Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese Recipe
Let me tell you, creating this luscious cranberry cream cheese spread feels like a compulsory autumn ritual that perfectly bridges the gap between snacking and entertaining.
The way in which the tartness of fresh cranberries teams up with the unctuousness of cream cheese in this recipe is just plain delightful—as are the cranberries, cream cheese, and this recipe. Taking a cue from the orange, I’ve added ample juice and zest, which give the dish a bright lift that makes it a splendid complement to shoestrings of deep-fried turkey.
This recipe makes enough for a jammy topping on fifty or so shoestrings.
Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, tart flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness, balances cranberry tartness.
- Orange juice: Provides citrus notes, enhances sweetness.
- Orange zest: Boosts flavor, adds aromatic citrus oils.
- Cream cheese: Creamy texture, source of protein and calcium.
Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese Recipe Ingredient Quantities
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- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
“`
How to Make this Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese Recipe
1. Wash the whole fresh cranberries in cold running water. Pick out and discard any that are soft or damaged.
2. In a saucepan of medium size, mix the cranberries, sugar, and water.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring now and then, until the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 to 15 minutes. Of course, you can adjust the seasoning and thickness to your liking. If you want it thinner, add water until it reaches your desired consistency. If you want it to be thicker, cook it a little longer.
4. Incorporate the orange juice and orange zest, and keep cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is well blended.
5. Take the cranberry sauce off the burner and allow it to chill to room temperature.
6. In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a spatula to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
7. As soon as the cranberry sauce has cooled, delicately mix it with the cream cheese until the two are well married, i.e., until the cranberry sauce and the cream cheese form a marbled effect.
Homemade Cream Cheese
Yield: 8 ounces
Ingredients
• 2 cups (8 ounces) cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
Tools
• Blender or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Containers for storage
8. If you want to, you can add honey and vanilla extract. And don’t forget about salt! A pinch of it will help bring out all the flavors.
9. Move the cranberry cream cheese blend to a dish for serving and chill for no less than half an hour. while you are assembling and plating the next two appetizers, to give the first one time to set in the refrigerator. If you’d rather make these only one or two at a time and save the rest for later, the cranberry cream cheese setting process is a good one to use as your guide for chilling. It requires no cooking but does require some assembly time of about 30 minutes.
10. As a spread for bagels, crackers, or as a festive side dish at your holiday gatherings, serve this dish cold.
Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Colander or strainer
2. Medium saucepan
3. Stirring spoon
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Zester or grater
6. Mixing bowls
7. Hand mixer or spatula
8. Blender or food processor
9. Whisk
10. Rubber spatula
11. Containers for storage
12. Serving dish or plate
FAQ
- Q:Is it possible to substitute frozen cranberries for fresh ones?
A: Yes, frozen cranberries can be used. Be sure, however, to thaw them first for the best results. - Q:How long will the Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese keep in the refrigerator? A: It will keep up to one week in the refrigeration when it’s in an airtight container.
- Q:Can the sauce be prepared before the event? A: For sure! The cranberry sauce can be made as much as two days in advance and can be stored in the refrigerator until just prior to your desired serve time.
- Q:Is the orange juice required for the recipe? A: The orange juice gives the recipe a really nice, tangy flavor, but you can leave it out and still have a successful baked good. You could also use lemon juice, which has a similar acidity but a different flavor profile.
- Q:Is it permissible for me to include nuts in the recipe, specifically for the purpose of adding texture?
A:
Indeed, for additional flavor and crunch, chopped pecans or walnuts could be a superb enhancement. - Q:Is it permissible for me to use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative instead of cream cheese?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe suitable for people with lactose intolerance by using a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Cranberries that are still fresh: A substitute will be 1 cup of cranberries that are frozen and thawed.
Sugar in granules: Substitute 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup or 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar for every 1/2 cup of granulated sugar called for in the recipe.
Orange juice: Swap with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for an even more tangy flavor.
Lemon zest: Use 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a different kind of citrus note.
Honey: If you don’t prefer it or it’s not available, use 1 tablespoon of agave nectar or maple syrup in its place.
Pro Tips
1. Balance the Sweetness and Tartness: If you find the cranberry sauce too tart, you can add a bit more sugar or honey to sweeten it to your preferred taste. Alternatively, if it’s too sweet, a small splash of lemon juice can help bring back some tartness.
2. Enhance the Cream Cheese Texture: For an even creamier texture, blend the cream cheese mixture in a food processor after incorporating the cranberry sauce. This will ensure a smoother, velvety consistency.
3. Zest Optimization: Use a microplane grater for the orange zest to capture the flavorful oils from the skin, which will enhance the citrus notes in the dish. Be careful to only zest the outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
4. Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry sauce during cooking to introduce warm, spiced flavors that complement the tartness of the cranberries and the creaminess of the cheese.
5. Chill and Set Thoroughly: Ensure that you allow enough time for the cranberry cream cheese mixture to chill completely. This not only helps the flavors meld but also aids in achieving the desired spreading consistency. If possible, prepare it a day in advance for optimal flavor development.
Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese Recipe
My favorite Cranberry Sauce Cream Cheese Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Colander or strainer
2. Medium saucepan
3. Stirring spoon
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Zester or grater
6. Mixing bowls
7. Hand mixer or spatula
8. Blender or food processor
9. Whisk
10. Rubber spatula
11. Containers for storage
12. Serving dish or plate
Ingredients:
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- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
“`
Instructions:
1. Wash the whole fresh cranberries in cold running water. Pick out and discard any that are soft or damaged.
2. In a saucepan of medium size, mix the cranberries, sugar, and water.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring now and then, until the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 to 15 minutes. Of course, you can adjust the seasoning and thickness to your liking. If you want it thinner, add water until it reaches your desired consistency. If you want it to be thicker, cook it a little longer.
4. Incorporate the orange juice and orange zest, and keep cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is well blended.
5. Take the cranberry sauce off the burner and allow it to chill to room temperature.
6. In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a spatula to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
7. As soon as the cranberry sauce has cooled, delicately mix it with the cream cheese until the two are well married, i.e., until the cranberry sauce and the cream cheese form a marbled effect.
Homemade Cream Cheese
Yield: 8 ounces
Ingredients
• 2 cups (8 ounces) cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
Tools
• Blender or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Containers for storage
8. If you want to, you can add honey and vanilla extract. And don’t forget about salt! A pinch of it will help bring out all the flavors.
9. Move the cranberry cream cheese blend to a dish for serving and chill for no less than half an hour. while you are assembling and plating the next two appetizers, to give the first one time to set in the refrigerator. If you’d rather make these only one or two at a time and save the rest for later, the cranberry cream cheese setting process is a good one to use as your guide for chilling. It requires no cooking but does require some assembly time of about 30 minutes.
10. As a spread for bagels, crackers, or as a festive side dish at your holiday gatherings, serve this dish cold.
