Maple Cranberry Butter Recipe

Introduction

When I first made this Maple Cranberry Butter, I had no idea how quickly it would become a favorite in my household. The balance of sweet maple syrup and tart cranberries creates a perfect spread that’s versatile enough to enjoy on everything from toast to pancakes, to even roasted meats. The smooth, silky texture combined with the festive flavor profile gives it that special touch, especially during the fall and winter months when cranberries are at their best. My family loved it, and we found ourselves putting it on almost anything – from scones to grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to prepare a big batch, and the good news is, it’s easy to make and store for later. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want a new spread for breakfast, this Maple Cranberry Butter is sure to become a household staple.

Ingredients

• 24 ounces fresh cranberries (two 12-ounce bags)
• 1 cup pure maple syrup (or substitute with brown sugar if desired)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cranberries: Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Pick through the cranberries to remove any stems or damaged fruit. Place the cranberries into a large, heavy saucepan or Dutch oven.
2. Add Maple Syrup: Pour the maple syrup over the cranberries, making sure the berries are evenly coated. If you prefer a sweeter butter, you can substitute the maple syrup with brown sugar, but the maple syrup adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
3. Boil the Cranberries: Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture continue to cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the cranberries beginning to pop open and soften, and the mixture will start to thicken naturally due to the pectin in the berries.
4. Blend the Mixture: Once the cranberries have softened and the mixture has thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from heat. Let it cool slightly before transferring it to a high-speed blender or food processor. If the mixture is hot, be sure to cover the lid with a dishcloth to prevent any hot splatters.
5. Check the Consistency: Blend the cranberry and maple syrup mixture until it is completely smooth and silky. If the consistency is too runny, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook it further until it reaches your desired thickness. Keep in mind that the butter will thicken a bit more as it cools.
6. Jar the Butter: Once the butter has reached your desired consistency, spoon it into clean jars. Let the butter cool to room temperature, then cap and refrigerate. The butter will last for up to 3 weeks to a month when stored in the fridge.

For Canning:

1. Sterilize Jars: If you prefer to can the butter for long-term storage, sterilize the jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
2. Fill the Jars: Pour the hot cranberry butter into the hot sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean before sealing the jars tightly.
3. Process the Jars: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. For higher altitudes, adjust the time accordingly.
4. Cool and Check Seals: After processing, remove the jars from the canner and let them sit for 5 minutes with the lid off. Allow the jars to cool for 12-24 hours, then press the center of the lids to check for proper seals. The lids should not flex.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 16 servings
• Calories per serving: 45 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)

How to Serve

• Spread on Toast: A simple and delicious way to enjoy this cranberry butter is by spreading it on warm, buttered toast.
• Pancakes or Waffles: Serve a generous dollop on pancakes or waffles for a festive breakfast treat.
• Scones or Biscuits: Add this butter as a topping for freshly baked scones or biscuits.
• Roasted Meats: This maple cranberry butter also makes a fantastic glaze or topping for roasted turkey, chicken, or pork.
• Grilled Cheese: Use it as a spread on grilled cheese sandwiches for a sweet and savory twist.
• Yogurt or Oatmeal: Stir it into plain yogurt or oatmeal for a flavorful breakfast.
• Cheese Pairing: Pair with sharp cheeses like cheddar or brie for a sophisticated snack.

Additional Tips

1. Make It Sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter version, add a little extra maple syrup or brown sugar while the mixture is simmering.
2. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry butter for extra warmth and complexity, especially for the holiday season.
3. Use Fresh Cranberries: This recipe works best with fresh cranberries, as frozen cranberries tend to release too much water and may affect the texture of the butter.
4. Check Consistency: The butter will thicken more as it cools, so make sure it’s slightly thicker than you want before removing it from the heat.
5. Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allow the cranberry butter to cool to room temperature before storing it to avoid condensation in the jars.

Recipe Variations

• Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy kick that complements the tart cranberries.
• Spiced Version: Spice things up with a bit of ginger or cloves for a warm, spiced cranberry butter perfect for the colder months.
• Cranberry and Apple: For a fruitier twist, add some diced apples to the cranberry mixture as it simmers for a cranberry-apple butter.
• No Maple Version: If you prefer, substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.

Serving Suggestions

• For Thanksgiving: This maple cranberry butter is a fantastic addition to the Thanksgiving table, pairing well with roasted turkey or on a holiday cheese board.
• As a Holiday Gift: Package it in small jars with a festive ribbon and give it as a gift for the holidays. It’s a thoughtful and unique homemade present.
• As a Dip: Use this butter as a dip for fresh fruit or crackers at your next party.
• On Ice Cream: Spoon it over vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert topping.
• Toast for Breakfast: Use it as a topping for your morning toast or English muffin for a sweet, tart start to the day.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store your cranberry butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 weeks to a month.
• Freezing: This butter can be frozen for up to 6 months. Simply spoon the butter into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. To thaw, transfer it to the fridge overnight.
• For Canning: If you’ve processed the butter in jars, it will keep for up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. After opening, store it in the fridge and consume within 3-4 weeks.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Fresh cranberries work best for the texture of the butter. However, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available.

2. How can I thicken the butter if it’s too runny?
Return the mixture to the stovetop and simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken it. Make sure to stir frequently.

3. Can I make this without maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with brown sugar or honey, but it will alter the flavor slightly.

4. How do I make sure the jars are properly sealed when canning?
After processing the jars, let them cool for 12-24 hours and check that the center of the lid is depressed. If it doesn’t pop back, it’s sealed.

5. How long can I store this butter?
In the refrigerator, this butter will keep for up to 3 weeks. If canned, it will last up to a year.

6. Can I add other fruits to the butter?
Yes! You can experiment by adding other fruits like apples or pears for a variation in flavor.

7. What type of jar should I use for canning?
Use canning jars specifically designed for preserving. Ensure they are sterilized before use.

8. Can I use this butter as a glaze for meats?
Absolutely! This butter makes an excellent glaze for roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or pork.

9. How do I make this more tart?
To make the butter more tart, reduce the amount of maple syrup or add more cranberries during cooking.

10. Is this butter suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan

as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey.

Conclusion

Maple Cranberry Butter is an easy and delicious recipe that can be used in a variety of ways, from a simple spread on toast to a complex glaze for meats. It captures the best of fall and winter flavors with its perfect balance of tart cranberries and rich maple syrup. Whether you make it for a holiday gift, a special occasion, or as an everyday treat, this butter is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With easy storage options and the ability to customize, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to add something unique to their cooking repertoire.

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