Cream Cheese Party Mold
A creamy, sweet, and nutty molded cheese dessert featuring raisins and almonds, perfect for parties and gatherings, served chilled with crackers for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the Philadelphia cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sour cream, sugar, gelatin, and raisins; mix well.
- Pour into a mold and chill until firm.
- When ready to serve, decorate the mold with almonds.
- Serve with crackers.
- This cream cheese mold freezes very well and can be thawed and used later.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the white raisins with chopped dates or dried cranberries if desired. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup. Adding a splash of lemon juice can enhance the flavor balance, similar to what you might find in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This cream cheese mold is best served chilled, paired with a selection of crackers for a delightful appetizer. It also complements fresh vegetable sticks or can be served alongside a fruit platter for a refreshing contrast. For an elegant touch, consider serving it alongside Fluffy Mashed Potatoes for a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This cream cheese mold can also be frozen for up to three months. To serve after freezing, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before decorating with almonds and serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Party Mold contains roughly 460 calories, with 17g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nuts in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to chop them finely for even distribution in the mold.
Is it necessary to use gelatin in this recipe?
Yes, gelatin is crucial for helping the mold set properly. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute gelatin with agar-agar, following the package instructions for the correct ratios.
How long should I chill the mold before serving?
Chill the mold for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. This allows the mixture to firm up properly, making it easier to slice and serve at your gathering.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).