Frosted Delight Cranberry Swirl (Print Version)

Creamy vanilla blend swirled with tangy cranberries and topped with a smooth sweet frosting.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Cranberry Swirl

01 - 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup water
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cream Base

05 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
07 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup cold heavy cream

→ Gluten-Free Crust

10 - 1 1/2 cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
11 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
12 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
13 - Pinch of salt

→ Frosting

14 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar
15 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
16 - 2 tablespoons milk or dairy-free alternative
17 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and allow to cool completely.
02 - Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
03 - Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Incorporate Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract; mix thoroughly.
04 - Whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks in a separate bowl. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until homogeneous.
05 - Spread half of the cream base over the chilled crust. Dollop half of the cranberry swirl atop and gently swirl with a knife. Repeat layering with remaining cream and cranberry mixture to create a marbled effect.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until set.
07 - Beat powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Evenly spread over the chilled cranberry swirl dessert.
08 - Refrigerate an additional 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks impressive but comes together without any fancy techniques or stress.
  • The cranberry swirl gives you that perfect sweet tart balance that keeps you coming back for another bite.
  • It's naturally gluten free so everyone at the table can enjoy it without feeling left out.
  • You can make it a day ahead and let it sit in the fridge which means less chaos on the actual day you're serving it.
02 -
  • If your cranberry mixture is even slightly warm when you add it to the cream, it will melt everything and ruin the layers.
  • Don't overmix when folding in the whipped cream or you'll deflate all that airiness you just worked to create.
  • Press the crust down hard with the back of a measuring cup or it will crumble apart when you try to serve it.
03 -
  • Use a hot knife to slice through the frosting cleanly, just run it under warm water and wipe it dry between cuts.
  • If your cranberry compote is too runny, simmer it for a few extra minutes until it thickens or it will bleed into the cream layers.
  • Taste your cream mixture before layering and adjust the sweetness, some cream cheeses are tangier than others and you might want an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar.

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