Creamy Walnut and Cranberry Delight Spread
Elevate your snack game with this luscious Creamy Walnut and Cranberry Delight Spread, a delectable fusion of smooth cream cheese, rich butter, crunchy walnuts, and naturally sweet dried fruits, enhanced by the warm notes of crystallized ginger. Perfect for slathering on freshly toasted bagels, crisp crackers, or even as a decadent filling between cake layers, this spread is versatile enough to inspire your culinary creativity. Serve it at brunch, as a party appetizer, or simply enjoy it as a luxurious treat any time of day. Your taste buds will thank you!
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
8 ounces (room temperature)
butter
2 tablespoons (room temperature)
walnuts
1/3 cup (toasted)
raisins or dried cranberries
1/3 cup (your choice of either)
honey
1 tablespoon
crystallized ginger
1 ounce (diced)
Instructions
1
Begin by ensuring that both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for an easy blend.
2
In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Pulse until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
3
Add the toasted walnuts, raisins (or dried cranberries), honey, and diced crystallized ginger to the food processor.
4
Pulse the mixture a few more times until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated but still retain some texture.
5
Taste the spread and adjust sweetness or add more ginger if desired, then pulse again to mix.
6
Transfer the spread to a serving bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes prior to serving to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Serve chilled or at room temperature with your choice of bagels, crackers, toast, or as a cake filling.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Walnut and Cranberry Delight Spread?
It is a luscious spread featuring a fusion of smooth cream cheese, rich butter, crunchy toasted walnuts, and sweet dried fruits, accented with crystallized ginger.
What are the main ingredients in this spread?
The recipe calls for cream cheese, butter, toasted walnuts, raisins or dried cranberries, honey, and diced crystallized ginger.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of raisins?
Yes, you can use either raisins or dried cranberries based on your personal preference or what you have on hand.
How should the cream cheese and butter be prepared?
Both the cream cheese and butter should be brought to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth and easy blend.
Do the walnuts need to be toasted?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1/3 cup of toasted walnuts for the best flavor and crunch.
How do I make the spread smooth?
Use a food processor fitted with a metal blade to pulse the cream cheese and butter until the mixture is completely smooth.
Should the spread be completely smooth or chunky?
The base should be smooth, but when adding the walnuts and fruit, you should pulse just enough so they are incorporated while still retaining some texture.
How long does it take to prepare?
The preparation is quick using a food processor, but you should allow at least 30 minutes for the spread to chill in the refrigerator before serving.
What can I serve with this spread?
It is perfect for freshly toasted bagels, crisp crackers, toast, or even as a decadent filling for cakes.
Can I use this as a cake filling?
Absolutely, its creamy and sweet profile makes it a delicious filling between cake layers.
What is the purpose of the crystallized ginger?
Crystallized ginger adds warm notes and a unique sweet-spicy depth to the spread.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 60 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the spread?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there protein in this spread?
Yes, there is approximately 1 gram of protein per serving.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, you can taste the spread after mixing and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
Is this spread suitable for parties?
Yes, it is highly versatile and works great as a party appetizer or for a brunch gathering.
Does the spread need to be refrigerated?
Yes, you should refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I serve it at room temperature?
While it should be chilled initially, it can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are a total of 6 ingredients required for this recipe.
What kind of honey should I use?
Any standard honey will work, though a mild floral honey complements the cream cheese and walnuts well.
Is this a sweet or savory spread?
It is primarily a sweet spread due to the honey, dried fruits, and crystallized ginger.
Can I make this without a food processor?
Yes, you can mix it by hand or with an electric mixer, though you will need to finely chop the walnuts and ginger manually first.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brands of cream cheese and crystallized ginger to be sure.
Can I substitute the walnuts for another nut?
Yes, pecans or almonds would make excellent substitutes for walnuts in this spread.
What is the texture of the spread?
It is creamy and luscious with crunchy bits from the nuts and chewy pieces from the dried fruit.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, though the resulting spread may be slightly less rich and creamy than if using full-fat cream cheese.
Can I add more ginger?
Yes, the recipe encourages you to taste and add more diced crystallized ginger if you prefer a stronger ginger flavor.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains dairy and honey but no meat products.