Silky Maple Cranberry Butter Recipe

Luscious Silky Maple Cranberry Butter Recipe for Fall Magic

Sweet autumn mornings call for a luxurious maple cranberry butter that blends rich, creamy textures with vibrant seasonal flavors.

Blending tangy cranberries with smooth maple syrup creates a magical spread that dances between sweet and tart.

Homemade maple cranberry butter brings warmth to your breakfast table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Each spoonful promises a burst of fall-inspired comfort that melts perfectly on warm toast or fresh-baked scones.

Cranberries add a gorgeous ruby-red color and bright notes to this simple yet elegant condiment.

The recipe transforms ordinary butter into an extraordinary companion for your morning bread.

Your breakfast will never be the same once you experience this delightful, rustic spread that celebrates the best of autumn’s bounty.

How to Serve It with Sweet or Savory Meals

  • Breakfast Bliss: Spread this luxurious maple cranberry butter on warm, freshly baked buttermilk biscuits for a delightful morning treat.
  • Holiday Charcuterie: Use as a gourmet spread on a festive cheese board, pairing perfectly with soft cheeses and crusty bread for elegant entertaining.
  • Baked Goods Upgrade: Swirl into muffin or pancake batter before baking to infuse extra richness and tangy-sweet cranberry flavor into your breakfast classics.
  • Toast Transformation: Elevate simple toast by generously spreading this creamy, maple-infused butter – ideal for quick breakfasts or afternoon snacks that feel special.

Chill, Store, and Use It Again

  • Keep the maple cranberry butter sealed tightly in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
  • Wrap the butter in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
  • Create convenient single-serve butter portions by rolling the mixture into a log using parchment paper, then slice into small rounds. These ready-to-use discs make breakfast preparation quick and delightful.
  • Remove the butter from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing its rich maple and cranberry flavors to shine and spread smoothly on warm baked goods.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh or dried ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw and chop them before adding to the butter, and make sure to pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.

  • Is it possible to make this butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the maple cranberry butter up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture.

  • How can I make this recipe more festive for holiday gatherings?

Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest to enhance the seasonal flavor profile. These small additions can make the butter feel more special and holiday-ready.

  • What type of butter works best for this recipe?

Unsalted butter is recommended to control the overall sweetness. Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients That Bring Out the Best in Maple Cranberry Butter

For Butter Base:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth, creamy foundation that allows other flavors to shine, best when softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sophisticated depth to enhance the overall flavor profile of the butter.
For Sweeteners and Spices:
  • Maple Syrup: Brings rich, woodsy sweetness that complements the cranberries, choose pure maple syrup for the most authentic flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers a deep, molasses-like sweetness that adds complexity and richness to the butter.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice that bridges the flavors of maple and cranberry perfectly.
For Fruity Element:
  • Fresh Cranberries or Dried Cranberries: Introduces tangy brightness and festive color, chopped to distribute evenly throughout the butter and create balanced texture bites.

Simple Tools for Smooth Butter Prep

  • Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy container for combining ingredients smoothly.
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for whipping butter to light, fluffy texture.
  • Spatula: Perfect for gently folding cranberries into butter mixture.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping cranberries if using fresh ones.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps slice and chop cranberries precisely.
  • Storage Jar or Container: Ideal for chilling and storing finished maple cranberry butter.

Make, Mix, and Chill Your Maple Cranberry Spread

  • Crush Cranberries

Roughly chop cranberries into bite-sized pieces to enhance flavor distribution in the butter.

  • Whip Butter

Beat softened butter with an electric mixer until it becomes airy and light, creating a creamy base.

  • Blend Flavor Boosters

Gradually incorporate maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract into the whipped butter, mixing until smooth and well combined.

  • Sprinkle Cranberry Surprise

Tenderly fold chopped cranberries into the butter mixture, ensuring even spread without overmixing.

  • Chill and Delight

Pour the vibrant butter into a sealed container and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize. Serve alongside warm bread, muffins, or toast for a delightful spread that celebrates sweet and tangy notes.

Creative Mix-Ins to Elevate the Flavor

  • Whip the butter at room temperature for maximum fluffiness and smoother incorporation of ingredients.
  • Swap dried cranberries with fresh or frozen varieties for different texture and intensity of fruit flavor.
  • This butter can be prepared up to one week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making meal prep a breeze.
  • For a vegan version, substitute dairy butter with plant-based butter alternatives like coconut or almond-based spreads to accommodate different dietary needs.
  • Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom to create unique flavor profiles that complement the maple and cranberry combination.
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Silky Maple Cranberry Butter Recipe

Silky Maple Cranberry Butter


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Maple Cranberry Butter elevates holiday spreads with its rich Canadian-inspired blend of sweet maple and tart cranberries. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced, this compound butter brings festive cheer to breads, rolls, and morning toast. Spread generously and enjoy classic seasonal flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (120 ml) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed)
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Finely dice cranberries to guarantee balanced flavor distribution throughout the butter.
  2. Whipping: Utilize an electric mixer to transform butter into a light, voluminous texture, creating an ideal foundation for flavor integration.
  3. Flavor Fusion: Methodically blend maple syrup, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract into the whipped butter, ensuring a harmonious and balanced sweet composition.
  4. Fruit Incorporation: Gently fold chopped cranberries into the whipped mixture, maintaining the butter’s delicate airiness while achieving uniform fruit dispersion.
  5. Chilling and Resting: Transfer the aromatic spread into a sealed container and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
  6. Serving: Remove butter from refrigerator approximately 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing it to soften slightly, then present alongside warm baked goods like freshly toasted bread, tender muffins, or flaky scones.

Notes

  • Dice Precisely: Finely chop cranberries to smaller than pea-sized pieces for even flavor distribution and smoother texture throughout the butter.
  • Whip Carefully: Use room temperature butter and beat on medium-high speed to achieve maximum airiness without overworking the mixture, which can make it grainy.
  • Balance Sweetness: Adjust maple syrup and brown sugar quantities based on cranberry tartness to create a perfectly balanced sweet-tangy spread.
  • Serve Strategically: Allow butter to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance spreadability and release full flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 10 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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