Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe
If you’re looking for a fresh, festive way to add some holiday cheer to your gatherings, this Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightfully creamy, lightly sweetened spread with just the right hint of peppermint that captures the spirit of the season in every bite. Whether you’re spreading it on crackers, dolloping it on cakes, or simply enjoying it by the spoonful, this spread turns simple ingredients into a holiday treat everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple but quality ingredients is all it takes to create this luscious Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in balancing the sweet, creamy, and refreshing flavors, making the final spread taste as festive as it looks.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base that provides richness and a smooth texture.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Adds gentle sweetness without any grittiness, blending perfectly into the cream cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the spread, rounding out the flavor beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star of the show for a bright, minty twist that screams holiday joy.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Lightens up the texture, making the spread fluffy and perfectly spreadable.
- 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (optional): Adds festive crunch and a burst of extra peppermint flavor.
- A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
How to Make Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe
Step 1: Soften and Prepare Your Cream Cheese
Start with cream cheese that’s softened to room temperature, as this makes mixing much easier and ensures a perfectly smooth spread. If your cream cheese is cold, just leave it out for about 30 minutes before starting, or soften it gently in the microwave for 10 seconds.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This base sets the stage for the wonderful texture and sweetness of your Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Extracts and Heavy Cream
Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts, which bring that signature holiday aroma and flavor. Then pour in the heavy cream and beat the mixture until it’s fluffy and light, giving the spread a luscious consistency that’s easy to dollop or spread.
Step 4: Fold in Candy Canes (Optional)
If you love a bit of texture and extra peppermint pop, gently fold in crushed candy canes or peppermint candies now. This little addition doesn’t just taste amazing; it also adds a festive touch of color and crunch that makes the spread truly special.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Pop your spread into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up slightly. Chilling helps the peppermint flavor get bolder and makes spreading easier, so it’s worth the wait.
How to Serve Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, a few fresh mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar to add an elegant, festive look. These little touches make your spread look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This spread pairs wonderfully with an array of festive sides. Serve it alongside buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, gingerbread cookies, or fresh fruit like apple slices and strawberries for a perfect holiday snack platter everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual bowl and knife setup! Try stuffing this creamy spread inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for bite-sized treats. You can also pipe it onto cupcakes or cookie bars for a fun peppermint frosting twist that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to use an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor. Give it a quick stir before serving if it thickens too much.
Freezing
While the spread freezes well, the texture may change slightly once thawed, becoming a bit grainy. If you freeze it, store in an airtight container for up to one month and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
No need to heat this spread. Simply bring it to room temperature or give it a gentle stir after chilling to restore its creamy consistency. This way, the Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe stays true to the fresh, cool peppermint flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of extract instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! You can swap peppermint extract for almond, orange, or even cinnamon extract to create a unique flavor twist that suits your holiday tastes perfectly.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream adds fluffiness and a smooth texture, but if you want a lighter spread, you can substitute it with milk or omit it altogether. Just expect a thicker consistency.
Can I make this spread vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a delicious dairy-free version.
How long does the flavor last in the fridge?
The peppermint flavor is strongest within the first couple of days but remains quite fresh and vibrant for up to five days when properly stored in the fridge.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe scales up well, so feel free to double or even triple it to serve a larger crowd during your holiday celebrations.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe is such a fun and effortless way to brighten up your holiday table. Creamy, minty, and just sweet enough, it’s a versatile treat that excites taste buds and brings holiday smiles. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a festive favorite in your own celebrations!
Print
Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This festive Christmas & Cream Spread is a smooth, creamy, and lightly sweetened treat flavored with vanilla and peppermint extracts, perfect for spreading on toast, bagels, or as a dip for holiday snacks. The addition of crushed candy canes adds a delightful crunch and peppermint flavor, making it an ideal seasonal spread to celebrate the holidays.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- A pinch of salt
Optional Topping
- 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure smooth blending with the other ingredients.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Crushed Candy Canes: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes or peppermint candies if using, distributing them evenly throughout the spread for texture and extra peppermint flavor.
- Chill: Cover the spread and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Enjoy the Christmas & Cream Spread as a delicious topping on toast, bagels, crackers, or as a festive dip during holiday gatherings.
Notes
- To make the cream cheese soften faster, leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- The spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar to taste.
- Crushed candy canes can be substituted with white chocolate chips or sprinkles for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
