Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread: 5 Festive Delightful Bites

Name: Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread: 5 Festive Delightful Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Posted on November 28, 2025

Posted by Georgina sami

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday appetizer: cranberry cream cheese spread! It’s just the thing to elevate your festive gatherings and impress your guests. I remember the first time I made it—it was for a family get-together, and everyone was raving about how delicious it was. The sweet-tart cranberries mixed with the creamy, rich texture of the cream cheese just sings holiday cheer! It’s so easy to whip up, and it looks stunning on a cheese board. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a cozy snack to enjoy while watching your favorite holiday movie, this spread is a must-try. Trust me, it’ll become a staple at your holiday table, just like it is at mine!

Ingredients List

8 oz cream cheese, softened: This is the star of the show! Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
1 cup fresh cranberries: Make sure they’re fresh! They add that perfect tangy bite that balances the creaminess.
1/2 cup powdered sugar: This gives the spread a lovely sweetness without being too overpowering.
1/4 cup chopped pecans: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
1 tsp vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla is the secret ingredient that ties everything together and adds warmth.

How to Prepare Instructions

First things first, grab a mixing bowl and toss in your softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. I usually let my cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before starting—this makes it super easy to blend!
Now, add in that heavenly vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or just a sturdy spoon; whatever works for you!
Next, it’s time to fold in your fresh cranberries and chopped pecans. This is where the magic happens—gently stir until they’re evenly distributed throughout the creamy goodness. I love seeing those bright red cranberries pop against the white cream cheese!
Once everything’s well combined, transfer your delightful mixture into a pretty serving bowl. Presentation matters, right?
Now, here’s the crucial part: cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This gives all those flavors time to meld together beautifully. Trust me, waiting is hard, but it’s so worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This cranberry cream cheese spread comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.
Festive Flavor: The combination of sweet cranberries and creamy cheese brings a burst of holiday cheer to every bite!
Versatile: Serve it with crackers, toast, or even as a fun topping for your favorite bagel—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
Make Ahead: You can prepare it a day in advance, which means less stress and more time to relax with your loved ones.
Crowd-Pleaser: I promise, this spread will be the star of your appetizer table, leaving everyone wanting more!

Tips for Success

To ensure your cranberry cream cheese spread turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, if you want a lighter version, feel free to swap in low-fat cream cheese—it still tastes great! Also, don’t hesitate to get creative with the nuts; walnuts or almonds work wonderfully too. For an extra zing, add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrus twist. Remember to taste as you go; if you like it sweeter, just add a bit more powdered sugar! And don’t skip the chilling step—it really makes a difference in flavor and texture!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my delicious cranberry cream cheese spread (about 2 tablespoons). Each serving contains approximately 100 calories, with 8g of fat (5g saturated fat), and 2g of protein. You’ll also find around 8g of carbohydrates, including 5g of sugar, and 80mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so if you’re counting, always double-check based on your specific ingredients. This spread is a delightful treat that won’t completely derail your healthy eating goals!

FAQ Section

What can I serve with this cranberry cream cheese spread?
Oh, the options are endless! I love serving it with a variety of crackers—think buttery, whole grain, or even some crisp breadsticks. It’s also delightful on toasted baguette slices or paired with warm pita chips. For a fun twist, try it on bagels for a festive breakfast treat!

How long can I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can store the cranberry cream cheese spread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a little stir before serving again, and it’ll be as good as new!

Can I make this spread ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows those flavors to mingle beautifully. Just remember to keep it covered in the refrigerator and bring it back to room temperature for the best texture before serving.

Can I use frozen cranberries?
While fresh cranberries are ideal for this cranberry cream cheese spread, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! This cranberry cream cheese spread is totally vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for all your holiday gatherings.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your cranberry cream cheese spread is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to a week. When you’re ready to serve it again, just give it a good stir to bring back that creamy texture. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to soften it up a bit. Trust me, this spread is just as delightful the next time around!

Serving Suggestions

Now, let’s talk about the fun part—serving this cranberry cream cheese spread! It pairs beautifully with an array of crunchy crackers, like buttery Ritz, whole grain, or even some zesty rosemary crackers for an extra flavor kick. I also love to serve it on toasted baguette slices, which adds a delightful crunch and makes for a stunning presentation. For something different, try it with warm pita chips or even fresh veggies like cucumber slices or carrot sticks. Each bite will be a burst of creamy, tangy goodness that your guests will adore!