How to make maple butter (the easy way)

Did you know that Ohio is known for its maple syrup? 69 of the state’s 88 counties produce maple syrup.

Ohio is the sixth largest maple producer in the U.S., falling in line behind Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Maine, New York and Vermont, with Vermont being the largest producer of maple as of 2014.

To celebrate our state’s maple syrup reputation, make a sweet spread that can be used on toast, cornbread and sweet potatoes: maple butter.

Maple butter

True maple butter — also called maple cream — has just one ingredient: pure maple syrup.

The process of making true maple butter involves boiling the syrup (along with a little bit of canola oil) until it reaches 235 degrees F, then transferring it to a bowl resting in an ice bath. Once the temperature drops to about 60 degrees F. Then, the butter has to be stirred for about 30 minutes, maybe longer. At least you can use your stand mixer for this one.

If you want to go through the process of true maple butter, I commend you. Kitchen Heals Soul has the step-by-step instructions if you’re feeling ambitious.

If you’re not, and if you want to save time — and money, because pure maple syrup is pricey — you can make maple butter another way. The recipe I followed is from Allrecipes. It’s not the same as true maple butter, but it’s an acceptable substitute and still calls for pure maple syrup. And, it doesn’t take much time to whip together and it’s affordable to make.

How to make maple butter (the easy way)

What you’ll need:

• 2 sticks butter, softened
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

You’ll also need:

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Airtight storage container

Leave butter on the counter to soften. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, maple syrup, light brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice with a hand mixer on low to medium speed. Once the ingredients are well-blended and smooth, transfer the bowl and contents to the refrigerator to chill for half an hour.

Transfer maple butter to an airtight container, then store in the refrigerator.

That’s all there is to it. When you’re ready to serve the maple butter, let it soften slightly so it’s easier to spread.

This version of maple butter is not as creamy as true maple butter, but

Maple butter recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16 servings (16 tablespoons)

Ingredients

• 2 sticks butter, softened
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1. In a large bowl, combine butter, maple syrup, light brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice with a hand mixer until well-blended and smooth.
2. Place bowl in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, then transfer maple butter to an airtight container for storage.
3. When ready to serve, leave maple butter out to soften.

Have you made this recipe or another one like it? Tell us in the comments below!