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Cranberry Walnut Cream Cheese Spread

  • Author: Chef Sophia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cranberry Walnut Cream Cheese Spread is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet a truly festive addition to any holiday table or cozy gathering. With rich cream cheese as the base, bursts of tart cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, this spread strikes a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. A drizzle of honey and a hint of cinnamon tie everything together with warm, comforting notes. Serve it chilled with crisp crackers, slices of baguette, or fresh fruit for a simple yet elegant appetizer that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • ½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Beat with a spoon or hand mixer until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and well-blended.
  2. Add texture and flavor: Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and toasted walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.
  3. Shape and garnish: Transfer the mixture to a serving dish or small bowl, smoothing the top with a spatula for a neat presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if desired for a festive touch.
  4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm slightly.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Serve with your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp apple wedges for a delightful appetizer or snack.

Notes

  1. Softening Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This ensures a silky, lump-free texture that blends easily with other ingredients.
  2. Toasting Walnuts: Toasting brings out their rich, nutty flavor. Heat them in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Allow them to cool before chopping.
  3. Balancing Sweetness: Dried cranberries can vary in tartness taste before adding honey, and adjust accordingly for your desired sweetness level.
  4. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving again to restore its creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Spread
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American, Holiday

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: cranberry walnut spread, cream cheese appetizer, holiday cheese spread, no-cook festive dip, easy party appetizer, sweet and tangy spread

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Find it online: https://chefsophia.com/cranberry-walnut-cream-cheese-spread/