This Cream Cheese Spread with Warm Cherry Sauce is a simple yet elegant appetizer that tastes like dessert. Smooth, creamy cheese topped with a sweet-tart cherry sauce makes it perfect for holidays, parties, or last-minute entertaining.
This Cream Cheese Spread with Warm Cherry Sauce is one of those easy appetizers that looks fancy but takes almost no effort.
A block of creamy cheese gets topped with a glossy, sweet-tart cherry sauce that adds just the right balance of richness and fruitiness.
Serve it with crackers, crostini, or pretzels, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing snack that disappears fast at any party or holiday gathering.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Effortless Elegance: Looks fancy but takes just minutes to make.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: Sweet cherries meet rich, creamy cheese for the ultimate combo.
- Crowd Favorite: Always one of the first appetizers to disappear.
- Versatile: Works for holidays, brunch, or any casual get-together.
- Customizable: Swap the cherry sauce for blueberry, raspberry, or even cranberry for a fun twist.
Ingredients Needed
- Cream cheese: Soft, creamy base that balances the sweet cherry sauce
- Dark cherries: Fresh, juicy cherries pitted and chopped for bold flavor
- Honey: Natural sweetness that enhances the fruit and spice mix
- Rosemary: Adds earthy, aromatic notes to the warm cherry topping
- Ground cumin: Brings a subtle, savory warmth to balance sweetness
- Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy spice and depth to the cherry sauce
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweet and savory elements
- Water: Helps create a smooth, syrupy consistency for the sauce
- Pecans: Roughly chopped for a crunchy, nutty finishing touch
- Fresh rosemary (optional): Extra herbal aroma and color for garnish
- Rice crackers: Crisp, gluten-free base for serving this creamy spread
How To Make Cream Cheese Spread with Warm Cherry Sauce
Step One: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the cherries, honey, rosemary, cinnamon, salt, and water. Stir everything together until well mixed. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by half and thickens into a rich sauce, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step Two: Place the cream cheese on a serving platter and spoon half of the warm cherry sauce over the top. Keep the remaining sauce for serving or topping later. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and a bit of finely chopped rosemary, if desired. Serve right away with your favorite crackers—and dig in!
Cream Cheese Spread with Warm Cherry Sauce Recipe Tips
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth, easy-to-spread base.
- Simmer the cherries gently to avoid breaking them apart while still creating a thick sauce.
- Toast the pecans lightly to bring out their flavor and add crunch.
- Adjust sweetness by tasting the cherry sauce—add more honey if desired.
- Make ahead by preparing the cherry sauce earlier in the day; serve warm or at room temperature.
- Garnish last minute with fresh rosemary or additional nuts to keep it visually appealing.
Storing And Make Ahead Instructions
- Storing Instructions: Keep the cream cheese spread tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: You can prepare the cherry sauce and cream cheese base a few hours or a day in advance. Assemble and garnish just before serving for the best presentation and flavor.
Cream Cheese Spread with Warm Cherry Sauce Recipe Faqs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the cherry sauce and cream cheese separately a few hours or even a day in advance. Assemble just before serving for best results.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh? Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them before cooking. The texture may be slightly softer than fresh cherries.
Can I substitute the pecans? Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as a crunchy topping. Toast them lightly for extra flavor.
How should I serve this appetizer? Serve with gluten-free crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette for dipping.
Can I make it vegan or dairy-free? You can use a vegan cream cheese alternative. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
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Cream Cheese Spread with Warm Cherry Sauce
Description
Ingredients
- 8 ounces block cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cup dark cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey,
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, or 1½ t. fresh leaves, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup water
- ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large, high-sided skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the 2 cup dark cherries, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin¼ teaspoon salt and 1/3 cup water, stirring to combine.
- Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by half and thickens into a rich sauce, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Place the 8 ounces block cream cheese on a serving platter and spoon half of the warm cherry sauce over the top. Reserve the remaining sauce to drizzle later or serve on the side.
- Sprinkle with chopped ¼ cup pecans and finely chopped 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, if desired.
- Serve immediately with crackers and enjoy!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Nutrition
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