Cranberry Orange Bliss Butter
Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with our Cranberry Orange Bliss Butter! This sweet, creamy concoction combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright zest of oranges, all whipped up with velvety butter and a hint of sweetness from powdered sugar. Perfect for spreading on warm rolls, toast, or pancakes, it's an easy and delightful addition to your holiday table. Whether served at Thanksgiving or during winter festivities, this colorful butter is sure to impress your guests and add a cheerful touch to any meal.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
1/2 cup (room temperature)
Powdered Sugar
3 tablespoons
Sea Salt
1/16 teaspoon (ground)
Frozen Cranberries
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Orange Zest
1/2 teaspoon (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and sea salt.
2
Using a hand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and creamy, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
3
Once the butter is smooth, gently fold in the finely chopped frozen cranberries and orange zest using a spatula or the beaters on low speed, until evenly distributed.
4
If you prefer a chilled butter, scoop the mixture onto a sheet of parchment or wax paper. Form it into a log shape by folding one side of the paper over the butter, then rolling it tightly while folding in the ends to seal.
5
Place the wrapped butter log in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Slice into rounds to offer as a delightful spread.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
6g
Carbs
0.4g
Protein
4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Orange Bliss Butter?
It is a sweet and creamy compound butter made by whipping unsalted butter with powdered sugar, sea salt, tart frozen cranberries, and fresh orange zest.
How should I store this flavored butter?
Store the butter in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in parchment paper in the refrigerator.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you should omit the additional 1/16 teaspoon of sea salt mentioned in the recipe.
What are the best foods to serve with Cranberry Orange Bliss Butter?
It is delicious on warm rolls, toast, pancakes, waffles, muffins, or even scones.
How long does the butter stay fresh in the refrigerator?
When properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Bliss Butter?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh cranberries work perfectly. Just ensure they are washed and very finely chopped.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed—butter, sugar, salt, cranberries, and orange zest—are naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute powdered sugar with honey or maple syrup?
You can, but it will change the consistency of the butter. Powdered sugar helps maintain a fluffy, whipped texture.
How do I soften the butter quickly?
Leave it on the counter for about an hour, or cut it into small cubes to speed up the softening process at room temperature.
Why do I need to chill the butter for 2 hours?
Chilling allows the butter to firm up for slicing and gives time for the cranberry and orange flavors to infuse into the butter.
Can I make a vegan version of this butter?
Yes, you can substitute the dairy butter with a high-quality plant-based butter alternative.
What exactly is orange zest?
Orange zest is the brightly colored, flavorful outer skin of the orange, excluding the bitter white pith.
What is the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or a fine grater to lightly scrape only the orange part of the peel.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, finely chopped pecans or walnuts would make a great addition for extra crunch.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of frozen?
Yes, but they will be chewier. You may want to soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes and then pat dry before chopping.
How do I prevent the cranberries from turning the whole butter pink?
Gently fold them in at the very end rather than over-mixing with the electric beaters.
Is this butter suitable for children?
Yes, kids usually love the sweet and creamy flavor profile of this festive spread.
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Absolutely, this recipe scales up very easily for large holiday gatherings.
What is the easiest way to chop frozen cranberries?
You can pulse them quickly in a small food processor or use a sharp chef's knife while they are still frozen to prevent smashing.
Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?
Yes, a stand mixer with the whisk or paddle attachment works perfectly for whipping the butter.
What if I do not have sea salt?
You can use a tiny pinch of regular table salt or kosher salt as a substitute.
Is this a good recipe for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is a perfect festive addition to a Thanksgiving dinner table, especially served with rolls.
How many calories are in a serving of this butter?
There are approximately 100 calories per serving.
Can I make this recipe a day ahead of time?
Yes, making it a day ahead is actually recommended to allow the flavors to fully develop.
How do I form the butter into a log?
Place the butter on parchment paper, fold the paper over, and use a ruler or your hands to roll and compress it into a cylinder.
Can I use lemon zest instead of orange zest?
Yes, lemon zest will provide a sharper citrus flavor that also pairs well with cranberries.
What type of powdered sugar should I use?
Standard 10-X confectioners' sugar is best for a smooth texture.
Is it okay to use margarine for this recipe?
It is not recommended, as the flavor and firming properties of real butter are essential for this specific recipe.
How do I serve the butter log?
Once chilled and firm, remove from the paper and slice into 1/4 inch thick rounds for a beautiful presentation.