Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread with Sweet Apricots and a Zesty Citrus Kick: Perfectly Tangy and Sweet

This cranberry cream cheese spread is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making it a versatile and delicious addition to your holiday appetizer spread or as a delightful snack. The combination of tart dried cranberries, sweet apricots, and a hint of orange zest creates a refreshing contrast to the creamy base, making every bite flavorful and irresistible. Serve it with your favorite crackers, sliced baguettes, or fruit for an easy yet impressive snack or appetizer.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

This spread is inspired by the desire to combine the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of dried apricots, all brought together with a creamy, tangy base of cream cheese. The addition of fresh orange zest and juice gives the spread a burst of citrus freshness, making it perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a festive, flavorful snack. The balance of sweet and tart flavors makes this spread a hit with both kids and adults alike, and it’s perfect for serving at gatherings or just enjoying at home.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

This cranberry cream cheese spread is not only delicious but incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. The contrast between the creamy cheese and the chewy dried fruits makes for a textural delight, while the citrus undertones elevate the flavor, giving it a refreshing finish. This spread is versatile and can be served with crackers, fruit, or even as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. Plus, it takes just minutes to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for busy days or last-minute entertaining.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Fiber: 1g

This cranberry cream cheese spread is not only a delicious snack but also offers a balance of fat and carbohydrates, with the dried fruits providing natural sweetness and fiber.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This cranberry cream cheese spread pairs perfectly with a variety of crackers, from savory wheat crackers to buttery Ritz crackers. It also complements sliced baguettes, making it a great addition to any appetizer board. For a lighter, refreshing pairing, serve it with fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes. You can also spread it on a turkey or chicken sandwich for a festive, tangy twist. For drinks, pair it with a sparkling cider or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness of the cream cheese.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This cranberry cream cheese spread can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When ready to serve, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly for easier spreading. This spread doesn’t need reheating and is best served chilled or at room temperature.

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Fun Fact: The Versatility of Dried Cranberries

Dried cranberries are not only a popular holiday ingredient but also a nutrient-dense snack rich in antioxidants and vitamins. They’re often used in both sweet and savory dishes, adding a tart, chewy texture that complements a variety of flavors, from roasted meats to baked goods and, of course, spreads like this one!

Cooking Tips

Chop the Dried Fruit Finely: Make sure to chop the dried cranberries and apricots into small, bite-sized pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the spread.

Let the Cream Cheese Soften: For easier mixing, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before combining with the other ingredients.

Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter spread, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the mixture.

Optional Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the spread for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot honey for a spicy-sweet variation.
• Herb Infusion: Stir in some freshly chopped rosemary or thyme for an earthy, herby flavor twist.

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Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup dried cranberries (chopped)
• ½ cup dried apricots (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (grated)
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, orange juice, orange zest, and ground ginger (if using).
2. Mix the Spread:Using a whisk or a spatula, stir all the ingredients together until well combined and the dried fruit is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.
3. Chill and Serve:Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with crackers, fruit, or sliced baguettes.
4. Enjoy!Spread the cranberry cream cheese mixture on your favorite crackers or fruit and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors!

Final Thoughts

This cranberry cream cheese spread is the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and creamy, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this festive and flavorful spread in no time. It’s perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, as part of a snack board, or as a simple, flavorful appetizer for any event. The combination of cranberries, apricots, and orange zest creates a delightful burst of flavor that’s sure to impress your guests!