Sweet, nutty, and colorful, this cherry cheese log is the ultimate holiday appetizer. Easy to make and full of delicious flavor, this old fashioned favorite combines cream cheese, maraschino cherries, and crunchy pecans for a sweet and savory bite.

There is something so nostalgic about an old fashioned cheese log, especially during the holiday season. They remind me of something you would find on a Christmas party table years ago.

My cherry cream cheese log has the same vintage charm with sweet cream cheese infused and chopped maraschino cherries all rolled in chopped pecans.

If you want more cheese appetizers be sure to try this dill pickle cheese ball, pimento cheese, and chipped beef cheese ball.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious combination of flavors. Sweet cream cheese, cherries, almond, and orange zest come together for an amazing flavor combination.
• Fun for the holidays. Bright red cherries are a beautiful addition for your holiday spread.
• An easy to make appetizer. Just a few ingredients are used to make this simple cheese log.

Cherry Cheese Log Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Cream cheese is the base of this cheese log. Make sure to soften to room temperature.
• Orange zest: A little orange zest adds great holiday flavor and pairs perfectly with the maraschino cherries.
• Maraschino cherries: Maraschino cherries add sweet flavor and beautiful red color to this cheese log. Make sure to drain the cherries well and pat them dry before chopping.
• Powdered sugar: A little bit of powdered sugar gives the cream cheese a hint of sweetness.
• Almond extract: Just a hint of almond extract adds a little sweet, nutty flavor.
• Ground ginger: Ground ginger adds a hint of warm spice and pairs well with the cherries and orange zest.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans give great crunch to balance the creamy filling. I like using pecan chips because they are a little smaller and easier to eat but chopped pecans also work well.

How To Make Cherry Cheese Log

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe.

1. In a large bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, ginger, almond extract, and orange zest with an electric mixer.
2. Stir in the chopped cherries.

3. Place the mixture in the center of a large piece of plastic wrap.
4. Roll it up into a log shape and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

5. Unwrap the cheese log and roll in the pecans. Serve or cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Heather’s Recipe Tips

These are a few tips to make sure your cheese log comes out perfect every time.

• Soften the cream cheese before making the cheese log. This will help prevent lumps.
• Dry the maraschino cherries well. Drain the cherries, giving them a light rinse of water, and pat them completely dry.
• Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor. This gives the cheese log amazing holiday flavor.
• Roll the cheese log in the pecans before serving. This will help to keep the pecans fresh and crunchy.
• Remove the cheese log from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to slightly soften the cream cheese. This makes it easier to spread.

How To Serve Cherry Cream Cheese Log

There are many great things to serve with this cheese log. Here are a few of my recommendations:

• Crackers: Ritz crackers, Club crackers, Wheat Thins, or even Saltines.
• Pretzels: Any shaped pretzel pairs well for this cheese spread.
• Graham crackers: Honey or cinnamon graham crackers.
• Gingersnap cookies: The ginger flavor pairs perfectly with the cheese log.
• Fruit slices: Apple slices or pear slices.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store any leftover cherry cheese spread tightly wrapped in in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freeze: This cheese log does not freeze well. The cream cheese can become grainy once it’s thawed.

Make ahead: You can make this recipe a day before. Make sure to keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Old Fashioned Cherry Cheese Logs Variations

This recipe can be customized with just a few changes.

• Fruit: Substitute the cherries with other fruit like chopped strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. You can even add in well drained crushed pineapple to pair with the cherries.
• Nuts: Substitute the pecans with chopped walnuts or sliced almonds.
• Cheese ball: Shape this into a cheese ball instead of cheese log.
• Mini cheese logs. You can divide this mixture into 2 or 3 smaller cheese logs.

Common Questions

More Easy Holiday Appetizers

• Bacon wrapped water chestnuts
• Cranberry jalapeno dip
• Cranberry brie bites
• Cream cheese and olive stuffed celery