Description
Sweet and tangy Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter brings festive flair to holiday tables. Creamy spread blends tart cranberries with rich butter, offering a delightful companion for toast, rolls, or baked treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) orange juice
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Compote Creation: Simmer cranberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, gently stirring until berries burst and transform into a glossy, thick mixture with a vibrant crimson hue.
- Cooling Phase: Let the cranberry compote cool to prevent butter from melting, creating an ideal blending temperature for a harmonious spread.
- Flavor Infusion: Fold softened butter into the cooled compote, introducing orange zest and vanilla extract to elevate the aromatic complexity and create a nuanced flavor profile.
- Blending Technique: Whip the ingredients vigorously until they seamlessly integrate, producing a smooth, marbled spread with rich golden and deep crimson undertones.
- Storage and Chilling: Transfer the cranberry butter into a sealed glass container and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serving Preparation: Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to achieve a luxurious, spreadable consistency perfect for warm breads, toasted bagels, or morning pastries.
Notes
- Prevent Berry Burning: Stir frequently and maintain medium heat to avoid scorching cranberries, ensuring even caramelization and preventing bitter taste.
- Temperature Control Matters: Cool cranberry mixture thoroughly before adding butter to maintain proper texture and prevent separation or greasy consistency.
- Zest Intensification: Grate orange zest finely to distribute citrus oils evenly, enhancing the aromatic complexity without overwhelming the delicate cranberry flavor.
- Softened Butter Technique: Use room temperature butter precisely softened – not melted – for seamless blending and creating a smooth, spreadable texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 17
- Calories: 174
- Sugar: 11.76 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 12.24 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.88 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.36 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16.59 g
- Fiber: 1.19 g
- Protein: 0.32 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg