Citrus Dream Butter
Indulge in a delightful spread that elevates your breakfast or snack time! This Citrus Dream Butter combines the zesty brightness of fresh orange with the rich creaminess of unsalted butter and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. With the unique addition of orange juice concentrate, this butter creates a luscious flavor profile that's perfect for slathering on warm pumpkin bread, scones, or any favorite pastries. The recipe, inspired by a cherished local newspaper find from 2003, adds a twist to traditional spreads and makes breakfast a special occasion every day.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
1/2 cup (room temperature)
Orange Zest
1/4 cup (zested from 1 medium orange)
Orange Juice Concentrate
2 tablespoons (thawed)
Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, add the room-temperature unsalted butter, orange zest, orange juice concentrate, and packed brown sugar.
2
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until all ingredients are well combined and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed to ensure an even mixture.
3
Once fully mixed, taste and adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar if desired.
4
Transfer the mixture to a small serving dish or airtight container.
5
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.
6
Serve cold or at room temperature, perfect for spreading on your favorite baked goods.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Dream Butter?
Citrus Dream Butter is a delightful, creamy spread made by combining unsalted butter, orange zest, orange juice concentrate, and brown sugar.
What are the main ingredients in Citrus Dream Butter?
The recipe requires four main ingredients: 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of orange zest, 2 tablespoons of orange juice concentrate, and 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
What should the temperature of the butter be before mixing?
The butter should be at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly and becomes creamy when beaten.
How should I prepare the orange juice concentrate?
The orange juice concentrate should be thawed before being added to the mixing bowl.
How do I make Citrus Dream Butter?
Beat the room-temperature butter, zest, concentrate, and sugar on medium speed until creamy, then chill for at least 30 minutes.
Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the ingredients on medium speed.
How long should I chill the butter before serving?
It is recommended to cover and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
What can I serve Citrus Dream Butter with?
This spread is perfect for warm pumpkin bread, scones, muffins, pancakes, or any of your favorite breakfast pastries.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the butter?
Yes, once the mixture is fully mixed, you can taste it and add more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe was inspired by a cherished local newspaper find dating back to 2003.
Should the butter be served cold or at room temperature?
It can be served either cold or at room temperature, depending on your preference for spreading.
How much orange zest do I need?
You will need 1/4 cup of orange zest, which is typically the amount harvested from one medium orange.
Is Citrus Dream Butter easy to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with only four ingredients and a simple mixing process.
Can I use salted butter instead?
While the recipe calls for unsalted butter, you can use salted butter if you enjoy a salty-sweet contrast, though it will change the flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe as written is intended to create one batch of compound butter.
What is the best way to store Citrus Dream Butter?
Store the butter in a small serving dish or an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this butter suitable for desserts?
Absolutely, it works wonderfully as a dessert topping for sweet breads and pastries.
Can I substitute white sugar for brown sugar?
You can, but brown sugar provides a specific depth of flavor and moisture that complements the orange.
What makes the flavor profile of this butter unique?
The combination of fresh zest and juice concentrate provides a concentrated, zesty brightness that is more intense than juice alone.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch for gatherings.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients (butter, orange, and sugar) are naturally gluten-free.
Why is orange juice concentrate used instead of fresh juice?
Concentrate provides a much stronger citrus flavor without adding too much liquid, which helps maintain the butter's consistency.
Can I freeze Citrus Dream Butter?
Yes, compound butters like this can be frozen for up to 3 months in a well-sealed container.
How long does it stay fresh in the fridge?
It will generally stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use lemon zest instead of orange?
Yes, you can substitute lemon zest and lemon concentrate for a 'Lemon Dream Butter' variation.
Should I use a specific type of orange?
Navel or Valencia oranges are most common and work great for both zest and juice flavor.
Does this recipe have any nutritional information available?
Currently, specific calorie and fat counts are not provided for this recipe.
Is this spread better on hot or cold items?
It is especially delicious on warm items like toasted bread or fresh-out-of-the-oven muffins so it can slightly melt.
Can I use this for cooking or just as a spread?
While primarily a spread, it could be used to finish a dish like sautéed carrots or glazed sweet potatoes.
Is the brown sugar packed or loose?
The recipe specifies that the brown sugar should be packed when measuring.