🎄 Holiday Pineapple & Cranberry Cream Cheese Log
Rolled in Toasted Pecans
⏱ Prep Time
15–20 minutes (+ chilling)
❄️ Chill Time
1–2 hours
🍽 Servings
8–10 people (as an appetizer)
🧾 Ingredients
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2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
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½ cup crushed pineapple, very well drained
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½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
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1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, holiday flavor)
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¾–1 cup pecans, finely chopped and toasted
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Toast the Pecans
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Place chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat.
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Stir constantly for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
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Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
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In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese until smooth.
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Stir in:
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Drained pineapple
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Chopped cranberries
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Powdered sugar (if using)
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Vanilla extract (if using)
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Salt
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Mix until evenly combined.
3. Shape the Log
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Lay a piece of plastic wrap on the counter.
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Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center.
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Use the plastic wrap to help shape it into a log (about 8 inches long).
4. Chill
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Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (2 hours is better).
5. Roll in Pecans
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Spread toasted pecans on a plate.
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Unwrap the chilled log and gently roll it in pecans, pressing lightly so they stick.
6. Serve
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Transfer to a serving platter.
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Serve with crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples.
🎉 Serving Ideas
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Ritz or butter crackers
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Wheat crackers
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Pretzel crisps
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Apple or pear slices
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Toasted baguette rounds
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it up to 2 days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly and roll in pecans just before serving for best crunch.
Q: How do I drain the pineapple properly?
Place crushed pineapple in a fine strainer and press firmly with a spoon. You can also squeeze it in a clean paper towel. Extra moisture will make the log soft.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are very tart. If using them, finely chop and add extra powdered sugar to balance the flavor.
Q: What if I don’t like pecans?
You can substitute:
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Walnuts
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Almonds
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Pistachios
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Or skip nuts and roll in extra dried cranberries
Q: Is this recipe more sweet or savory?
It’s sweet-savory. You control sweetness with the powdered sugar—add more for dessert-style, less for savory.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Freezing is not recommended. Cream cheese can become grainy when thawed.
Q: How long can it sit out?
About 2 hours at room temperature. Keep chilled until serving.