Raisin Butter Recipe

Raisin butter is a simple yet elevated fruit spread made with California Raisins, honey, Dijon mustard, and a hint of chili powder. This easy, no-sugar-added raisin butter recipe blends together in minutes using a food processor and is perfect for charcuterie boards, cheese pairings, sandwiches, or even as a bold twist in grilled cheese. Naturally sweet and packed with nutrients, this raisin spread is a flavorful and healthy alternative to fig jam or nut butter.

Table of Contents

• Why I Love This Raisin Butter Recipe
• Ingredients for Raisin Butter
• Substitutions and Variations
• Directions: How to Make Raisin Butter
• How to Use Raisin Butter
• How to Store Raisin Butter
• Other Spread and Jam Recipes You’ll Love
• Final Thoughts
• Connect With Me

As a recipe developer, one of the things I love most is playing with unexpected flavor profiles—and this raisin butter is the perfect example. I’ve always loved creating spreads and condiments that can add a punch of flavor to a dish, and raisins have become a surprisingly fun ingredient to experiment with.

Why I Love This Raisin Butter Recipe

This spread came about when I was craving to make something unique for a cheese board I was serving at a dinner party. I didn’t want to go the typical fig jam route—so I reached for raisins, added some pantry staples, and what came out of my food processor was something I now always keep in the fridge.

Think of it as sweet meets savory: naturally sweet raisins meet tangy Dijon, floral honey, and just a touch of spice from chili powder. The result is this smooth, jam-like spread that can elevate anything from a humble piece of toast to a gourmet cheese board.

Ingredients for Raisin Butter

You only need 5 simple ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups California Raisins – Sweet, soft, and packed with flavor
• ½ cup water – Helps soften and blend the raisins
• 1 tbsp honey – Adds extra natural sweetness and balance
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – For that little zip of brightness
• ¼ tsp chili powder – Just enough to add depth and a subtle kick

Optional additions

cinnamon, nutmeg, a splash of apple cider vinegar, or a pinch of sea salt for balance.

Substitutions and Variations

This raisin spread ready is incredibly versatile so get creative with these other additions!

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
• Make it richer: Blend in 1–2 tablespoons of almond butter or nut butter for a creamier texture.
• Make it fruity: Add orange zest or a splash of lemon juice, perfect for the Holidays!
• Make it boozy: Soak the raisins in rum or brandy for a more grown-up variation (like a rum raisin butter, like HELLO!).
• Make it savory: Add roasted garlic and serve it with roast chicken or pork.

Directions: How to Make Raisin Butter

1. Blend the ingredients: Combine the California Raisins, water, honey, Dijon mustard, and chili powder to a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. The result should be thick, spreadable, and slightly sticky—similar to a fruit jam or thick almond butter.
2. Cool & store: Let cool, then transfer to a jar and store in the fridge.

How to Use Raisin Butter

This might be the most fun part. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

• With cheese: Spread it on a crostini with goat cheese or brie.
• In grilled cheese sandwiches: Add a spoonful with sharp cheddar.
• On toast or English muffins—especially with almond butter.
• As a glaze: Mix with a bit of balsamic and olive oil and brush over roasted vegetables or pork.
• On a charcuterie board as an unexpected sweet element.

How to Store Raisin Butter

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container or mason jar for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before using.

Other Spread and Jam Recipes You’ll Love

• Spicy Cranberry Mayo Spread
• Sweet And Savory Homemade Grape Jam
• Homemade Strawberry Preserves
• Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Tapenade

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re building a beautiful cheese board or just looking for a unique addition to your sandwich spread rotation, this raisin butter is a must-try. It’s unexpected, deeply flavorful, and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Plus, it’s one more delicious way to enjoy the naturally sweet, nutrient-rich goodness of California Raisins. I hope this recipe inspires you to see raisins in a new light—beyond cookies and trail mix.

Happy spreading!

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