If you’re looking for a delightful and festive treat that combines creamy goodness with a burst of holiday flavors, this Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a luscious blend of smooth cream cheese, sweet marshmallow creme, and vibrant bursts of dried cranberries and pistachios. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or elevating your holiday appetizer game, this spread brings warmth and cheer to every bite. Whether you serve it as a party dip or a cozy snack, it truly embodies the spirit of the season in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making your Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe a delicious reality. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the creamy texture of the cream cheese or the festive pop of color and crunch from the cranberries and pistachios.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): This forms the rich and velvety base of the spread.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and ensures a smooth consistency.
- Marshmallow creme (1/2 cup): Brings fluffy lightness and a hint of classic confectionery charm.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Provides a subtle nutty depth that complements the other ingredients.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Brightens the spread with tangy sweetness and festive red color.
- Green pistachios (1/3 cup, chopped): Add a lovely crunch and holiday green hue.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese
Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until it’s smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for a spread that’s delightfully creamy and easy to mix with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sweeten the Base
Next, add your powdered sugar to the cream cheese and continue beating until you’ve achieved a fully combined, silky mixture. The powdered sugar dissolves seamlessly, giving the spread just the right amount of sweetness without any grittiness.
Step 3: Blend in the Marshmallow Creme and Extracts
Fold in the marshmallow creme along with the vanilla extract, almond extract if using, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until the spread is perfectly smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious texture and layers on those warm, inviting flavors that make this recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Festive Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries and pistachios. These bring in delightful bursts of color, texture, and festive flavor. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every bite offers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.
Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld
Transfer your spread to a serving bowl, cover it up, and pop it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and the spread to firm up just enough, enhancing the overall taste experience.
How to Serve Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional dried cranberries and chopped pistachios right on top before serving. These garnishes not only add vibrant color but also make your spread look absolutely irresistible on any holiday table.
Side Dishes
This spread pairs beautifully with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, and even crisp sliced apples. Each option offers a unique texture and flavor that complements the creamy, sweet, and nutty profile of the Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving your spread in a hollowed-out bread bowl, or arrange it in a festive pattern on a flat platter with seasonal fruits and nuts surrounding it. You can also pipe the spread into small, decorative ramekins for an elegant touch at your holiday party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this irresistible Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe, simply cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it will stay just as delicious and creamy.
Freezing
Freezing this spread isn’t recommended as the texture of the cream cheese and marshmallow creme mixture can change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making to experience that perfect creamy consistency.
Reheating
This is a no-heat dish meant to be served chilled or slightly softened at room temperature. If it’s been refrigerated, just allow it to sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and bring out the full flavors.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pistachios?
Absolutely! While pistachios add a lovely color and subtle flavor, you can swap them for chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
Is the almond extract necessary?
The almond extract is optional but highly recommended for that extra layer of flavor depth. If you’re allergic or not a fan, just leave it out and the spread will still be delicious.
How long can I keep the spread in the fridge?
Store the Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the texture and freshness might start to decline, so it’s best enjoyed within that timeframe.
Can I make this spread vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and marshmallow creme, which are typically dairy-based. However, you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and vegan marshmallow fluff to create a vegan version, though the texture and taste might differ slightly.
What are some good dippers for this spread besides cookies?
Besides graham crackers and vanilla wafers, try using pretzels, apple slices, pears, or even sturdy crackers. The sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty spread pairs wonderfully with a variety of crunchy options.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe is going to become one of your holiday favorites. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, fruity, and nutty—all wrapped up in a festive package that’s endlessly versatile. So grab those ingredients and make this spread the star of your next holiday gathering. You’re going to love how simple it is to prepare and how much joy it brings to every bite!
Print
Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Christmas & Cream Spread is a delightful no-bake appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy softened cream cheese is combined with powdered sugar, marshmallow creme, and extracts to create a sweet, fluffy base. Folded with chopped dried cranberries and green pistachios, this dip offers a lovely balance of textures and vibrant holiday colors. Chill for an hour to meld the flavors and serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or fresh apple slices for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup marshmallow creme
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped green pistachios
Instructions
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and fluffy, which will create the perfect base texture for the spread.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese and beat until fully combined, ensuring a sweet and smooth mixture.
- Mix in Marshmallow Creme and Extracts: Stir in the marshmallow creme, vanilla extract, almond extract if using, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is creamy and uniform.
- Fold in Cranberries and Pistachios: Gently fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries and chopped pistachios until they are evenly distributed throughout the spread.
- Chill the Spread: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Serve chilled or slightly softened with your choice of graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or crisp apple slices for a festive treat.
Notes
- Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or sliced apples for variety.
- For extra holiday flair, garnish the spread with additional dried cranberries and chopped pistachios before serving.
