If you’ve been searching for a luscious spread that bursts with vibrant color and unforgettable flavor, look no further than this Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe. It blends the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries with the bright zestiness of fresh orange, all wrapped up in creamy, grass-fed butter. The result? A silky, fragrant butter that transforms any toast, muffin, or biscuit into a show-stopping treat. This recipe feels like a cozy hug for your taste buds, effortlessly marrying sweetness, citrus, and a subtle hint of vanilla—all in one magically simple butter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is like setting yourself up for a little culinary magic. Each component brings its own special touch: the butter offers creamy richness, cranberries add a lively texture and tartness, while orange zest lights things up with fresh citrus brightness.
- Grass-fed butter or ghee (1 cup): Using grass-fed butter ensures a rich, naturally creamy base with a subtle depth that makes all the difference.
- Finely chopped dried cranberries (1/3 cup): These add beautiful color and a chewy, tangy punch that wakes up every bite.
- Orange zest from 1 fresh orange: The zest contains all of the orange’s uplifting oils and aroma—no juice needed!
- Raw honey or pure maple syrup (1/4 cup): A natural sweetener that balances the tart cranberries and adds a gentle, floral sweetness.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp): Vanilla rounds out the citrus and berry notes with an indulgent, warm aroma.
- Tiny pinch of sea salt: A sprinkle of salt brings all the flavors together, highlighting sweetness and brightness in perfect harmony.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Butter Base
Start by letting your butter or ghee soften to room temperature—it should be soft enough to mix easily but not melted. This step is key to achieving a smooth, spreadable texture without lumps or separation.
Step 2: Combine the Flavor Players
Into a medium mixing bowl, add your softened butter along with finely chopped dried cranberries, fragrant orange zest, honey (or maple syrup), pure vanilla, and that tiny pinch of sea salt. Each ingredient here layers flavor and texture that will make this butter unforgettable.
Step 3: Whip It All Together
Grab an electric mixer and blend the ingredients on a medium speed until everything is fully combined. You want the dried cranberries evenly dispersed throughout and the mixture beautifully creamy with bursts of citrus and sweetness. This usually takes just a minute or two but pay attention—stop as soon as it’s uniform to keep the texture spot-on.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Transfer your vibrant cranberry orange butter into a clean jar or airtight container. Pop it into the refrigerator for it to firm up, ideally for a couple of hours. It will keep beautifully for up to two weeks, and the flavors even have a chance to meld and deepen during this time.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before serving adds a gorgeous finishing touch by amplifying the flavors and giving a slight crunch. You might also consider a few whole dried cranberries or a twist of fresh orange zest for visual appeal and extra zing.
Side Dishes
This cranberry orange butter shines brightest atop warm Ezekiel toast, rustic sourdough bread, or freshly baked biscuits. Pair it with a steaming cup of herbal tea or rich coffee for a breakfast or snack that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning party offering, pipe the cranberry orange butter into small rosettes onto crackers or mini toasts and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers. You can also melt a spoonful over pancakes or swirl it into hot oatmeal for a citrus-burst surprise that feels absolutely gourmet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just make sure it stays covered tightly to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing any other fridge aromas.
Freezing
If you want to prepare the butter ahead of time or save leftovers for later, freezing is a great option. Scoop the butter into a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in parchment and foil. Frozen cranberry orange butter can last for up to three months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let the butter come to room temperature naturally or give it a short blast in the microwave—just a few seconds at a time—to soften it without melting completely. This way, it’s easy to spread while retaining its creamy, rich consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries have a lot more moisture, so they’ll make the butter wet and less spreadable. Dried cranberries are best because they add chewiness without altering the texture dramatically.
Is it okay to substitute ghee for butter?
Absolutely! Ghee’s nuttier, caramel-like flavor complements the orange and cranberry beautifully, and it’s also great for those who are sensitive to dairy solids since it’s clarified.
Can I make this butter without honey?
Yes, you can use pure maple syrup as a perfect vegan alternative. Both sweeteners work well and bring their own unique depth to the butter.
What can I do if my butter is too hard after refrigeration?
Simply take it out of the fridge about 15–20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften naturally. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the texture creamy but not melted.
Is this butter suitable for holiday gift-giving?
Definitely! Pack it in pretty jars with festive ribbons, and it makes a thoughtful homemade gift that is as delicious as it is beautiful. Just remind recipients to refrigerate and enjoy within two weeks!
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe is a delightful way to brighten your everyday meals or special occasions with its vibrant color and harmonious flavors. Once you make it, you’ll want to spread it on everything, from morning toast to evening snacks. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to favorites that you eagerly share with friends and family too.
Print
Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 1 1/4 cups, enough to serve 24 small portions
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delightful and flavorful Cranberry Orange Butter that combines creamy grass-fed butter with tangy dried cranberries, fresh orange zest, and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup. Perfect spread on toast, muffins, or as a festive appetizer addition.
Ingredients
Butter Base
- 1 cup grass-fed butter or ghee, at room temperature
Flavorings
- 1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
- Zest from 1 fresh orange
- 1/4 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Tiny pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Soften the Butter: Place your softened butter or ghee in a medium mixing bowl to ensure it’s easy to blend with the other ingredients.
- Add Flavor Ingredients: Add the finely chopped dried cranberries, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of sea salt to the bowl with the butter.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use an electric mixer to blend all the ingredients until they are well combined and smooth, making sure the cranberries and zest are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
- Store: Transfer the cranberry orange butter into a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve: Spread generously over toasted Ezekiel bread or your favorite bread or muffin. For an extra touch, sprinkle with sea salt flakes for a perfect appetizer or breakfast treat. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use grass-fed butter or ghee softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Finely chop the dried cranberries to avoid large chunks and ensure even flavor distribution.
- Orange zest provides fresh citrus notes; use a fine grater or zester to avoid bitter white pith.
- Raw honey or pure maple syrup can be used interchangeably depending on desired sweetness and flavor.
- Refrigerate the butter in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor for up to 2 weeks.
- This butter can also be used as a sweet spread for pancakes, waffles, or baked goods.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
