Sweet Maple & Tangy Cranberry Spread Recipe for Breakfast Joy

Festive holiday tables come alive with a vibrant maple cranberry spread that sparkles with sweet-tart brilliance.

Cold winter afternoons call for something special and delightful.

This simple condiment bursts with seasonal charm and robust flavors.

Ripe cranberries dance with rich maple syrup, creating a gorgeous crimson mixture that dazzles on everything from toast to roasted meats.

Each spoonful carries the warmth of cozy gatherings and rustic charm.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this spread a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.

Serve this delectable spread and watch smiles bloom around the table.

How to Make Maple Cranberry Spread

• Cranberry Preparation

Gather fresh, vibrant cranberries and rinse them carefully in cool water to remove any debris.

• Syrup Infusion

Pour rich maple syrup over the cranberries in a heavy saucepan, creating a sweet foundation for the spread.

• Cooking Transformation

Heat the mixture on high, watching the cranberries bubble and pop, releasing their natural jellying magic. Reduce heat and simmer until the mixture starts to thicken and develop a glossy appearance.

• Smooth Blending

Transfer the warm cranberry mixture to a blender, transforming it into a silky, luxurious spread with a few quick pulses.

• Consistency Control

If the spread seems too runny, return it to the pan and gently simmer until it reaches your desired texture. The spread will continue to set as it cools.

• Jar and Chill

Carefully spoon the cranberry spread into clean glass jars. Allow to cool completely before sealing and storing in the refrigerator. Enjoy within a week for maximum freshness.

Flavor Swaps for Maple Cranberry Spread

• Flavor Boost Tricks: Experiment with different maple syrup grades like dark or amber for deeper, richer taste profiles that complement the cranberries' tartness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this spread up to two weeks in advance and store in sealed containers, making holiday meal prep or breakfast planning a breeze.
• Texture Transformation: For a chunkier spread, pulse the blender briefly instead of processing completely smooth, creating delightful cranberry bits throughout.
• Spice Adventure: Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger during cooking to introduce complex layers of flavor that elevate the traditional cranberry spread.
• Versatile Serving Suggestions: Use this spread beyond toast – it's fantastic as a glaze for roasted meats, a topping for pancakes, or a unique addition to cheese boards and charcuterie platters.

How to Serve Maple Cranberry Spread

• Breakfast Companion: Slather this luscious maple cranberry spread on warm, golden toast or freshly baked bagels for a delightful morning treat that bursts with tangy sweetness.
• Cheese Board Star: Serve alongside creamy brie or sharp cheddar during appetizer hour, creating a gorgeous contrast of flavors that will impress guests and elevate your charcuterie presentation.
• Baking Buddy: Swirl into muffin batters, use as a filling for thumbprint cookies, or fold gently into pancake mix to add a vibrant, fruity dimension that transforms ordinary baked goods into extraordinary delights.
• Holiday Gift Idea: Package the spread in cute mason jars, tie with a festive ribbon, and create a homemade gift that showcases your culinary skills while offering friends and family a taste of seasonal comfort.

Storing Maple Cranberry Spread

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store your maple cranberry spread in airtight glass containers, ensuring they seal tightly to maintain maximum freshness and prevent unwanted flavors from seeping in.
• Chilling Timeline: Refrigerated maple cranberry spread stays delicious for up to 2 weeks when kept in a consistently cold section of your refrigerator, away from temperature fluctuations.
• Freezing Magic: For long-term storage, portion the spread into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight headspace for expansion. Frozen batches remain tasty for 3-4 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator.
• Gift-Ready Preparation: Pack your maple cranberry spread in small decorative jars with tight-fitting lids, creating perfect homemade gifts for holiday gatherings or casual friend meet-ups. Consider adding cute labels with preparation date for a personal touch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 96 kcal

Servings: 13

What You Need for Maple Cranberry Spread

• Cranberries: Select fresh, plump berries with vibrant deep red color for maximum flavor and natural pectin release.

• Maple Syrup: Choose pure, high-quality maple syrup from Canada or Vermont for authentic, rich sweetness and depth of flavor.

• Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon: Add warm, complementary undertones that elevate the spread's complexity and provide gentle aromatic notes.

Tools to Make Maple Cranberry Spread

• Large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking cranberries and maple syrup evenly.
• High-speed blender or food processor: Perfect for transforming the cooked mixture into a smooth, silky spread.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Clean jars with lids: Needed for storing the finished maple cranberry spread.
• Cooling rack: Useful for letting the spread cool down before refrigeration.

Festive Maple Cranberry Spread Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Maple cranberry spread brings festive cheer to holiday gatherings with its elegant flavor profile. Creamy cheese blends seamlessly with tart cranberries and sweet maple syrup, creating a delightful appetizer you’ll adore.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pure maple syrup or brown sugar
• 24 oz (680 g) fresh cranberries

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Rinse cranberries under cool water, discarding any damaged fruit, and place them in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
2. Syrup Infusion: Add maple syrup to cranberries, stirring to coat evenly and create a glossy mixture that promises rich, complex flavors.
3. Cooking Process: Elevate heat to high, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer that allows cranberries to break down and release natural pectin.
4. Texture Development: Cook for 8-10 minutes, observing as cranberries burst and the mixture transforms into a vibrant, thickening compote with a deep crimson hue.
5. Blending Stage: Transfer slightly cooled mixture to a high-powered blender, pulsing until achieving a velvety smooth consistency without any fruit chunks.
6. Consistency Refinement: If the spread appears too liquid, return to the saucepan and simmer briefly, stirring constantly to achieve the perfect spreading texture that will solidify when chilled.
7. Storage and Cooling: Carefully pour the finished spread into clean glass jars, allowing to cool completely at room temperature before sealing and refrigerating to maintain its fresh, tangy character.

Notes

• Wash Thoroughly: Rinse cranberries meticulously to remove any stems, leaves, or hidden debris that could affect the spread’s texture and taste.
• Control Boiling Temperature: Manage heat carefully to prevent burning or overcooking, which can make the spread bitter or lose its vibrant color.
• Check Consistency: Watch the mixture closely as cranberries burst, ensuring the spread reaches a perfect spreadable texture without becoming too runny or too thick.
• Storage Tip: Cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain the spread’s optimal flavor and smooth consistency.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 96
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg