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A glass bowl with a cream cheese base topped with chopped cranberries and pecans to make a festive Cranberry Pecan Dip.

Cranberry Orange Pecan Cheesecake Dip

This festive and creamy cheesecake dip features a luscious cream cheese base swirled with a homemade tart-sweet cranberry orange compote and topped with crunchy toasted pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings or any sweet craving.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Cranberry Orange Compote
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries no need to thaw if frozen
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
For the Cheesecake Dip
  • 2 8 oz packages cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon optional
For the Topping & Serving
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans toasted
  • Extra orange zest for garnish
  • Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or apple slices for serving

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Serving dish

Method
 

Prepare the Cranberry Orange Compote
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, water, 1 teaspoon orange zest, and 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  2. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the compote thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool completely. This can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Toast the Pecans
  1. While the compote cools, spread the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat or on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C). Toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool completely.
Make the Cheesecake Dip Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Ensure there are no lumps.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon (if using) until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Gently fold about half of the cooled cranberry orange compote into the cheesecake mixture with a rubber spatula, creating beautiful swirls. Be careful not to overmix.
  2. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Spoon the remaining cranberry orange compote on top and sprinkle generously with the toasted pecans and a little extra orange zest for garnish.
  3. For best flavor and consistency, cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or fresh apple slices.

Notes

Store any leftover Cranberry Orange Pecan Cheesecake Dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the smoothest dip, ensure both your cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature before beating.