Name: Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange zest, grated; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, optional

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 5 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet irresistibly flavorful dip that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, brunch, or just a cozy night in, I can’t recommend this Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Spread Recipe enough. Trust me, once you’re done blending that tangy cream cheese with sweet dried cranberries and a burst of fresh orange zest, you’ll be hooked. It’s easy to whip up in just 5 minutes, no cooking needed, and it’s the kind of recipe that gets everyone reaching for crackers and bread before you know it.

🤎

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The tartness of cranberries perfectly complements the creamy, mild texture of cream cheese, brightened by fresh orange zest.
Quick and Easy Prep: You can mix this up in under 10 minutes—no time in the kitchen, just pure blending and chilling.
Versatility: Great for crackers, bread, or even as a topping for sweet or savory dishes, making it a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion.

Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Spread, cranberry orange dip, holiday cream cheese appetizer, quick fruit spread, festive cheese dip - A white bowl is filled with a creamy mixture that has three layers of visible ingredients: the base is soft white cream cheese, mixed throughout with chunks of orange dried apricots and small dark red dried cranberries, creating a colorful and textured look. Around the bowl, there are beige crackers placed on a white marbled surface, some showing a speckled texture. A woman's hand is holding one of the crackers near the edge of the bowl. The scene is bright and clear, showing the fresh, inviting look of the snack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Spread Recipe lies in its simple but harmonious ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating that perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and zesty flavors. Plus, the dried fruits add a nice chewy texture, while the orange juice and zest add brightness that keeps it fresh.

Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Spread, cranberry orange dip, holiday cream cheese appetizer, quick fruit spread, festive cheese dip - Flat lay of a block of fresh cream cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with bright red chopped dried cranberries, a small white bowl with vibrant orange chopped dried apricots, another small white bowl containing fresh orange juice, a small white bowl with finely grated orange zest, and a tiny white bowl holding ground ginger powder, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cream Cheese: The soft and tangy base that acts like a blank canvas, bringing richness and smooth texture to the spread.
Dried Cranberries: They add a lovely tart-sweet bite; make sure to get good-quality ones that aren’t too sugary or dry.
Dried Apricots: Balances the cranberries with natural sweetness and chewy texture — chop them finely for even distribution.
Orange Juice: Adds moisture and bright citrus notes, awakening all the flavors together.
Orange Zest: This is the secret pop — freshly grated zest brings intense aroma and tangy flavor.
Ground Ginger (Optional): Just a pinch for warmth and spice, a subtle twist that you can leave out if you prefer.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love keeping this Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Spread Recipe as is, but sometimes I tweak it just a little to suit the season or my mood. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—you might find your new favorite spin.

Add Fresh Herbs: Once, I stirred in some finely chopped rosemary to give a lovely herbal note that went crazy well with the orange.
Swap Fruits: If dried apricots aren’t handy, try dried cherries or even finely chopped dates for extra sweetness.
Dairy Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, try using vegan cream cheese and ensure your dried fruits are unsweetened.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First things first: let your cream cheese soften to room temperature. This makes mixing easier and prevents lumps. While that’s happening, chop your dried cranberries and apricots finely so they spread evenly throughout. Freshly zest your orange, and measure out the juice.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Then add your chopped cranberries, apricots, orange juice, zest, and the optional pinch of ground ginger. Use a spatula or a mixer on low speed to blend everything well — you want all those bits evenly distributed without crushing the fruit.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

Pop your spread in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and firms up the spread so it’s easy to scoop. Trust me, the chilling step is worth it.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

Softening Cream Cheese: Always let your cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing—this prevents lumps and gives you a smooth spread.
Chop Fruits Uniformly: Finely chopping the dried fruits helps every bite have a nice balance of flavors without big chunks.
Fresh Zest Makes a Difference: Using fresh orange zest instead of dried or pre-packaged preserves the bright citrus oils and aroma.
Don’t Skip Chilling: Refrigerate the spread before serving to let the flavors meld and improve the texture — rushing this step led me to a flat-tasting spread once!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Spread, cranberry orange dip, holiday cream cheese appetizer, quick fruit spread, festive cheese dip - A close-up image showing a round golden cracker held by a woman's hand, topped with a creamy, chunky mixture. The mixture has a white base with bright orange pieces and dark red bits scattered throughout, creating a textured look. The cracker's surface has small visible holes and a slightly uneven golden brown color. The background is soft and blurred, featuring a white marbled texture with other crackers faintly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a sprinkle of extra orange zest or a few whole dried cranberries for a pretty pop of color — it really livens up the presentation when you’re serving guests. Sometimes I toss on some chopped toasted pecans for an extra crunch that complements the creaminess.

Side Dishes

This spread pairs beautifully with plain or lightly salted crackers, slices of a crusty baguette, or even fresh apple and pear slices if you want a sweet-and-savory combo. At holiday parties, I like to add it to a cheese board with aged cheddar and some honey on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this spread in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or small citrus bowls for a festive touch. I also love swirling it atop crostini with a drizzle of honey and rosemary sprigs for an elegant appetizer that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once made, store your leftover spread in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually keep mine for up to 5 days, but it tends to disappear faster! Just give it a quick stir before serving again in case any liquid has settled.

Freezing

While I don’t often freeze this spread, it’s doable if you’re prepping ahead. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When thawing, do it slowly overnight in the fridge to minimize texture changes.

Reheating

This is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it softer, just take it out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are much tarter and contain more moisture than dried ones, so they’ll change the texture and taste of the spread. If you want to use fresh, consider cooking them briefly with a bit of sugar to soften and sweeten before mixing.
What can I substitute for dried apricots?

Dried apricots lend sweetness and chewiness, but dried cherries, dates, or even finely chopped figs work well too. Just choose fruits without added sugars for the best flavor balance.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday entertaining?

Absolutely! It’s an easy-to-make spread that looks festive and tastes like you spent way more time crafting it. Plus, it pairs beautifully with many seasonal sides and appetizers.
How long does this spread keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 5 days. Always give it a quick stir before serving if it’s been sitting for a while.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Spread Recipe has become a staple for me whenever friends come over or I want a quick flavor boost on my snack board. There’s something so simple yet festive about the way the creamy, zesty, and fruity notes come together. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—and maybe even surprise yourself by adding your own personal twist. Go ahead, grab some cream cheese and dried fruit, and let this easy, crowd-pleasing spread work its magic!