Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread: A Delightful Addition to Any Gathering
A vibrant, creamy spread featuring a luscious layer of sweetened cream cheese topped with a homemade cranberry-orange compote. Perfect for bagels, crackers, or as a festive dessert dip!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- Cranberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- Cream Cheese Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Fresh mint leaves
- Additional orange zest
Instructions
- Make cranberry compote: In saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, cinnamon, and cloves. Simmer 10-12 mins until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Cool completely.
- Whip cream cheese: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until fluffy (3-4 mins).
- Layer: Spread cream cheese mixture in serving dish. Top with cooled cranberry compote.
- Chill: Refrigerate at least 2 hours to set.
- Serve garnished with nuts and mint. Pair with:
- Toasted baguette slices
- Graham crackers
- Apple wedges
- Pretzel crisps
Notes
- Make ahead: Compote keeps 1 week refrigerated; assemble spread up to 2 days ahead
- Texture options: Leave compote chunky or blend smooth
- Spice variations: Add 1/4 tsp ginger or cardamom
- Shortcut: Use 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce + 1 tsp orange zest
- Storage: Keeps covered in fridge 5 days
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Find it online: https://us.recipesfood.org/cranberry-cream-cheese-spread/
