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Best Whipped Cranberry Cream Cheese Ball Recipe

Whipped Cranberry Cream Cheese Ball - featured image
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This whipped cranberry cream cheese ball is light, fluffy, and packed with sweet-tart cranberry flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it comes together in under 15 minutes and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped (plus ½ cup for rolling)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take both blocks out of the fridge at least one hour before starting. Cut them into chunks to help them soften faster and more evenly.
  2. Toast the pecans: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1½ cups of pecan pieces. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until they smell nutty and look slightly darker. Pour onto a plate to cool completely.
  3. Whip the cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to a food processor. Pulse a few times to break it up, then let it run continuously for about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides, then run for another minute until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the flavors: With the food processor running, drizzle in the honey and vanilla extract. Add the orange zest and pinch of salt. Run for about 30 seconds until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust honey if needed.
  5. Mix in the add-ins: Transfer the whipped cream cheese to a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of the cooled, chopped pecans and all of the dried cranberries. Fold together with a spatula until evenly distributed.
  6. Shape the ball: Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap. Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto the center. Gather the edges of the plastic wrap and twist to form a tight ball. Use your hands through the plastic to shape into a smooth sphere. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  7. Roll in pecans: Just before serving, spread the remaining ½ cup of toasted pecans on a plate. Unwrap the chilled cream cheese ball and gently roll it in the pecans, pressing lightly so they stick. Transfer to a serving platter and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before starting. Toast pecans lightly for best flavor. Chill the cream cheese ball before rolling in pecans and again after rolling to help pecans stick. Let rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for best spreading consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry cream cheese ball, whipped cream cheese ball, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, no-bake appetizer

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/best-whipped-cranberry-cream-cheese-ball-recipe/