This Blackberry Cream Cheese Spread is the perfect addition to breakfast or brunch. It’s also delicious on crostini or crackers with a glass of red zinfandel.

I love recipes that look fancy but really are simple.  This blackberry cream cheese spread is just that – quick and delicious! It makes a great hostess gift whether you’re attending a holiday brunch, or a wine soiree with a few girlfriends. With Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon, it’s having ideas like this that I can whip up just before I head out the door to a get together.

This recipe makes enough for two small mason jars, so give one away and keep one for you!

For breakfast or brunch, you can serve the blackberry cream cheese spread alongside bagels. Or, if you’re feeling really inspired, use it to make stuffed french toast!

As an appetizer, this blackberry cream cheese spread equally good.  Serve it on crostini or crackers with a glass of red zinfandel. It’s a super fast appetizer! Set some honey nearby and let guests drizzle a little honey on top for some extra sweetness. It looks so elegant, but takes only minutes.

If blackberries aren’t your favorite, substitute raspberries instead and add an extra tablespoon of sugar to offset the tartness of the berries.

Print Recipe

Blackberry Cream Cheese Spread

Ingredients

• 2 8 oz blocks of cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup sugar
• zest of 1 lemon
• 1 pint fresh blackberries

Instructions

• In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip the cream cheese until soft and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla, sugar and lemon zest.
• Remove the bowl and gently fold in the blackberries gently. Store in mason jars for 1-2 weeks.

I love how beautiful this looks, but it does mean you’ll have a less creamy spread.  If you’d like a smoother cream cheese, add the berries to the blender and beat until well combined.  The mixture will take on the purple color of the berries.

Here are some other fabulous hostess gifts:

Check out my Food Gifts Pinterest Board for more ideas:
Follow Juggling Act Mama – Ang Paris’s board Food Gifts on Pinterest.