Cranberry Citrus Butter
Transform your breads and pastries with this delightful Cranberry Citrus Butter, inspired by a beloved recipe from the 2002 cookbook, Cranberry Cooking for All Seasons. This luscious spread combines the tartness of finely chopped cranberries with the creamy richness of softened unsalted butter, elevated by the zesty brightness of fresh orange zest. Ideal for slathering on hot rolls, muffins, or toasted whole grain bread, this butter brings a burst of flavor to any meal. Make it ahead of time for the holidays or special brunches, and watch it disappear from the table!
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cranberries, finely chopped
1/2 cup ((fresh or frozen))
Unsalted butter
1 cup (softened)
Powdered sugar
1/3 cup
Orange
1 (zest, minced)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cranberries, softened butter, powdered sugar, and minced orange zest.
2
Using a spatula or fork, thoroughly mix the ingredients until they form a smooth, well-blended consistency.
3
Place the cranberry butter mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Carefully shape it into a log, ensuring an even thickness throughout.
4
Gently squeeze out any excess liquid from the butter mixture or use a paper towel to blot lightly before sealing the log with the plastic wrap.
5
Refrigerate the log for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
6
Once firm, remove the log from the refrigerator, unwrap, and cut it into rounds.
7
Serve cold or at room temperature, and enjoy the burst of flavor on your favorite breads!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Citrus Butter?
Cranberry Citrus Butter is a luscious spread that combines tart cranberries, creamy softened butter, powdered sugar, and zesty orange for a flavorful topping for breads and pastries.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The ingredients include 1/2 cup finely chopped cranberries, 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, and the minced zest of one orange.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this butter?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe.
How should the butter be prepared?
The butter should be unsalted and softened to room temperature so it can be easily blended with the other ingredients.
What type of sugar is used in Cranberry Citrus Butter?
This recipe calls for 1/3 cup of powdered sugar to provide a smooth texture and sweet flavor.
How do I prepare the orange for this recipe?
You should zest one orange and then finely mince the zest before adding it to the butter mixture.
What is the first step in making this flavored butter?
The first step is to combine the finely chopped cranberries, softened butter, powdered sugar, and minced orange zest in a medium mixing bowl.
What tools do I need to mix the ingredients?
You can use a spatula or a fork to thoroughly mix the ingredients until they reach a smooth, well-blended consistency.
How do I shape the cranberry butter?
Place the mixture onto plastic wrap and carefully shape it into a log of even thickness.
Should I remove liquid from the cranberry mixture?
Yes, you should gently squeeze out any excess liquid or use a paper towel to blot the mixture lightly before sealing it in plastic wrap.
How long does the butter need to be refrigerated?
The butter log should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, or until it becomes firm.
How is the butter served once it is firm?
Once firm, remove the log from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and cut it into rounds for serving.
What are the best foods to serve with Cranberry Citrus Butter?
It is ideal for hot rolls, muffins, toasted whole grain bread, and various breakfast pastries.
Can I serve this butter at room temperature?
Yes, you can serve it either cold or at room temperature depending on your preference.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the 2002 cookbook titled Cranberry Cooking for All Seasons.
Is this recipe suitable for the holidays?
Absolutely, it is a great make-ahead recipe for holiday meals, special brunches, or festive gatherings.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
How much fat is in this cranberry butter?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There are 6 grams of sugar per serving.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with only four main ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: cranberries, butter, powdered sugar, and orange zest.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter, but you could use salted butter if you prefer a salty-sweet flavor profile.
Can I make this butter ahead of time?
Yes, since it needs time to firm up in the fridge, it is an excellent dish to prepare in advance.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cranberry butter, citrus spread, flavored butter, holiday recipes, and homemade condiments.
Can I use a food processor to mix this?
While the instructions suggest a spatula or fork, a food processor can be used on a low pulse to combine ingredients quickly.
What should the consistency of the final butter be?
The final product should be smooth and well-blended with bits of cranberry and orange zest throughout.
Is there any protein in this recipe?
The nutritional information indicates that the protein content is negligible or null.
How do I ensure the log has an even thickness?
When rolling the mixture in plastic wrap, use your hands to gently smooth and shape it into a uniform cylinder.
Can I substitute the orange zest with another citrus?
While the recipe calls for orange, you could experiment with lemon or lime zest for a different citrus note.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
According to the nutrition facts provided, the fiber content is null.