Easy & Sweet Dried Fruit Cheese Ball 2025
Need a stunning appetizer that balances sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in every bite? This Dried Fruit Cheese Ball is your answer. Perfect for holidays, wine nights, or impromptu gatherings, this no-bake recipe comes together in minutes and disappears even faster. Discover how to create this versatile centerpiece—plus pro tips to make it unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Perfect For
- Holiday parties: Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s Eve charcuterie boards.
- Bridal or baby showers: A sophisticated addition to finger food spreads.
- Wine pairings: Ideal with crisp whites or bold reds.
- Weekend entertaining: Effortlessly elevate your snack game.
- Edible gifts: Package with artisanal crackers for a heartfelt present.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No cooking required: Mix, shape, chill—ready to serve.
- Dietary flexibility: Easily adapt to nut-free or dairy-free diets.
- Gourmet appeal: Looks and tastes like it came from a specialty shop.
- Make-ahead magic: Prepare up to 3 days in advance.
- Kid-friendly: A sweet-and-savory combo even picky eaters adore.
Ingredients You Need (Serves 4)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup dried apricots (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for coating)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for coating)
Ingredient Highlights
- Cream cheese: Provides a rich, smooth base.
- Dried apricots & cranberries: Sweetness balanced with tangy depth.
- Pecans: Adds crunch and nutty richness (substitute sunflower seeds for nut-free).
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky warmth.
Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
- Mix the base: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar, dried apricots, cranberries, pecans, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Blend until fully incorporated.
- Shape the ball: Scoop mixture onto plastic wrap. Use the wrap to mold it into a firm ball, smoothing the surface.
- Coat evenly: Unwrap the ball and roll it in a mix of chopped parsley and extra pecans, pressing gently to adhere.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 1 hour to firm.
- Serve: Transfer to a plate and surround with crackers, sliced baguette, or fruit.
Table of Calories (Per Serving)
| Ingredient | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 100 |
| Cheddar Cheese | 60 |
| Dried Fruit | 45 |
| Pecans | 50 |
| Total | 255 |
How to Serve
- Pair with water crackers, apple slices, or toasted crostini.
- Garnish with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for extra flair.
- Add to a charcuterie board with cured meats and olives.
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; lasts up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncoated cheese ball for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then coat before serving.
Additional Tips
- Softening cream cheese: Leave at room temperature for 30 minutes for smoother mixing.
- Uniform coating: Chop nuts and parsley finely for even adherence.
- Double the batch: Make two smaller balls for easier serving at parties.
Recipe Variations
- Mediterranean twist: Swap dried fruit for sun-dried tomatoes and coat with basil.
- Spiced version: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for heat.
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and omit cheddar.
Special Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Sharp knife for chopping
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
A: No—fresh fruit adds too much moisture. Stick to dried for the ideal texture.
Q: How do I make this nut-free?
A: Replace pecans with toasted pumpkin seeds or omit entirely.
Q: Can I use a food processor to mix ingredients?
A: Yes, but pulse gently to avoid over-blending the cheese.
Q: Why is my cheese ball too soft?
A: Chill it longer—up to 2 hours—for a firmer texture.
Conclusion
This Dried Fruit Cheese Ball is more than an appetizer—it’s a celebration of contrasts. Creamy meets crunchy, sweet dances with savory, and simplicity masquerades as elegance. Whether you’re hosting a festive soirée or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe promises to delight. Share it with loved ones, and watch it become a requested staple at every gathering.
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Share your experience with us
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
Confused on picture
The cookies are tasty, but do you have the recipe for the actual cookies in your picture? These cookies are certainly not going to be that beautiful purple color. Thanks!
good for a nice dinner
nice
