Name: Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange zest, grated; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, optional

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 55 reviews

If you love easy, flavorful spreads that bring a festive touch to any gathering, you’re going to adore this Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread Recipe. It’s one of those simple concoctions that packs so much personality with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re prepping for holiday guests or just craving a zesty snack, this spread hits all the right notes—tangy, sweet, creamy, and just a touch of spice that will have you coming back for more.

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Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Harmony: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apricots partners beautifully with the creamy tang of cream cheese.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy — pantry staples come together quickly for a show-stopping spread.
Versatility: Works equally well as a party appetizer or a treat for your snack cravings.
No-Cook, No Fuss: Just mix, chill, and serve — perfect for last-minute entertaining.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread, holiday appetizer, festive cheese spread, easy fruit cheese dip, cranberry cheese appetizer - A white bowl is filled with a creamy mixture that has three layers of visible ingredients: the base is soft white cream cheese, mixed throughout with chunks of orange dried apricots and small dark red dried cranberries, creating a colorful and textured look. Around the bowl, there are beige crackers placed on a white marbled surface, some showing a speckled texture. A woman's hand is holding one of the crackers near the edge of the bowl. The scene is bright and clear, showing the fresh, inviting look of the snack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All these ingredients come together with incredible ease and a delightful flavor profile. I always look for quality dried cranberries and apricots—those with natural sweetness and chewiness. Don’t skip the fresh orange zest either; it brightens everything up like magic.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread, holiday appetizer, festive cheese spread, easy fruit cheese dip, cranberry cheese appetizer - Flat lay of a block of fresh cream cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with bright red chopped dried cranberries, a small white bowl with vibrant orange chopped dried apricots, another small white bowl containing fresh orange juice, a small white bowl with finely grated orange zest, and a tiny white bowl holding ground ginger powder, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cream cheese: Provides that rich, creamy base to carry all the flavors; room temperature cream cheese blends easiest.
Dried cranberries: Their tartness adds a perfect zing, and chopping them helps distribute bursts of flavor evenly.
Dried apricots: Sweet and chewy, apricots balance the tartness and add texture; roughly chop for a nice bite.
Orange juice: Adds a juicy brightness and keeps the spread moist without watering it down.
Orange zest: These oils from zest pack fragrance and fresh citrus notes that elevate the entire recipe.
Ground ginger (optional): A subtle warming spice that adds depth without overpowering; skip if you’re not a fan of spice.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love customizing this spread depending on the occasion and what I have on hand. You can swap in fresh fruit when in season or play up the spice with a pinch of cinnamon for a holiday flare. Don’t be shy about adding a little honey if you prefer your spread sweeter!

Variation: One time, I added chopped pecans to the mix, which gave a wonderful crunch and nuttiness — highly recommend trying that for texture lovers.
Dietary tweaks: Use vegan cream cheese to make it dairy-free, and the spread still turns out just as delightful.
Seasonal switch: Swap dried apricots for dried cherries or figs depending on what’s fresh at the market.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

Step 1: Soften and Whisk Cream Cheese

Start by bringing your cream cheese to room temperature — this makes mixing so much easier and helps achieve that perfectly smooth texture. In a large bowl, whisk it until creamy and airy. This little step gives the spread a lightness you’ll appreciate in every bite.

Step 2: Chop Your Dried Fruits

Chop your dried cranberries and apricots into bite-sized pieces. Medium chop works best so you get bursts of fruit without large chunks that overpower the cream cheese. If you like it chunkier, feel free to leave bigger pieces — this is your spread, after all!

Step 3: Combine and Zest It Up

Add your chopped fruits, orange juice, fresh orange zest, and ground ginger (if using) to the bowl. Use a whisk or a spatula to fold everything together gently but thoroughly. You want a uniform spread without over-mixing, so those juicy cranberry pieces shine through.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Cover your bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This rest time lets the flavors meld beautifully and also firms up the spread so it’s perfect for dipping or spreading on crackers and baguettes.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Patience here pays off. Mixing cold cream cheese results in lumps and uneven distribution of fruits.
Chop Dried Fruits Uniformly: Uneven pieces mean some bites are too sweet, others too plain; chopping evenly balances flavor.
Zest Fresh Oranges: Freeze-dried or bottled zest won’t bring the same bright aroma and zing I love.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Giving the spread time to chill greatly improves texture and flavor mingling.

How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread, holiday appetizer, festive cheese spread, easy fruit cheese dip, cranberry cheese appetizer - A close-up image showing a round golden cracker held by a woman's hand, topped with a creamy, chunky mixture. The mixture has a white base with bright orange pieces and dark red bits scattered throughout, creating a textured look. The cracker's surface has small visible holes and a slightly uneven golden brown color. The background is soft and blurred, featuring a white marbled texture with other crackers faintly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few extra chopped dried cranberries or a tiny drizzle of honey on top—you know, just for that splash of color and a hint of sweetness. Fresh herbs like a little chopped mint or rosemary can also add a festive twist, especially around the holidays.

Side Dishes

This spread pairs wonderfully with crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even alongside a charcuterie board. For something lighter, I love serving it with fresh apple or pear slices to complement the fruity notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I have this one go-to where I hollow out a small round bread bowl and fill it with the spread, surrounding it with colorful crackers and fruit. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and looks so inviting on the table. You can also dollop the spread over mini toasts or even top deviled eggs for a unique twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh and firm for up to a week. I always recommend giving it a quick stir before serving again if it’s been sitting a while—the orange juice can settle a bit.

Freezing

Freezing this spread isn’t my favorite option because cream cheese can change texture when thawed. But if you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then stir well before serving.

Reheating

This spread is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If it’s too firm right out of the fridge, simply let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes before spreading.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are much tarter and less sweet than dried ones, and they’re quite firm and juicy. If you use fresh, consider cooking them slightly with some sugar first to soften and sweeten, otherwise the texture and flavor balance in the spread will be very different.
Is this Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread Recipe suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! Swap out the regular cream cheese for a plant-based or vegan cream cheese variety. Just make sure your dried fruits are free from any animal products or additives, and you’ll have a delicious vegan-friendly option.
How long can I prepare this spread in advance?

This spread can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. I find that letting it rest overnight intensifies the flavors beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this spread?

Yes! Chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds add a lovely crunch and extra flavor dimension. Add them just before serving to keep the texture nice and crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos, especially during festive seasons. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but takes practically no time at all. Whenever I bring this to a gathering, it disappears fast, and friends often ask for the recipe—which makes me smile every time. I really hope you’ll enjoy it just as much, and that it’ll make your table a touch brighter and your snack time a whole lot happier.