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Perfect Whipped Cranberry Cream Cheese Ball

whipped cranberry cream cheese ball - featured image
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This light and fluffy whipped cream cheese ball is packed with sweet-tart dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans. It’s the easy, make-ahead appetizer that converts skeptics and disappears at every holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese (two 8-ounce blocks), softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped and divided
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 medium orange)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of refrigerator at least 1 hour before starting. Cut into cubes to speed softening. It should be room temperature—soft but not melty.
  2. Toast the pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway, until fragrant and lightly golden. Let cool completely.
  3. Whip the cream cheese: Place softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and doubled in volume. Scrape down sides halfway through.
  4. Add sweeteners and flavorings: Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and salt. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated and smooth.
  5. Fold in mix-ins: Add chopped dried cranberries and half of the toasted pecans (about 1/2 cup). Use a rubber spatula to fold gently until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
  6. Shape the cheese ball: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on work surface. Scoop mixture onto center. Gather edges of plastic wrap and twist to form a tight ball. Use hands through plastic to shape into a smooth round. Twist top tightly to seal. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Coat with pecans: Once fully chilled and firm, remove from plastic wrap. Place remaining 1/2 cup toasted pecans on a plate. Gently roll cheese ball in pecans, pressing lightly to adhere. Pat on extra pecans where needed.
  8. Serve: Transfer to serving platter. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers, sliced apples, pear slices, or pretzel crisps.

Notes

Room temperature cream cheese is essential for proper whipping. Don’t skip the orange zest—it brightens the flavor. Toast pecans for deeper flavor. Chill thoroughly before coating with pecans. Let rest at room temperature before serving for best spreading consistency. Store tightly wrapped in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: cream cheese ball, whipped cream cheese, cranberry, pecan, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, make ahead

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/perfect-whipped-cranberry-cream-cheese-ball/