Carrot Cake Cheese Ball

By Breana Killeen, EatingWell

This sweet carrot-shaped cheese ball recipe is a clever take on an Easter dessert favorite: carrot cake. Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, gingersnaps or apple slices for dipping fun that both kids and adults will love. 

Total

20 mins

Servings

12

Ingredients

• 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded carrot plus 1/4 cup, divided
• ½ cup diced pineapple
• ¼ cup golden raisins
• ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans
• ¼ cup toasted unsweetened coconut flakes
• Carrot greens for garnish

 

Directions

Step 1

Whisk cream cheese, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl until combined. Stir in 1 cup carrot, pineapple and raisins.

Step 2

Coat a large piece of plastic wrap with cooking spray. Scoop the cheese mixture onto it. Using the plastic wrap to help you, form the cheese mixture into a ball, then completely wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.

Step 3

Just before serving, combine pecans, coconut and the remaining 1/4 cup carrot in a small bowl. Turn the cheese ball out onto a serving plate and form into a carrot shape. Coat with the pecan mixture. Garnish with carrot greens, if desired.

Tips

Make Ahead Tip: Refrigerate for up to 2 days.