If you’re looking to brighten up your breakfasts, snacks, or holiday spreads, the Instant Pot Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe is an absolute game changer. This luscious, tangy-sweet spread bursts with the vibrant flavors of fresh cranberries and zesty oranges, all perfectly melded together with just the right touch of sweetness. It’s not only a breeze to make in your Instant Pot, but it also fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma that instantly lifts your spirits. Whether slathered on toast, dolloped on pancakes, or stirred into yogurt, this cranberry orange butter will quickly become your new favorite go-to spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in crafting the beautiful balance of tart and sweet in this easy Instant Pot Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe. Using fresh cranberries is key for that bright color and natural tang, while the oranges add a fragrant citrus zing. Brown sugar brings just enough sweetness to harmonize all the flavors.
- 6 cups fresh cranberries: Provides the signature tartness and beautiful red hue.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds natural molasses flavor to balance the tartness; adjust to taste.
- 2 oranges: Both zest and juice are essential for fresh citrus brightness and aroma.
- Water: Helps the fruit cook down smoothly in the Instant Pot without diluting flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oranges
Start by zesting your two oranges. The zest holds the essential oils that impart the fragrant, vibrant orange aroma that elevates this butter beyond ordinary. Add the zest directly into the Instant Pot to begin layering that citrus goodness.
Step 2: Extract the Orange Juice
Next, juice the oranges into a measuring cup. The fresh orange juice provides natural sweetness and acidity, perfectly complementing the cranberry’s tartness. After juicing, top it with water until it reaches a full cup of liquid to give the fruit enough moisture for even cooking.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot
Add the water-orange juice mixture, whole cranberries, and brown sugar directly into the Instant Pot with the orange zest. Give everything a good stir so the sugar is distributed evenly and all the flavors start mingling.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot and set it to High Pressure for 10 minutes. As it cooks, the cranberries will burst and soften, while the flavors fuse into a luscious base. Once done, allow the Instant Pot to cool naturally before carefully using the quick release function to let out any remaining steam.
Step 5: Puree
Transfer the cooked cranberry orange mixture to a food processor and puree until smooth. This step transforms the cooked fruit into the velvety texture that makes this butter so irresistible.
Step 6: Jar and Chill
Finally, spoon the luscious cranberry orange butter into clean mason jars and seal with lids. Refrigerate the jars to cool the butter completely and allow the flavors to marry further before serving.
Step 7: Adjust Sweetness (Optional)
If you prefer your butter on the sweeter side, feel free to increase brown sugar to 1 cup at the start of cooking. This flexibility makes it easy to tailor the recipe to your personal taste.
How to Serve Instant Pot Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe
Garnishes
This butter shines wonderfully when garnished with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh rosemary or a twist of orange peel. These touches add visual appeal and an extra layer of aroma that makes every bite more special.
Side Dishes
Serve your Instant Pot Cranberry Orange Butter alongside warm buttermilk biscuits, toasted bagels, or alongside a cheese platter for a burst of fruity brightness that complements savory flavors brilliantly. It’s equally amazing stirred into oatmeal or spread over simple muffins.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering this butter in a breakfast parfait with Greek yogurt and granola, or use it as a glaze on roasted sweet potatoes or pork tenderloin to add a stunning seasonal twist. Its versatility means you can get really creative beyond just a spread, impressing your guests at any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cranberry orange butter keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keeping it chilled preserves its vibrant flavor and texture, so you can enjoy it over several breakfasts or snacks without losing any of its charm.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, freezing the butter in airtight containers or freezer-safe mason jars works great. It can stay frozen for up to three months, making it perfect to prepare well in advance for holiday gifting or busy mornings.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until spreadable. The flavor and silky texture hold up wonderfully, so reheating is hassle-free.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well and are often more convenient year-round. Just add them directly to the Instant Pot without thawing; the cooking time remains the same.
Is this recipe very sweet?
The Instant Pot Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe strikes a nice balance between tart and sweet. If you prefer sweeter spreads, increase the brown sugar from ½ cup up to 1 cup as noted—you can customize it easily.
Can this butter be canned for longer shelf life?
While this recipe is delicious refrigerated, the high fruit content and lack of preservatives mean it’s best kept in the fridge or freezer rather than shelf-canned to ensure safety and best flavor.
What is the best way to zest an orange for this recipe?
Using a microplane grater is ideal as it gives you fine zest without the bitter white pith. Only zest the colored part of the skin for the brightest flavor.
How long does it take for the Instant Pot to come to pressure?
Depending on your model and the amount of ingredients, it can take around 10 to 15 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure before the 10-minute cooking cycle starts.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Instant Pot Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe a try soon! It’s such a joyful, flavorful spread that can brighten so many meals with minimal effort. Once you taste that perfect blend of tart cranberries and fragrant orange, you’ll be hooked just like I am. Making it in the Instant Pot keeps things simple and mess-free—what’s not to love? Ready to add a fresh, zesty twist to your kitchen favorites? Let’s get cooking!
Print
Instant Pot Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 half-pint jars
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Cranberry Butter recipe offers a deliciously smooth and tangy spread made from fresh cranberries and oranges. Perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your morning toast, muffins, or as a festive condiment, this quick and easy cranberry butter is sweetened naturally and cooked effortlessly using an Instant Pot.
Ingredients
Fruit and Zest
- 6 cups fresh cranberries
- Zest of 2 oranges
- Juice of 2 oranges
Sweeteners and Liquids
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (can increase to 1 cup for sweeter taste)
- Water (enough to make 1 cup of liquid with orange juice)
Instructions
- Prep Oranges: Zest the 2 oranges and add the zest to the Instant Pot.
- Juice Oranges: Squeeze the juice of the 2 oranges into a measuring cup.
- Add Water: Add water to the orange juice in the measuring cup to equal 1 full cup of liquid, then set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the fresh cranberries, brown sugar, and the water from the measuring cup into the Instant Pot containing the orange zest. Mix everything well.
- Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to High Pressure for 10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to cool completely, then use the quick release function to release any built-up steam safely.
- Puree: Transfer the cranberry-orange mixture to a food processor and puree until smooth.
- Store: Pour the cranberry butter into mason jars with lids.
- Chill: Refrigerate the jars to cool the butter or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Adjust Sweetness: Optionally, increase the brown sugar to 1 cup if a sweeter cranberry butter is desired.
Notes
- The sweetness can be adjusted by increasing brown sugar up to 1 cup for a sweeter version.
- Ensure the Instant Pot is fully cooled before quick releasing to avoid hot steam burns.
- Store cranberry butter in airtight containers and refrigerate to keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- This cranberry butter can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
