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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1 tablespoon orange zest - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt To make cranberry butter, start with unsalted butter. You want it soft, not melted. This helps it mix well with the other ingredients. You can use fresh or frozen cranberries. Both work nicely, giving a tart flavor. The powdered sugar adds a sweet touch. If you want a less sweet butter, you can adjust this amount. Orange zest brings a fresh burst of citrus to the mix. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. A pinch of salt balances all the flavors perfectly. - Alternatives to unsalted butter You can use salted butter if you prefer. Just skip the pinch of salt. Coconut oil or vegan butter also works for a dairy-free option. - Using dried cranberries Dried cranberries can replace fresh ones. They will make your butter sweeter. Chop them finely to mix well. - Adjusting sugar levels for taste If you want it less sweet, start with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Taste and add more if needed. You can experiment with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to soften the butter. Place 1 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. This step is key. Soft butter mixes well, giving you that creamy texture. Creamy butter helps your cranberry butter spread easily. Next, put the softened butter in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer or whisk. Blend it until it is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. After that, gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped cranberries. Use a spatula to ensure they are evenly mixed in. This way, every bite has a hint of tart cranberry. Now, it’s time to add more flavor. Add in 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until well combined. Taste the butter. If you like it sweeter, add more powdered sugar. Once it tastes just right, transfer the cranberry butter to an airtight container. Smooth the top and cover it. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld together and firms up the butter. To make great cranberry butter, butter must be soft. Leave it out for 30 minutes. This way, it becomes creamy and easy to mix. When you mix, you can use an electric mixer or a whisk. An electric mixer makes it fluffy faster. A whisk is good for a workout, but takes longer. You can boost the flavor of your cranberry butter. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. You can also mix in chopped nuts for crunch. To adjust sweetness, taste before serving. Add more powdered sugar for a sweeter spread, or less for a tangy twist. Cranberry butter pairs well with many foods. Spread it on fresh bread or warm scones. It also tastes great on pancakes. For a special touch, serve it in a small dish. Top it with extra orange zest or whole cranberries. This makes your table look inviting and festive! Pro Tips Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a creamy texture. Ingredient Freshness: Using fresh cranberries will enhance the flavor of your butter, but frozen can work in a pinch. Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar, depending on your taste preference. Chill Time: Allowing the butter to chill for at least an hour helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to spread. {{image_2}} You can spice up cranberry butter in fun ways. Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg. These warm spices bring out the fruit's tartness. You can also mix in other fruits. Peaches and apples pair nicely with cranberries. They add extra sweetness and flavor. This makes your butter even more exciting. If you want a vegan option, use plant-based butter. It works just like regular butter. For those who watch their sugar, make a low-sugar version. You can reduce the powdered sugar or use a sugar alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy your cranberry butter without worry. Cranberry butter isn't just for bread. Spread it on pancakes or waffles for a tasty twist. You can also use it as a dessert topping. It works well on ice cream or cakes. Try mixing it into yogurt for a quick snack. The possibilities are endless! To store cranberry butter, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors. You should refrigerate it right after making it. Homemade cranberry butter lasts about one week in the fridge. You can freeze cranberry butter to enjoy it later. First, scoop the butter into a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Seal the container tightly. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to use it, take it out of the freezer. Put it in the fridge to thaw overnight. You can also thaw it at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, stir it well to mix the texture. Use it in your favorite recipes or spread it on warm bread. You can store cranberry butter in the fridge for about one week. Keep it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. In the freezer, it can last for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before using. Yes, you can use dried cranberries. However, they will change the texture and flavor. Fresh cranberries give a juicy burst with each bite. Dried cranberries are sweeter and less tart. If you use them, you may want to adjust the sugar. This way, the butter stays balanced. Cranberries are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are high in vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system. They also contain fiber, which is good for digestion. Plus, cranberries have antioxidants that can protect your body. Including cranberries in your diet can help support heart health and prevent infections. Enjoying cranberry butter allows you to add these benefits to your meals easily. Cranberry butter is a fun and tasty treat to make. You learned the ingredients, alternatives, and the easy steps to create it. I shared tips for the right texture and flavor. You can jazz it up with seasonal ingredients too! Remember to store it correctly for the best taste. Enjoy spreading this bright butter on bread, pastries, or even desserts. Your kitchen can now shine with this simple yet delicious recipe!

Cranberry Bliss Butter

A creamy and flavorful butter infused with cranberries and orange zest, perfect for spreading on bread or pancakes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.5 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
  • 0.25 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Start by softening the butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until it is creamy and spreadable.
  • In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend until light and fluffy.
  • Fold in the chopped cranberries gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
  • Add the powdered sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Taste the butter and adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired.
  • Once fully mixed, transfer the cranberry butter to an airtight container. Smooth the top and cover.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.

Notes

Serve in a small dish, garnished with orange zest or whole cranberries.
Keyword breakfast, butter, cranberry, spread