Sweet Cranberry Walnut Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
This Sweet Cranberry Walnut Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and fresh orange zest. Perfect as a festive appetizer or party spread, it offers a creamy, fruity, and nutty flavor profile that’s sure to impress your guests. Easy to prepare with simple mixing and no cooking required, it’s an ideal make-ahead dip to serve with crackers or fresh bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (serves 8-10) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cream Cheese Base
- 16 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature (about 70°F)
- 1/4 cup honey (preferably local raw honey)
For the Mix-ins
- 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh orange zest (finely grated)
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature until softened, about 30-60 minutes. This ensures it’s easy to mix and results in a smooth, creamy spread.
- Whip the Cream Cheese and Honey: Place the softened cream cheese and honey into a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, creating a sweet and creamy base.
- Incorporate the Fruits and Nuts: Add the coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans, sweetened dried cranberries, and freshly grated orange zest to the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold everything together thoroughly to evenly distribute the nuts and fruits, while keeping some nut pieces intact for texture.
- Transfer and Serve: Spoon the finished dip into a serving bowl. For the best flavor and texture, serve at room temperature. If refrigerated beforehand, let it sit out for at least 20 minutes to soften before serving. Pair with your favorite crackers for a tasty appetizer.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, easy-to-mix base.
- Local raw honey adds a rich, floral sweetness but any honey variety works.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans for a slightly different nutty flavor.
- For extra visual appeal, reserve a few cranberries and walnuts to sprinkle on top before serving.
- Allow the dip to sit at room temperature after refrigeration for optimal creaminess.
Keywords: cream cheese dip, cranberry dip, walnut dip, holiday appetizer, sweet dip, party appetizer, no cook dip, fruit and nut dip
