
- For Canning:
- Pour the hot butter into hot sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and secure the lids tightly.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, adjusting the time for higher altitudes. Remove the canner from heat, take off the lid, and let the jars sit for 5 minutes before removing them.
- Allow the jars to cool for 12-24 hours. Check the seals—press the center of the lids; they shouldn’t flex if properly sealed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
