Elegant Layered Cream Cheese Delight
This visually stunning dessert resembles a small, white cake and is an impressive centerpiece for any brunch gathering. Made with smooth, creamy layers of flavored cream cheese and a delightful array of fruit preserves, it offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and tartness. Perfectly paired with croissants, muffins, and bagels, this spread is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful addition to your brunch table, setting a festive tone for your occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
32 ounces (softened)
wildflower honey
3/4 cup (or other medium colored honey)
raspberry preserves
2/3 cup (or strawberry preserves)
apricot preserves
2/3 cup
blackberry preserves
2/3 cup (or plum preserves)
toasted slivered almonds
for garnish
fresh edible flowers
for garnish
Instructions
1
Line the bottom and sides of a 4 to 5 cup bowl or cylindrical mold with plastic wrap, ensuring there is enough overhang to fully cover the mold later.
2
In a food processor or blender, blend the softened cream cheese and honey until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
3
Spoon 8 ounces (1/4 of the mixture) into the bottom of the mold, spreading it evenly.
4
Carefully spread the raspberry or strawberry preserves over the layer of cream cheese, making sure to leave a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5
Add another 8 ounces of the cream cheese mixture on top of the preserves, smoothing it out gently.
6
Layer the apricot preserves on top of this layer, again leaving a 1/2 inch border around the sides.
7
Spread another 8 ounces of cream cheese over the apricot layer, smoothing it with a spatula.
8
Next, add the blackberry or plum preserves on top, maintaining the 1/2 inch border.
9
Finally, spread the remaining 8 ounces of cream cheese on the top and smooth it out evenly.
10
Cover the top with the overhanging plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the cream cheese is firm.
11
To serve, carefully tip the cream cheese mold onto a serving plate or cake stand. Gently remove the plastic wrap.
12
Garnish with toasted slivered almonds or fresh edible flowers for an elegant finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elegant Layered Cream Cheese Delight?
It is a visually stunning dessert spread that resembles a small white cake, featuring layers of flavored cream cheese and fruit preserves.
What is the best occasion to serve this dish?
This dish is an impressive centerpiece perfectly suited for brunch gatherings and festive occasions.
How much cream cheese is required for this recipe?
You will need 32 ounces of cream cheese, which should be softened before use.
What should I use to sweeten the cream cheese?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of wildflower honey or another medium-colored honey.
What kind of fruit preserves are used in the layers?
The recipe uses raspberry or strawberry preserves, apricot preserves, and blackberry or plum preserves.
How many layers of cream cheese are in this dessert?
There are four layers of cream cheese, each approximately 8 ounces.
Why do I need to leave a 1/2 inch border around the preserves?
Leaving a border ensures the preserves stay contained within the cream cheese layers and do not leak out the sides.
What equipment is needed to blend the honey and cream cheese?
You can use either a food processor or a blender to achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture.
How do I prepare the mold before filling it?
Line the bottom and sides of a 4 to 5 cup bowl or cylindrical mold with plastic wrap, ensuring there is enough overhang to cover the top later.
How long should the cream cheese delight be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours or until the cream cheese is firm.
What are the recommended garnishes for this dish?
Toasted slivered almonds and fresh edible flowers are recommended for an elegant finish.
What should I serve with this cream cheese spread?
It pairs perfectly with croissants, muffins, and bagels.
How do I unmold the dessert?
Carefully tip the mold onto a serving plate or cake stand and gently remove the plastic wrap.
Can I substitute strawberry preserves for raspberry?
Yes, strawberry preserves can be used as an alternative to raspberry preserves.
What is an alternative to blackberry preserves?
Plum preserves can be used instead of blackberry preserves.
What size mold is needed for this recipe?
A 4 to 5 cup bowl or cylindrical mold is the ideal size.
Should the honey be a specific color?
Wildflower honey is suggested, but any medium-colored honey will work.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients including the garnishes.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this is a refrigerated dessert spread that requires no baking.
How do I smooth the cream cheese layers?
You can use a spatula to gently spread and smooth the cream cheese over the preserves.
What gives the spread its cake-like appearance?
The white cream cheese exterior and the cylindrical mold create the look of a small cake.
Can I use different garnishes?
While the recipe suggests almonds and flowers, you can use any garnish that fits the elegant theme.
How much honey is used per batch?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of wildflower honey.
What is the first layer of preserves added?
The first preserve layer consists of 2/3 cup of raspberry or strawberry preserves.
What is the middle layer of preserves?
The middle fruit layer is 2/3 cup of apricot preserves.
What is the final layer of preserves added?
The final fruit layer is 2/3 cup of blackberry or plum preserves.
Why is plastic wrap overhang important?
The overhang is used to cover the top of the mold during refrigeration and helps in easy removal.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
No, the specific calorie, fat, and sugar counts are not provided in this recipe data.
Is the cream cheese mixture flavored before layering?
Yes, the cream cheese is blended with honey to flavor it before the layering process begins.
Can this be made the night before?
Yes, since it requires at least 2 hours to firm up, making it ahead of time is a great option for brunch preparation.