Appetizers

Cranberry Pecan Snowflake Cream Cheese Dip

Bright, festive, and simple to make, this Cranberry Pecan Snowflake Cream Cheese Dip brings holiday color and sweet-tart flavor to any snack table. Creamy whipped cream cheese meets bright cranberry sauce and crunchy pecans, while a touch of green onion adds a mild savory note. It spreads easily on graham crackers or fresh fruit and is a great make-ahead appetizer for parties.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour (chill time)
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 260 kcal (approx.)
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 110 mg

Why Make This Cranberry Pecan Snowflake Cream Cheese Dip

This dip is a fast, crowd-pleasing starter with holiday flair. The cream cheese base is smooth and rich. Sweet powdered sugar and tangy cranberry sauce brighten every bite. Pecans add a toasty crunch and green onions bring a mild oniony lift. It looks festive with red and green bits across a white cream base — like a snowflake. Make it when you want an easy, make-ahead appetizer that tastes like a celebration.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Snowflake Cream Cheese Dip

You make it in one bowl in minutes. Soften the cream cheese first for a smooth texture. Beat it with powdered sugar, then fold in cranberry sauce, chopped pecans, and green onions. Lightly fold in whipped topping to keep the dip airy. Chill so the flavors meld and the dip firms slightly. Serve with graham crackers, apple slices, or pear wedges for a sweet-and-tart bite.

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 cup whipped topping
Graham crackers or fruit for serving

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 2: Mixing

Add vanilla extract and mix well. Fold in the cranberry sauce, chopped pecans, and green onions until combined.

Step 3: Cooking

Gently fold in the whipped topping to keep the mixture light and airy.

Step 4: Finishing

Transfer the dip to a serving dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Serve with graham crackers or fresh fruit.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Snowflake Cream Cheese Dip

Serve chilled with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, apple slices, pear slices, or sturdy crackers. For a party platter, place the dip in a shallow bowl and surround it with a mix of sweet and crunchy dippers: sliced apples, seeded crackers, ginger snaps, and celery. Garnish with extra chopped pecans and a few whole cranberries for a pretty finish.

How to Store Cranberry Pecan Snowflake Cream Cheese Dip

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Do not freeze: Freezing will change the texture of the cream cheese and whipped topping.
Make-ahead: Prepare up to a day in advance and chill so flavors meld. Add fresh pecans or garnish just before serving for best texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Pecan Snowflake Cream Cheese Dip

Soften the cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so it blends smoothly and no lumps remain.
Use room-temperature eggs? Not needed here — the recipe is no-bake and egg-free.
Chop pecans small: Small pieces distribute texture without making the dip hard to spread. Toast pecans lightly in a dry pan for more flavor.
Fold gently: When adding whipped topping, fold rather than beat to keep the dip light and fluffy.
Adjust sweetness: Taste after mixing. If you like less sweet, reduce powdered sugar by 1/4 cup or use less cranberry sauce.
Texture fix: If the dip is too thick after chilling, stir in a tablespoon of milk or extra whipped topping to loosen it slightly.

Delicious Variations

Bacon Pecan: Fold in 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon for smoky, savory flavor.
Citrus Cranberry: Stir in 1 tsp orange zest for a bright citrus note.
Nut Swap: Use chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
Spiced Twist: Add 1/4 tsp cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger to the cranberry mixture for warmth.
Sweet and Savory: Mix in a tablespoon of honey and a pinch of salt for a more complex sweet-savory dip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
You can, but cook them with sugar first to make a quick sauce. Fresh cranberries alone are too firm and tart. Simmer 1 cup fresh cranberries with 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water until they burst and thicken, then cool before folding in.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Yes. Use a vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free whipped topping. Swap powdered sugar and check it’s bone-char-free if that matters to you. Pecans and green onions are already vegan-friendly.
Is this safe to leave out at a party?
Because it contains cream cheese and whipped topping, keep it refrigerated. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. During hot weather or long events, return it to the fridge between servings.
Can I prepare this a day ahead?
Yes. Make it up to 24 hours before serving. Keep tightly covered and chill. Add any extra chopped pecans or garnish right before serving to keep them crisp.
My dip is grainy or lumpy. How can I fix it?
That usually means the cream cheese wasn’t soft enough. Let it sit at room temperature then beat until smooth. You can warm the bowl slightly by placing it over warm water briefly and re-beating. A hand mixer on low helps smooth lumps.
Can I use powdered sugar substitute or less sugar?
Yes. Swap in a granulated sweetener that measures like sugar, or reduce powdered sugar by 1/4 cup and taste. If you cut sugar a lot, the dip will be tangier and less spreadable.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Snowflake Cream Cheese Dip is an easy, bright, and textural appetizer that looks as good as it tastes. The creamy base, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans make a balanced bite every time. If you enjoy this kind of creamy, nut-forward spread, you might also like a classic bacon-pecan cheese ball recipe for another party-ready option: bacon-pecan cheese ball recipe. Give this dip a try — it’s fast to make, easy to transport, and always a hit.