When the holidays arrive, nothing brings the same warmth and joy as gathering around a table brimming with delightful, festive treats. And among all the savory dishes, desserts, and snacks, there’s always room for a special, creamy spread that everyone can enjoy. One such treat that promises to take center stage on your holiday table is the Christmas & Cream Spread—a rich, indulgent concoction that captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, putting together a cozy family feast, or preparing a homemade gift for someone special, this spread is guaranteed to bring festive cheer to any occasion.
The Allure of the Christmas & Cream Spread
What makes this spread so appealing is its unique blend of creamy, sweet, and crunchy flavors. It’s a versatile treat that pairs perfectly with a variety of holiday goodies like crackers, toasted bread, or even fresh fruit. The base of this spread is a mixture of smooth cream cheese and mascarpone, which creates a velvety texture that serves as the perfect backdrop for the sweet and savory ingredients that follow. And let’s not forget the festive flavors! The dried cranberries, candied orange peel, and nuts combine beautifully with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, making each bite a celebration of the season.
If you’re wondering how to create this magical spread, look no further! Here’s the step-by-step guide to making your own Christmas & Cream Spread.
Ingredients for Your Christmas & Cream Spread
To make this delectable spread, you’ll need the following ingredients. It’s a simple list, but it’s packed with festive goodness.
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 g) mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a nutty undertone)
- 1/2 cup (120 g) dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 g) candied orange peel, finely diced
- 1/3 cup (80 g) crushed pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Honey or maple syrup (optional, for additional sweetness)
Optional Toppings:
- Pomegranate seeds for a festive touch
- A drizzle of honey or caramel for extra sweetness
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish and color
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing the Christmas & Cream Spread
Step 1: Prepare the Base
To start, you’ll want to create the creamy base for your spread. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mascarpone cheese. The mascarpone cheese adds a rich, velvety texture to the spread, while the cream cheese provides a bit of tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients. Beat these cheeses together with an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture becomes smooth, fluffy, and free of lumps. This should only take about 2-3 minutes.
Next, add the powdered sugar. The powdered sugar will give the spread a light sweetness without making it too heavy or overly sugary. Add the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor and bring out the rich, warm undertones that complement the festive nature of the dish. If you’re using the almond extract, add it at this point as well. The almond extract provides a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Festive Flavors
Now, it’s time to bring the Christmas magic into the spread. Start by adding the dried cranberries. Chop them into smaller pieces if necessary, as this will make them easier to mix into the spread. The tartness of the cranberries adds a delightful contrast to the creamy base, while their vivid red color gives the spread a festive appearance.
Next, add the candied orange peel. The candied orange peel brings both sweetness and a hint of citrusy zest, making the spread even more aromatic and flavorful. You can adjust the amount of orange peel based on your taste preference—more peel will provide a stronger citrus flavor, while less will keep it subtler.
For the crunchy element, add crushed pecans or walnuts. The nuts add a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients. You can also toast the nuts lightly to enhance their flavor, but this is optional. The nuts provide texture and depth to the spread, making it even more indulgent.
Finally, season the spread with ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. These spices are synonymous with the holiday season, and they’ll infuse the spread with warm, cozy aromas. Be careful not to overdo it—just a pinch of nutmeg is enough to enhance the flavor without overwhelming it.
Step 3: Adjust the Sweetness (Optional)
At this point, you’ll want to taste the spread and adjust the sweetness according to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter spread, you can add honey or maple syrup. Start with a tablespoon and gradually add more until you achieve the level of sweetness you desire. This step is entirely optional, as the dried fruit and the powdered sugar already provide a decent amount of sweetness, but it’s a nice option if you like your spreads a little sweeter.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Once you’ve added all of the ingredients, give everything a good stir to combine. The mixture should be smooth and well-blended, with the cranberries, orange peel, and nuts evenly distributed throughout the creamy base. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate any ingredients that may have stuck to the sides.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Transfer the spread to a serving dish, and if desired, garnish it with a handful of pomegranate seeds. The pomegranate seeds add an extra pop of color and a burst of fresh sweetness. You can also drizzle a little honey or caramel over the top for added decadence. A few fresh mint leaves make a lovely garnish, adding a touch of greenery and a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the spread.
Place the spread in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld together, and it makes the spread even more refreshing when served. You can prepare it the night before your holiday gathering to save time.
Serving Suggestions
The Christmas & Cream Spread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas for serving:
- Crackers or Toasted Baguette Slices: Spread the mixture on crunchy crackers or slices of toasted baguette. The contrast between the creamy spread and the crispy texture will make each bite a delicious experience.
- Fresh Fruit: Pair the spread with fresh slices of apple, pear, or orange. The sweetness of the fruit enhances the flavors of the spread, and the freshness balances the richness.
- Cheese Platter: Serve the spread alongside a selection of cheeses, such as brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar. The spread’s sweet and savory elements complement the tanginess of the cheeses beautifully.
- Gifts: The spread makes a wonderful homemade gift for the holidays. You can jar it in a pretty container, tie a festive ribbon around it, and give it as a thoughtful and delicious present.
Why You’ll Love the Christmas & Cream Spread
There are so many reasons to love this festive spread:
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create an indulgent spread that everyone will rave about.
- Perfect for the Holidays: The combination of creamy textures, sweet and tart fruit, and warm spices makes this spread the perfect addition to any holiday table.
- Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with crackers, fruit, cheese, and so much more. You can even enjoy it as a treat on its own!
- Homemade and Thoughtful: If you’re looking for a unique homemade gift, this spread is a great option. It’s delicious, festive, and sure to impress.
Conclusion
The Christmas & Cream Spread is a delightful and festive treat that will undoubtedly be the star of your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re spreading it on crackers, pairing it with fresh fruit, or gifting it to friends and family, it’s a simple yet indulgent way to celebrate the season. The rich, creamy base, combined with the festive ingredients, creates a spread that’s as delicious as it is beautiful—perfect for spreading joy and cheer at any holiday event.
So, this holiday season, try this easy recipe and bring a little extra sweetness and warmth to your table. Your guests will thank you for it!
