Whipped Cranberry Butter Recipe

Whipped Cranberry Butter Recipe: Silky Joy for Your Toast

Smooth and creamy cranberry whipped butter brings unexpected magic to your breakfast table.

Winter mornings deserve something special that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Tart cranberries dance through soft, pillowy butter with incredible brightness and color.

Each spread tells a story of seasonal comfort and simple kitchen creativity.

Cold-pressed butter becomes an artisan canvas for ruby-red berries waiting to surprise you.

Subtle sweetness mingles with tangy fruit, creating a condiment that transforms ordinary toast into something extraordinary.

This recipe promises to make your morning meal feel like a gourmet celebration.

Whipped Cranberry Butter for Sweet and Tart Vibes

  • Perfect for holiday gatherings and special brunches, this whipped cranberry butter transforms ordinary bread into an extraordinary experience.
  • Requiring just 15 minutes of preparation, home cooks can easily whip up this gourmet-style condiment without complex culinary skills.
  • Elevate everything from toast and muffins to pancakes and bagels with this tangy, sweet, and creamy spread that adds stunning color and vibrant taste.
  • Using natural ingredients like fresh cranberries, pure honey, and unsalted butter, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to store-bought spreads while controlling sugar and preservative content.

Ingredients for Smooth Cranberry Spread

Main Ingredients:

Fresh Cranberries: A tart and bright berry that adds a festive touch and vibrant color to the butter.

Butter: A creamy, rich base that provides smooth texture and carries other flavors.

Sweetening Agents:
  • Honey, Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that balance the cranberries' tartness and add depth of flavor.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Orange Zest: Citrusy essence that brightens the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt: A small pinch to enhance and balance the sweet and tart notes.
  • Water: Used to help cook and soften the cranberries during preparation.

Instructions for Blending Whipped Butter Right

Step 1: Transform Cranberries into Silky Sauce

  • Fresh cranberries
  • Water

In a small saucepan, combine cranberries with water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and become soft (approximately 5 minutes). Crush berries using a fork or blend for ultra-smooth consistency. Let mixture cool completely to room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Butter to Cloudlike Perfection

  • Unsalted butter

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat softened butter until it becomes incredibly light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). The texture should look pillowy and increased in volume.

Step 3: Create Magical Flavor Fusion

  • Cooled cranberry mixture
  • Honey
  • Orange zest
  • Salt

Gently fold cooled cranberry mixture into whipped butter. Add honey, orange zest, and a delicate pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are beautifully incorporated and butter looks airy and vibrant.

Step 4: Prepare for Delightful Serving

Transfer whipped cranberry butter into a decorative serving dish or sealed container. Refrigerate if not serving immediately. Before serving, allow butter to soften slightly at room temperature to enhance spreadability and flavor release.

Tricks for Light and Airy Texture

  • Crush Cranberries Perfectly: Use a fork or blender to achieve your desired cranberry texture, from rustic chunks to silky smooth puree.
  • Soften Butter Strategically: Remove butter from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before whipping to ensure optimal fluffiness and easy mixing.
  • Balance Sweetness Smartly: Adjust honey or maple syrup amount based on cranberry tartness and personal preference for a personalized flavor profile.
  • Zest with Precision: Grate orange zest carefully to avoid bitter white pith, adding bright citrus notes that complement the cranberry's tartness.
  • Store Safely: Keep whipped butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, allowing it to soften at room temperature before serving for best spreadability.

Keep Cranberry Butter Soft and Ready

  • Store whipped cranberry butter in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent air exposure.
  • Wrap the butter tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
  • Let the butter sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its creamy, spreadable texture. Avoid microwaving, which can separate the ingredients.
  • Discard if you notice any off-smells, mold, or significant texture changes. Fresh is always best for maintaining the vibrant cranberry flavor and smooth consistency.

Breads That Pair Well with Cranberry Butter

  • Spread this vibrant cranberry butter on warm, freshly baked artisan bread for a delightful breakfast or appetizer experience that highlights the butter's tangy-sweet profile.
  • Serve alongside roasted turkey or holiday ham to add a festive, fruity dimension that cuts through rich meat flavors and enhances the overall meal.
  • Enjoy the whipped cranberry butter with a warm, aromatic chai latte that balances the butter's tartness with its creamy, spiced notes, creating a cozy and comforting pairing.
  • Dollop this cranberry butter on fluffy pancakes or waffles for a burst of flavor that transforms a simple breakfast into a gourmet morning treat.

Versions with Citrus, Spice, or Maple

  • Holiday Herb Infusion: Replace orange zest with finely chopped rosemary or thyme for a savory seasonal variation that complements roasted meats and breads.
  • Vegan Coconut Spread: Swap dairy butter with softened coconut oil and use maple syrup for a plant-based alternative that maintains a creamy, spreadable texture.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce honey to 1 teaspoon or use stevia drops for a diabetic-friendly version with less added sweetness while keeping the cranberry tang.
  • Spiced Warmth Blend: Add ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to introduce warming winter spices that enhance the cranberry's natural flavor profile.
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Whipped Cranberry Butter Recipe

Whipped Cranberry Butter Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy whipped cranberry butter elevates holiday spreads with festive flair. Tangy berries blend seamlessly into smooth butter, creating a delightful condiment perfect for warming bread and delighting guests.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226 grams / 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (75 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries

Sweeteners:

  • 23 tablespoons (3045 ml) honey (or maple syrup)

Flavor Enhancers:

  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) orange zest (optional, for added brightness)
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Gently simmer cranberries in a small saucepan with minimal water, coaxing them to burst and soften over medium heat. This process typically takes about 5 minutes, requiring occasional stirring to prevent sticking.
  2. Crush the softened cranberries thoroughly using a fork or blender, creating a smooth or slightly textured compote. Allow the cranberry mixture to cool completely to room temperature.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip softened butter until it transforms into a light, voluminous texture. The butter should appear pale and fluffy after 2-3 minutes of continuous beating.
  4. Introduce the cooled cranberry reduction into the whipped butter, along with honey, orange zest, and a delicate pinch of salt. Blend thoroughly to ensure uniform distribution and maintain the butter’s airy consistency.
  5. Carefully transfer the vibrant crimson-hued butter into a decorative serving dish or sealed container. Refrigerate if not serving immediately, remembering to let the butter rest at room temperature briefly before presenting to enhance its spreadable nature.

Notes

  • Perfectly soften butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, creamy whipping without melting.
  • Choose fresh, plump cranberries for the most vibrant color and intense tart-sweet flavor profile in the butter.
  • Adjust honey or maple syrup quantity based on desired sweetness and balance with cranberries’ natural tartness.
  • For a smoother texture, use a food processor instead of mashing cranberries by hand, which creates a more uniform consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 124
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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