Cranberry Honey Butter

Imagine the perfect spread to slather on warm, freshly baked bread—something sweet, tangy, and oh-so-creamy. That’s exactly what you get with this Cranberry Honey Butter. It’s like a burst of festive flavor in every bite, and it’s just the kind of thing that’ll take your holiday gatherings, brunches, or everyday breakfasts to the next level. The tangy sweetness of cranberries paired with rich honey and a creamy, buttery base? Trust me, you’re going to fall in love. It’s that sweet-savory combination you didn’t know you needed until you try it. You’ll want to spread it on everything, from rolls to pancakes to scones—it’s incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Honey Butter

This cranberry honey butter isn’t just a spread; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll be reaching for it over and over again:

• Perfect for the Holidays: With the bright burst of cranberries, this butter is a natural fit for the holiday season. It’s festive, vibrant, and just feels like a cozy hug on a plate.
• Sweet and Tangy: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet honey creates a balanced, delightful flavor that works so well with breads, muffins, or even roasted vegetables.
• Simple and Quick: This butter takes just a few minutes to whip up, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. Minimal effort, maximum flavor!
• Customizable: If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey. If you love the tartness of cranberries, you can amp it up with a few extra berries. Adjust it to your taste!
• Versatile: It’s not just for bread—you can slather it on pancakes, waffles, or even use it as a topping for roasted meats or baked goods. It’s the perfect finishing touch for many dishes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent cranberry honey butter:

• Fresh Cranberries: These little berries pack a punch of tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey.
• Butter: Softened, so it’s easy to blend into a smooth, creamy spread.
• Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that enhances the flavor of the cranberries.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps to sweeten the butter and create a smoother texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor that ties everything together.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to the good part—making this scrumptious butter!

Prepare the Cranberries:

Start by placing the fresh cranberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons) to help them cook down. Stir occasionally until the cranberries begin to soften and burst, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice the juices start to come out and form a bit of a cranberry sauce. Let this cool slightly before using it.

Cream the Butter:

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s smooth and creamy. This will make the butter easier to mix with the other ingredients and ensure a silky spread.

Mix the Ingredients:

Once your cranberries have cooled a bit, add them to the butter. Use a spoon or a hand mixer to incorporate the cranberries evenly into the butter. Add the honey, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is combined. You should have a lovely pink-hued butter with bits of cranberry throughout.

Taste and Adjust:

Give the cranberry honey butter a taste. If you want it a bit sweeter, add more honey or powdered sugar to suit your preference. If you love the tartness of cranberries, feel free to add more. It’s all about your personal taste!

Serve and Enjoy:

Once everything is mixed to your liking, transfer the butter into a small serving dish. You can serve it right away, or store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. It’s especially wonderful when served cold on warm bread!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 120
Total Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 20mg
  Sodium: 10mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 13g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 11g
  Protein: 1g
  Vitamin D: 10 IU (1% DV)
  Calcium: 10mg (1% DV)
  Iron: 0.1mg (1% DV)
  Potassium: 30mg (1% DV)

(Note: Exact nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient choices and serving sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Cranberry Honey Butter

This butter is perfect for a variety of dishes, whether you’re hosting a brunch, a holiday dinner, or simply treating yourself. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:

• Warm Bread or Rolls: Spread it on warm bread, rolls, or croissants for the ultimate comforting snack.
• Pancakes or Waffles: A dollop of cranberry honey butter on your morning pancakes or waffles takes them to the next level.
• Muffins: It pairs perfectly with freshly baked muffins, whether they’re blueberry, pumpkin, or banana.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A little twist on the classic grilled cheese—spread some cranberry honey butter on the bread before grilling!
• Roasted Vegetables: A surprising (and delicious) topping for roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots.
• Cheese Platters: Add it to your next cheese platter for a sweet contrast to tangy cheeses like goat cheese or brie.

Additional Tips

• Make it Ahead: This cranberry honey butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. It’s a great make-ahead addition to your holiday menu!
• Serve Cold: For best results, serve the butter cold on warm bread or muffins. The contrast in temperature is simply irresistible.
• Customize: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the cranberries into a puree before mixing it into the butter.
• Keep It Fresh: Always store the cranberry honey butter in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking. This will help reduce excess moisture.

Q2: Can I make this butter without honey?
A2: While honey adds sweetness and flavor, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave syrup if preferred.

Q3: How long can I store cranberry honey butter?
A3: This butter can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Q4: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A4: You can, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the butter. Butter gives the best creamy and rich consistency.

Q5: Can I double this recipe?
A5: Absolutely! If you’re serving a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients, and the method remains the same.

Q6: Can I freeze cranberry honey butter?
A6: Yes, you can freeze it! Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.

Q7: Can I use this butter as a gift?
A7: Definitely! This makes a wonderful homemade gift. Just jar it in a cute container with a little ribbon for a thoughtful treat.

Q8: What can I serve this butter with at Thanksgiving?
A8: Cranberry honey butter is perfect for serving with dinner rolls or biscuits at Thanksgiving. It’s a great alternative to traditional cranberry sauce!

Q9: Can I use this on desserts?
A9: Yes! This butter would be fantastic on cinnamon rolls, pancakes, or even drizzled over shortcakes or sponge cakes.

Q10: How do I adjust the sweetness of the butter?
A10: You can always add more honey or powdered sugar if you like it sweeter. It’s all about personal preference!

Conclusion

This Cranberry Honey Butter is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy. Whether you’re spreading it on bread, pancakes, or muffins, it adds a unique and festive touch to any dish. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you’ll have a spread that’s as delicious as it is versatile. Make a batch for your next holiday gathering, or treat yourself to a little indulgence—either way, you won’t regret it!

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