Description
Creamy cranberry pecan cheesecake ball brings festive cheer to holiday gatherings with its elegant blend of tangy cranberries and nutty pecans. Guests will savor each delightful bite of this irresistible appetizer that pairs perfectly with crisp crackers or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) pecans, finely chopped
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dried cranberries, chopped (for coating)
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) pecans, finely chopped (for coating)
- Fresh cranberries and pecans for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese using an electric mixer until achieving a silky, uniform texture at room temperature.
- Incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream, blending thoroughly until the mixture becomes homogeneous and creamy.
- Gently fold chopped dried cranberries and pecans into the cream cheese base, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap, carefully molding it into a compact spherical shape. Encase tightly and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until completely set and firm.
- Prepare the exterior coating by combining additional chopped dried cranberries and pecans in a shallow dish.
- Unwrap the chilled cheesecake sphere and methodically roll it through the cranberry-pecan mixture, applying gentle pressure to ensure complete and even coverage.
- Position the coated cheese ball on a decorative serving platter and return to the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to solidify the exterior coating.
- Optional aesthetic enhancement includes strategically placing fresh cranberries and whole pecans around the cheese ball for visual appeal.
- Present alongside crisp crackers, sliced apples, or assorted fresh fruits for an elegant appetizer or dessert experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free mixing that ensures a silky texture.
- Thoroughly drain sour cream to prevent excess moisture that might make the cheesecake ball too soft.
- Choose unsweetened dried cranberries for a balanced sweetness and more intense fruit flavor.
- Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty aroma and add depth to the coating.
- Make the cheesecake ball ahead of time, allowing it to set overnight for more intense flavors and firmer consistency.
- Consider low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version without compromising taste.
- Try different nut combinations like almonds or walnuts for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 329
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 182 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 54 mg