Delightful Cherry-Vanilla Rhubarb Spread
Elevate your breakfast and dessert game with this Delightful Cherry-Vanilla Rhubarb Spread! This velvety smooth butter combines the tartness of freshly cut rhubarb with the rich sweetness of cherry juice and a hint of vanilla. The balance of flavors creates a delightful condiment that is perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on pancakes, or using as a topping for desserts. This easy-to-make recipe yields three pints, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends or for stocking your pantry with a seasonal treat. Let's dive into the vibrant world of flavors!
N/A
Servings
50
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rhubarb
4 lbs (Cut into small pieces)
Sugar
3 1/2 cups (Granulated)
Tart Cherry Juice
3/4 cup (Unsweetened)
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Vanilla Extract
1/2 tablespoon (Pure vanilla extract)
Instructions
1
In a large casserole dish, combine the rhubarb pieces and sugar. Make sure the rhubarb is well coated with sugar for optimal flavor infusion.
2
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it overnight. This will allow the rhubarb to macerate, drawing out its juices and intensifying the sweetness.
3
The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4
Stir in the tart cherry juice with the rhubarb mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
5
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake the mixture. Stir every hour to prevent sticking and to promote even cooking. Continue baking for a total of 4 hours or until the rhubarb has broken down and the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency.
6
Once cooked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, blending them into the rhubarb mixture well.
7
To preserve the butter, process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, sealing the jars tightly to ensure a flavorful spread that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
0.04g
Protein
0.33g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delightful Cherry-Vanilla Rhubarb Spread?
It is a velvety smooth fruit butter that combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of cherry juice and vanilla.
How many pints does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately three pints of spread.
What are the main ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are rhubarb, granulated sugar, tart cherry juice, lemon juice, and pure vanilla extract.
How much rhubarb is required?
You will need 4 lbs of rhubarb cut into small pieces.
What kind of sugar should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
Is the cherry juice sweetened?
No, the recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of unsweetened tart cherry juice.
Why must the rhubarb be refrigerated overnight?
Refrigerating it with sugar allows the rhubarb to macerate, drawing out its juices and intensifying the flavor.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the spread need to bake?
The mixture should bake for a total of 4 hours.
How often should I stir the mixture while it is in the oven?
You should stir the mixture every hour to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
When do I add the lemon juice and vanilla?
Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract after removing the dish from the oven at the end of the baking process.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How much vanilla extract is added?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.
How do I preserve the spread for long-term storage?
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are sealed tightly.
What are some serving suggestions for this spread?
It is perfect for toast, pancakes, or as a topping for various desserts.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 50 calories per serving.
Does this spread contain any fat?
No, the nutritional profile shows 0g of fat.
How much protein is in the spread?
It contains 0.04g of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content?
Each serving provides 0.33g of fiber.
How do I know when the spread is finished cooking?
It is done when the rhubarb has broken down and the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency.
What is the first step of the recipe?
Combine rhubarb pieces and sugar in a large casserole dish and coat the fruit well.
Can this be used as a dessert topping?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as an excellent topping for desserts.
What type of dish should I use for baking?
A large casserole dish is recommended for combining and baking the ingredients.
Is this a good recipe for canning?
Yes, the instructions include water bath processing for preservation.
What gives the spread its tartness?
The tartness comes from the fresh rhubarb and the tart cherry juice.
Is this spread smooth or chunky?
The description calls it a velvety smooth butter once the rhubarb has broken down.
Is the vanilla added before or after baking?
The vanilla is added after the baking process is complete to preserve its flavor.
Can I share this with friends?
Yes, the yield of three pints makes it ideal for sharing or gifting.
What is maceration in this context?
Maceration is the process of letting the rhubarb sit in sugar to soften it and release its natural juices.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 total ingredients used in this recipe.