Description
A festive and creamy spread bursting with sweet-tart cranberries, bright orange zest, and a touch of honey perfect for bagels, muffins, or holiday brunch boards.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh, finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1½ tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Optional: ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 20 minutes to soften.
- If using dried cranberries, soak in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain and finely chop.
- Zest the orange using a microplane grater.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in orange zest, orange juice, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and optional vanilla extract.
- Fold in chopped cranberries until evenly distributed.
- Optional: Chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve cold with crackers, bagels, toast, or muffins.
Notes
Use fresh orange zest for bold citrus flavor. Letting the spread rest enhances its taste. Easily make it vegan by using plant-based cream cheese and maple syrup. Pairs beautifully with fall favorites like pumpkin bread or apple slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American