Cranberry-Pecan Orange Butter
This delightful Cranberry-Pecan Orange Butter is the perfect festive treat to elevate your Christmas morning breakfast. Inspired by a charming find while babysitting, this recipe combines the rich creaminess of salted butter with tangy dried cranberries and crunchy roasted pecans, all brightened with aromatic orange zest. A few simple steps lead to a luscious spread that pairs beautifully with toasted raisin bread or festive nut breads. Prepare it ahead of time and enjoy the creamy, fruity flavor that will surely become a family favorite!
10
Servings
120
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salted butter
1 cup (softened)
Dried cranberries
1/2 cup (divided)
Orange zest
2 tablespoons (freshly grated)
Pecans
1/2 cup (roasted and chopped, divided)
Instructions
1
Divide the dried cranberries and chopped pecans in half.
2
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans, and set aside for later use.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, orange zest, and 1/4 cup of chopped roasted pecans.
4
Mix the ingredients until well blended and creamy.
5
Transfer the butter mixture onto a 12x12 inch piece of wax paper.
6
Fold the wax paper over the mixture and shape it into a log, ensuring the ends are sealed tightly.
7
Place the log in the freezer for 30 minutes to allow it to harden.
8
Once firm, remove the butter log from the freezer and carefully unwrap the wax paper.
9
Roll the log in the reserved mixture of cranberries and pecans, coating the outside thoroughly.
10
Wrap the coated log back in wax paper and refrigerate until ready to use.
Nutrition Information
10.8
Fat
5.4
Carbs
0.6
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry-Pecan Orange Butter?
It is a festive, creamy spread made with salted butter, tangy dried cranberries, crunchy roasted pecans, and fresh orange zest, perfect for holiday breakfasts.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 120 calories.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are salted butter, dried cranberries, orange zest, and roasted chopped pecans.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 1 cup of softened salted butter.
How much orange zest should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly grated orange zest.
Should the pecans be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the pecans should be roasted and chopped before being divided for the recipe.
Why do I need to divide the cranberries and pecans?
Half of the mixture is incorporated into the butter, while the other half is used to coat the outside of the butter log for a decorative finish.
How do I shape the butter mixture into a log?
Transfer the mixture onto a 12x12 inch piece of wax paper, fold it over, and shape it into a log, sealing the ends tightly.
How long should the butter log stay in the freezer?
Place the log in the freezer for 30 minutes to allow it to harden.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10.8 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving has 5.4 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there protein in this butter?
Yes, there is 0.6 grams of protein per serving.
What type of bread pairs best with this spread?
It pairs beautifully with toasted raisin bread or festive nut breads.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, it can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
What size wax paper is recommended?
A 12x12 inch piece of wax paper is ideal for shaping the butter log.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifically calls for salted butter to balance the sweet and tangy flavors.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are recommended for their texture and sweetness; fresh cranberries might release too much moisture.
How do I coat the outside of the butter log?
Once the log is firm from the freezer, unwrap it and roll it in the reserved mixture of cranberries and pecans.
Is this recipe suitable for Christmas morning?
Yes, its festive flavors and appearance make it an excellent choice for a holiday breakfast.
How should I store the butter?
After coating the log, wrap it back in wax paper and store it in the refrigerator.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: butter, cranberries, orange zest, and pecans.
Is the orange zest fresh or dried?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of freshly grated orange zest for the best aroma and flavor.
Do I need a mixer to combine the ingredients?
You can use a large mixing bowl and mix by hand or with a mixer until the ingredients are well blended and creamy.
What should I do if the butter log is too soft to roll?
Ensure it has spent the full 30 minutes in the freezer to reach the necessary firmness.
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
While pecans are classic, you could substitute them with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Is this spread gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients list, this butter spread is naturally gluten-free.
What is the total amount of pecans used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of roasted and chopped pecans in total.
What is the total amount of dried cranberries used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of dried cranberries in total.
Can this be used as a gift?
Absolutely, its attractive presentation as a rolled log makes it a wonderful homemade food gift.