These Cranberry Pecan Firecracker Cream Cheese Cups are the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy an irresistible bite-sized treat that brings festive flair to any gathering. With rich cream cheese, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a subtle firecracker kick from red pepper flakes, each cup delivers a warm, holiday-ready burst of flavor wrapped in crisp, golden phyllo. They’re simple, elegant, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the appetizer table.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package mini phyllo pastry cups
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, pecans, honey, red pepper flakes, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth, creamy, and evenly blended.
- Place the mini phyllo cups on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture generously into each cup, filling them to the top.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the phyllo is lightly golden and the filling warmed through.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.
Variation
- Swap the Nuts: Try using walnuts, pistachios, or almonds for a different flavor profile. Each nut brings its own unique texture and natural sweetness, allowing you to customize the cups to suit your preference or what you have on hand.
- Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder appetizer, reduce the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon. For a spicier kick, increase them or add a tiny pinch of cayenne. This flexibility lets you tailor the “firecracker” element exactly to your crowd.
- Add Citrus Zest: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of orange or lemon zest to brighten the filling. The citrus adds a refreshing, aromatic lift that pairs beautifully with the cranberries and honey.
- Use Flavored Honey: Swap regular honey for hot honey, lavender honey, or maple syrup. Each variation subtly shifts the sweetness and depth of flavor, offering a fun twist.
Cooking Notes
- Soften the Cream Cheese Fully: Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly, preventing lumps and ensuring a creamy, spreadable mixture.
- Chop Ingredients Evenly: Keeping the cranberries and pecans finely chopped ensures consistent texture in every bite and helps the filling sit neatly in the phyllo cups.
- Watch Closely Near the End of Baking: Phyllo can brown quickly, so keep an eye on the cups during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Warm for Best Texture: These cups taste incredible right out of the oven, when the filling is lightly melty and the phyllo is at its crispiest.
- Pair with a Festive Board: Add these cups to a holiday charcuterie or appetizer board along with fresh fruit, crackers, and cured meats for a colorful and varied spread.
- Add a Fresh Element: Garnishing with parsley, mint, or even a tiny cranberry on top adds visual appeal and gives the cups a pop of vibrant freshness.
Tips
- Prepare the Filling Ahead: You can mix the cream cheese filling up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just spoon into the phyllo cups when you’re ready to bake, saving valuable prep time.
- Avoid Soggy Cups: Don’t fill the cups too early phyllo absorbs moisture. Fill and bake just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Use a Small Scoop: A mini cookie scoop helps you portion the filling evenly and neatly, making the cups look beautifully uniform.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 3 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 90–110 mg (approx.)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries work best because they offer sweetness and chew without releasing extra moisture, but you can use finely chopped fresh cranberries with a touch of added sugar. - Can these be served cold?
Yes, they can be served cooled, but the texture and flavors shine brightest when they’re warm. - Can I freeze the cream cheese cups?
It’s best not to freeze them once assembled, as phyllo can lose its crispness. You can freeze the filling separately and assemble fresh. - How long will leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Pecan Firecracker Cream Cheese Cups deliver a delightful mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want an irresistible appetizer with minimal effort. Easy to prepare and always crowd-pleasing, they’re a festive little bite that brings warmth and cheer to every occasion. Enjoy!
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Cranberry Pecan Firecracker Cream Cheese Cups
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Pecan Firecracker Cream Cheese Cups are the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy an irresistible bite-sized treat that brings festive flair to any gathering. With rich cream cheese, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a subtle firecracker kick from red pepper flakes, each cup delivers a warm, holiday-ready burst of flavor wrapped in crisp, golden phyllo. They’re simple, elegant, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the appetizer table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package mini phyllo pastry cups
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, pecans, honey, red pepper flakes, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth, creamy, and evenly blended.
- Place the mini phyllo cups on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture generously into each cup, filling them to the top.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the phyllo is lightly golden and the filling warmed through.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.
Notes
- Soften the Cream Cheese Fully: Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly, preventing lumps and ensuring a creamy, spreadable mixture.
- Chop Ingredients Evenly: Keeping the cranberries and pecans finely chopped ensures consistent texture in every bite and helps the filling sit neatly in the phyllo cups.
- Watch Closely Near the End of Baking: Phyllo can brown quickly, so keep an eye on the cups during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Holiday Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream cheese cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: cranberry cream cheese cups, holiday appetizers, phyllo cups, sweet and spicy snacks, Cranberry Pecan Firecracker Cream Cheese Cups