Cherry Cream Cheese Log Recipe

The best part is that you can make it ahead of time and keep it chilled until the party starts. Scroll down to grab the full recipe so you can add this festive appetizer to your next holiday table or game night spread.

• If you’re building a holiday party menu, this cranberry cream cheese dip is another sweet and tangy favorite that goes perfectly on the same appetizer table. Its also a top recipe that my readers love and you will too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 blocks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, stems removed, drained, and diced
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Crackers or pretzels for serving

Notes from my kitchen:

• Pat the cherries dry after draining so the log holds its shape.
• Orange zest brightens the flavor and prevents the cream cheese from tasting too heavy.
• Pecans press in best by hand once the log is firm from chilling.

How to Make a Cherry Cream Cheese Log

1. Mix the base. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest with a hand mixer until smooth. Stir in the ground ginger.
2. Add the cherries. Gently fold in the diced maraschino cherries.
3. Shape and chill. Spoon the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if making ahead.
4. Coat with pecans. Before serving, unwrap and place the log on a platter. Press chopped pecans around the outside to coat.
5. Serve. Add a few whole cherries and mint leaves on top for garnish. Serve with crackers or pretzels.

Storage Tips

• Wrap it well: Keep the log tightly wrapped in plastic wrap before storing it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, which makes it a nice make-ahead option if you’re planning for a party.
• Serve at the right temp: It’s best chilled, but I usually let it sit out for about 10 minutes before slicing. That little bit of time at room temperature makes it much easier to cut and spread without losing its shape.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the log the day before, and it actually holds together even better once it’s had plenty of time to chill.

Serving Ideas for Cherry Cream Cheese Log

Most of the time, I just set this out with a pile of buttery Ritz crackers and salty pretzels, and that alone is enough to keep people happy. If you want to mix it up, try it with apple slices or pear wedges.

And if you’re serving this at Christmas, go ahead and add a few extra cherries and some mint leaves on top. It makes the platter look just like Christmas and lets everyone know this is a sweet version of a cheese log, not the savory kind.

If you like a tropical twist, this pineapple cream cheese dip has the same creamy base but with bright pineapple flavor that’s always a hit.

Variations: Holiday Cherry Cheese Ball or Log

You don’t have to stick with the log shape if you don’t want to. Rolling it into a ball is just as easy, and it gives you that more traditional cheeseball look that people expect around the holidays. If you’re trying to dress it up for Christmas, swap in some pistachios with the pecans so you get those red and green colors on the outside.

And if you really love the cherry flavor, you can stir in a little bit of the juice from the jar. Just keep in mind it might make the mixture a little softer, so you’ll want to chill it really well before serving.