Cherry Cream Cheese Log
This cherry cream cheese log is a sweet holiday appetizer made with maraschino cherries, cream cheese, and orange zest, then rolled in crunchy pecans. It’s an easy make-ahead recipe that looks festive on the table and tastes delicious spread on crackers or pretzels.
Servings: 18 servings
Calories: 210kcal
Equipment
- plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese softened (not microwaved)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 10 oz maraschino cherries stems removed, drained, and diced
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Crackers or pretzels for serving
Instructions
- Add softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest to a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat well until smooth. Fold in ground ginger and diced cherries. NOTE: To keep the cheese log from getting too soft, make sure the maraschino cherries are well drained. Pour them into a strainer and let them sit for a few minutes, then pat them dry with paper towels before dicing.
- Spoon the dip mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (always best overnight if possible) until firm.
- When ready to serve, unwrap and place on a serving platter. Top with chopped pecans, pressing them in with your hands to coat the outside. Serve with crackers or pretzels and a small cheese knife for spreading.
Notes
For the smoothest texture, let open packaging and let cream cheese sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. Cutting it into cubes helps it soften a little faster.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.25cups | Calories: 210kcal