Description
This festive Christmas & Cream Spread is a delightful no-bake appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy softened cream cheese is combined with powdered sugar, marshmallow creme, and extracts to create a sweet, fluffy base. Folded with chopped dried cranberries and green pistachios, this dip offers a lovely balance of textures and vibrant holiday colors. Chill for an hour to meld the flavors and serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or fresh apple slices for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup marshmallow creme
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped green pistachios
Instructions
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and fluffy, which will create the perfect base texture for the spread.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese and beat until fully combined, ensuring a sweet and smooth mixture.
- Mix in Marshmallow Creme and Extracts: Stir in the marshmallow creme, vanilla extract, almond extract if using, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is creamy and uniform.
- Fold in Cranberries and Pistachios: Gently fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries and chopped pistachios until they are evenly distributed throughout the spread.
- Chill the Spread: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Serve chilled or slightly softened with your choice of graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or crisp apple slices for a festive treat.
Notes
- Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or sliced apples for variety.
- For extra holiday flair, garnish the spread with additional dried cranberries and chopped pistachios before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
