Looking for an effortless yet impressive appetizer or dessert that will disappear in minutes? Look no further than this incredible No-Bake Cherry Cheese Log! It's creamy, sweet, tangy, and boasts a delightful crunch from chopped pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat for friends, this recipe comes together with minimal effort and absolutely no oven time.
Forget complicated baking. This recipe relies on simple ingredients and a bit of chilling time to create a show-stopping dish. The vibrant maraschino cherries, smooth cream cheese, bright orange zest, and a hint of ginger create a flavor profile that's both festive and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it's easily adaptable to your taste, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Why You'll Love This No-Bake Cherry Cheese Log
- Effortlessly Easy: No baking required, just mix, shape, and chill!
- Crowd-Pleaser: A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that everyone adores.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it hours or even a day in advance to save time.
- Festive & Flavorful: The red cherries make it ideal for holidays, and the orange zest adds a wonderful brightness.
Key Ingredients You'll Need
This simple recipe uses common ingredients, making it easy to whip up anytime. Here's what you'll need:
- Cream Cheese: The star of the show! Ensure it's softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free mixture. This is crucial for easy mixing and a creamy texture. You can learn more about how to properly soften cream cheese here.
- Maraschino Cherries: Drained and chopped, these provide the signature cherry flavor and beautiful red specks.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
- Orange Zest: Don't skip this! It adds a bright, fresh citrus note that elevates the entire dish.
- Ground Ginger: A subtle hint of warmth that complements the cherry and orange beautifully.
- Pecans: Chopped and used for rolling, they provide a fantastic texture contrast and nutty flavor. Walnuts or almonds can also work.
Tips for the Best Cheese Log
Achieving a perfect cheese log is simple with these quick tips:
- Soften Cream Cheese Fully: This is key! Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy mixture that’s hard to work with.
- Drain Cherries Well: Pat the chopped cherries dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture from making the log too wet.
- Chill Thoroughly: Don't rush the chilling process. A firm log is easier to shape and holds its form better.
- Roll Just Before Serving: To keep the pecans crisp and prevent them from getting soggy, roll the log in the chopped nuts shortly before you plan to serve it.
Serving Suggestions
This No-Bake Cherry Cheese Log is incredibly versatile. Serve it with a variety of dippers such as:
- Butter crackers
- Vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies
- Pretzel crisps for a sweet and salty combination
- Fresh apple or pear slices
- Ginger snap cookies for an extra ginger kick
It’s perfect as an easy appetizer, a delightful dessert, or a festive addition to any brunch spread. Enjoy making this simple, delicious, and absolutely gorgeous treat!
FAQs
How long does a No-Bake Cherry Cheese Log last in the refrigerator?
When properly covered and stored in the refrigerator, a No-Bake Cherry Cheese Log can last for up to 3-5 days. It's best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
Can I make this cherry cheese log ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the cheese log up to 2 days in advance, keeping it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Roll it in pecans just before serving for the best presentation.
What are some good alternatives if I don't like pecans?
If pecans aren't your preference, you can easily substitute them with other chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. For a nut-free option, consider rolling the log in toasted shredded coconut, crushed graham crackers, or even mini chocolate chips.
What should I serve with a cherry cheese log?
This sweet and savory cheese log pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers. Try serving it with butter crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzel crisps, or even slices of apple or pear for a fresh contrast. Its versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser!
No-Bake Cherry Cheese Log
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 large log (serves 8-10) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and easy-to-make no-bake cheese log featuring creamy cream cheese, sweet maraschino cherries, zesty orange, and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
10 ounces maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
24 ounces (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Zest of 1 large orange
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup chopped pecans, plus extra for rolling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the cherries. Drain the maraschino cherries well, then finely chop them. For best results, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the chopped maraschino cherries, orange zest, and ground ginger. Mix until just combined.
Step 3: Shape the log. Lay out a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center. Using the plastic wrap or your hands, shape the mixture into a log approximately 8-10 inches long.
Step 4: Chill. Wrap the cheese log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Step 5: Roll in pecans and serve. Just before serving, unwrap the firm cheese log. Pour the extra chopped pecans onto a plate or shallow dish. Roll the cheese log in the pecans, pressing gently so they adhere to all sides. Place on a serving platter and serve with your favorite crackers or cookies.
Notes
For a different flavor profile, you can swap maraschino cherries for dried cranberries or finely diced candied pineapple. A splash of almond extract can also enhance the cherry flavor. Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature for the smoothest log.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 log
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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