Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious spread to add to your toast or bagel in the morning? Look no further than cherry butter! A single tablespoon (18 g) of this tasty spread contains only 35 calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence that won't derail your diet.
But cherry butter isn't just low in calories - it's also packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to function properly. It contains healthy fats, protein, and fiber, as well as vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium.
In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of cherry butter, and show you how easy it is to make your own at home.
Discover the Nutritional Value of Cherry Butter
Cherry butter is a nutritious spread that is full of health benefits. One tablespoon (18 g) of cherry butter contains 35 calories, 2.5 g of fat, 3 g of carbs, and 1 g of protein. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium. The healthy fats found in cherry butter can help improve cholesterol levels and aid in weight loss. Meanwhile, the fiber and protein content can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time.
How Many Servings of Cherry Butter Can You Have with Your Meal?
When it comes to incorporating cherry butter into your daily diet, portion control is key. While cherry butter is a healthy choice, it's still high in calories, so you'll want to limit your intake to one or two tablespoons per meal. You can enjoy cherry butter on toast, bagels, or even as a topping for pancakes or waffles. Just be careful not to go overboard, as too much of a good thing can still be detrimental to your health.
The Health Benefits of Including Cherry Butter in Your Daily Diet
Not only is cherry butter low in calories, it's also packed with health benefits that can make it a great addition to your daily diet. Here are just a few of the many benefits of consuming cherry butter:
- It's a good source of healthy fats, which can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
- It contains fiber and protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time.
- The vitamins and minerals found in cherry butter can help support overall health and well-being, and may even boost immune function.
How to Make Homemade Cherry Butter
Making your own cherry butter at home is easy and fun. Here's what you'll need to get started:
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
To make the cherry butter, first puree the cherries in a food processor or blender until smooth. Then, add the softened butter, honey, cinnamon, and salt, and blend again until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a bowl or container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the butter is firm. Enjoy on toast, bagels, or your favorite baked goods.
The Best Ways to Enjoy Cherry Butter
Cherry butter is a versatile spread that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few of our favorite ways to use it:
- Spread it on toast or bagels for a tasty breakfast or snack.
- Use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Stir it into oatmeal or yogurt for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use it as a filling for baked goods, like muffins or cupcakes.
Top Recipes That Use Cherry Butter as an Ingredient
Looking for more ways to use cherry butter in your cooking and baking? Check out these delicious recipes:
- Cherry Butter Thumbprint Cookies
- Cherry Butter Streusel Muffins
- Cherry Butter Cheesecake Bars
- Cherry Butter Glazed Pork Chops
Comparing the Calories in Cherry Butter to Other Spread Alternatives
While cherry butter is a healthy spread option, it's important to compare it to other alternatives to get a better idea of its nutritional value. Here's how cherry butter stacks up against some other popular spreads:
- Cherry butter: 35 calories per tablespoon
- Peanut butter: 90-100 calories per tablespoon
- Nutella: 100 calories per tablespoon
- Almond butter: 90-100 calories per tablespoon
Cherry Butter vs. Cherry Jam: Which One Is Healthier?
While cherry butter and cherry jam may seem similar, there are actually some key nutritional differences to consider. Here's how they compare:
- Cherry butter is lower in sugar and calories than cherry jam.
- Cherry jam is higher in carbohydrates than cherry butter.
- Cherry butter contains healthy fats and protein, while cherry jam does not.
- Both spreads provide essential vitamins and minerals, but cherry butter may be a slightly healthier option overall.
Store-Bought vs. Homemade Cherry Butter: Which One Tastes Better?
While you can certainly buy cherry butter at the store, making it at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. But which one tastes better? While store-bought cherry butter may be more convenient, homemade cherry butter usually tastes fresher and has a more vibrant flavor profile. Plus, making it at home allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. Overall, we'd recommend making your own cherry butter at home for the best taste and quality.
Ways to Incorporate Cherry Butter into Your Healthy Lifestyle
Incorporating cherry butter into your daily diet is a great way to add flavor and nutrition without sacrificing taste. Here are some tips for making the most of this delicious spread:
- Choose whole grain toast or bagels to pair with your cherry butter for added nutrition.
- Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor of your cherry butter.
- Store your homemade cherry butter in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze it for longer storage.
- Try making different kinds of fruit butters, like apple or peach, for added variety in your diet.
Delicious and nutritious, cherry butter is a tasty spread that offers a wide range of health benefits. Whether you buy it at the store or make it at home, this delicious spread is a must-try for anyone looking to add flavor and nutrition to their daily diet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cherry Butter
1. What is Cherry Butter?
Cherry Butter is a spreadable fruit butter that is made with cherries. It has a sweet and tangy flavor and can be used as a topping for toast, bagels, or yogurt.
2. How many calories are in 1 tablespoon of Cherry Butter?
1 tablespoon (18 g) of Cherry Butter contains 35 calories. This makes it a low-calorie alternative to other spreads like butter or jam.
3. Is Cherry Butter healthy?
Cherry Butter can be a healthy choice as it is made with real fruit and contains vitamins and antioxidants. However, it is important to check the ingredient list for added sugars or preservatives.
4. How can I use Cherry Butter?
Cherry Butter can be used as a spread on toast, muffins, or bagels. It can also be added to oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies for added flavor. Some people also use Cherry Butter as a filling for desserts like cupcakes or crepes.
5. Where can I buy Cherry Butter?
Cherry Butter can be purchased at specialty food stores or online. It may also be available at farmers' markets or local orchards during cherry season.