Easy Homemade Maple Cranberry Spread Recipe – Sweet & Tangy

Maple cranberry spread sparks culinary creativity with its vibrant and tangy profile.

Sweet maple undertones dance alongside tart fruit essences, creating a harmonious blend.

Seasonal ingredients merge into a delightful condiment that surprises and delights.

Rich amber colors hint at complex flavor dimensions waiting to unfold.

Smooth textures complement bold taste sensations that awaken your palate.

Versatile and adaptable, this spread bridges sweet and savory worlds effortlessly.

Unexpected combinations make this recipe a conversation starter at any gathering.

You will want to experience this delectable creation that enhances ordinary moments into memorable culinary adventures.

Maple Cranberry Spread Overview

• This maple cranberry spread captures the essence of autumn with its vibrant, tangy-sweet profile that dances between tart cranberries and rich maple syrup.
• The recipe requires minimal cooking skills, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Spread easily transforms from a breakfast condiment to a gourmet accompaniment for cheese boards, desserts, and holiday appetizers, offering incredible kitchen flexibility.
• Using only two primary ingredients, the spread showcases how simple, whole foods can create a complex, restaurant-worthy preserve without artificial additives or complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Maple Cranberry Spread

• Cranberries: Tart and vibrant base for the spread, best when fresh and plump with no soft or discolored berries.

• Maple Syrup: Rich natural sweetener that complements the cranberries' tartness, pure grade preferred for best flavor.

• Large Heavy Saucepan or Dutch Oven: Provides even heat distribution for cooking the cranberry mixture.
• High-Speed Blender or Food Processor: Creates smooth and silky texture for the spread.
• Clean Jars: For storing the finished maple cranberry spread, ensure they are sterilized and free from cracks.

How to Make Maple Cranberry Spread

Step 1: Gather Fresh Ingredients

• Cranberries
• Maple syrup
• Clean jars for storage

You’ll want to select plump, bright red cranberries that look firm and have a glossy appearance. Choose pure maple syrup for the best flavor.

Step 2: Rinse and Prepare Cranberries

Wash the cranberries under cool running water, removing any stems or damaged berries. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Transfer the cleaned cranberries into a large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven.

Step 3: Combine Berries and Syrup

Pour maple syrup over the cranberries, stirring gently to ensure each berry gets coated. The syrup will help balance the tart cranberry flavor and create a smooth, sweet spread.

Step 4: Cook the Cranberry Mixture

Place the saucepan on the stove over high heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let the cranberries simmer and pop, stirring occasionally. The natural pectin will start to thicken the mixture.

Step 5: Break Down the Berries

Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes until most cranberries have burst and the mixture looks slightly thickened. Gently mash any remaining whole berries with a wooden spoon to help create a smoother consistency.

Step 6: Blend to Perfection

Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes. Transfer to a food processor or blender. Pulse until you achieve a silky, smooth texture with no large berry chunks.

Step 7: Adjust Consistency

If the spread seems too runny, return it to the saucepan and simmer on low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. The spread will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 8: Store and Preserve

Carefully spoon the warm spread into clean glass jars. Allow to cool completely at room temperature. Seal with tight-fitting lids and refrigerate. The spread will keep for up to two weeks when stored properly.

Helpful Tips for Maple Cranberry Spread

• Perfect Berry Selection: Choose fresh, plump cranberries with vibrant deep red color and no soft or mushy spots for the best spread consistency.
• Syrup Swirl Technique: Stir maple syrup slowly and evenly to distribute sweetness throughout the cranberry mixture, preventing uneven caramelization.
• Precise Boiling Control: Watch carefully during the 5-10 minute boiling stage, listening for popping sounds and checking thickness to avoid burning or overcooking.
• Smooth Blending Strategy: Cool mixture slightly before blending to prevent steam buildup and ensure a silky, uniform texture without splattering.
• Smart Storage Solution: Use sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids and refrigerate immediately after cooling to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Storing and Reheating Maple Cranberry Spread

Refrigerate the Maple Cranberry Spread in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods. Store the spread in glass jars with secure lids for optimal preservation.

Freeze the spread in freezer-safe containers for extended storage, lasting up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, gently stirring to restore original consistency.

Reheat the spread gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Warm only the portion you plan to consume, avoiding repeated reheating which can degrade texture and flavor.

Pairing Suggestions for Maple Cranberry Spread

• Bake Creamy Cheese Companions: Spread this tangy maple cranberry mixture over warm, soft goat cheese or brie for a delightful appetizer that combines sweet and tart flavors.
• Pair with Breakfast Breads: Slather this vibrant spread on freshly toasted brioche, whole wheat toast, or warm croissants for a morning treat that bursts with fruity maple goodness.
• Match with Crisp Beverages: Complement the spread's rich sweetness with a crisp white wine like Riesling or a sparkling apple cider that cuts through the intensity and refreshes the palate.
• Create Pastry Perfection: Swirl this spread into muffin batters, use as a filling for thumbprint cookies, or layer between cake layers to add a bright, seasonal twist to baked desserts.

Recipe Variants for Maple Cranberry Spread

• Berry Medley Fusion: Combine cranberries with fresh blueberries or raspberries for a more complex fruit profile and enhanced color intensity.
• Spiced Winter Warmth: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of orange zest to create a warming seasonal spread with deeper flavor complexity.
• Herbal Infusion Blend: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme during cooking to introduce subtle herbal undertones that complement the maple's sweetness.
• Citrus Maple Kick: Mix in fresh orange or lemon juice while cooking to brighten the spread's flavor and add a tangy dimension to the traditional recipe.

Maple Cranberry Spread FAQs

• How long does this maple cranberry spread last in the refrigerator?

The spread will stay fresh for about 2 weeks when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly for this recipe. Just add them directly to the pot without thawing, and they’ll cook up wonderfully.

• Is this spread good for more than just toast?

Definitely! This spread is versatile – try it on pancakes, as a glaze for meats, mixed into yogurt, or as a topping for desserts. It’s a great way to add a tangy-sweet flavor to many dishes.

• Can I reduce the sugar if I want a less sweet version?

Yes, you can reduce the maple syrup slightly, but keep in mind that the syrup helps with the spread’s consistency and preserving quality. If you want less sweetness, start by reducing the syrup by just a small amount.

Maple Cranberry Spread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy maple cranberry spread brings festive flavors to holiday tables with minimal effort. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, offering sweet-tart comfort you can enjoy on toast, crackers, or as a delightful party appetizer.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Maple Cranberry Spread

Main Ingredients:

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

Additives:

• No additional ingredients specified

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse the cranberries under cool running water, ensuring they are free from any debris, then deposit them into a spacious, heavy-bottomed cooking vessel.
2. Pour the rich, amber maple syrup over the cranberries, gently stirring to create a uniform mixture that promises a harmonious flavor profile.
3. Ignite the heat to high, bringing the cranberry and syrup concoction to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce the temperature to allow a steady, controlled bubbling.
4. Continue cooking for approximately 8-10 minutes, watching as the cranberries burst and release their natural pectin, transforming the mixture into a thickening, vibrant compote.
5. Remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly, preventing potential burns during the next processing stage.
6. Transfer the warm cranberry mixture into a high-performance blending apparatus, pulsing and blending until the texture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.
7. If the spread appears too fluid, return it to the saucepan and simmer gently, stirring constantly to achieve the ideal consistency that will further solidify upon cooling.
8. Carefully ladle the finished spread into pristine glass containers, allowing it to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating to preserve its fresh, tangy essence.

Notes

• Cranberry Explosion: Popping berries release natural pectin, creating a thick, rich spread without added thickeners.
• Quick Cooking Magic: The entire process takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it a speedy homemade condiment.
• Maple Sweetness Hack: Using pure maple syrup adds depth and natural sweetness that complements the tart cranberries perfectly.
• Texture Transformation: Blending creates a smooth, silky spread that’s versatile for toast, pastries, or as a holiday gift.
• Storage Savvy: Properly sealed jars can be refrigerated for up to two weeks, ensuring you enjoy your homemade spread for multiple meals.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg