5 from 27 votes
Carrot Cake Cheese Ball
The Carrot Cake Cheese Ball combines softened cream cheese, shredded carrot, pineapple, raisins, and warm spices to mimic the flavors of carrot cake in a soft, creamy cheese ball form. Coated with a mixture of toasted pecans, coconut, and shredded carrot, it offers a festive texture contrast. This no-bake appetizer blends sweetness and spice, ideal for spreading on crackers or serving as a party dip with a decorative carrot shape.
Prep Time
30 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
8
servings as an appetizer
Calories:
170 kcal
Course:
Dessert, Appetizer
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup carrot plus 1/4 cup for garnish, shredded
- 1/2 cup pineapple diced and drained, fresh or canned
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup pecans toasted, chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes toasted, unsweetened
- carrot greens for garnish, or parsley stem
Instructions
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt on medium speed just until combined.
- Using a spatula, stir in 1 cup of shredded carrot, the diced pineapple, and the raisins.
- Coat a large piece of plastic wrap with cooking spray and scoop the cheese mixture onto it.
- Using plastic wrap to help you, form a ball, then completely wrap it in plastic and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
- Just before serving, combine the pecans, coconut, and the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded carrots in a small bowl.
- Turn the cheese ball out onto a serving plate and mold it into a carrot shape using your hands.
- Coat with the coconut pecan mixture and garnish with carrot greens. Serve.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use full-fat block cream cheese for the best texture; avoid low-fat, fat-free, or whipped varieties.
- Let cream cheese soften fully to room temperature before mixing to ensure smoothness.
- Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cheese ball wet.
- Limit mix-ins to those specified to maintain structural integrity and prevent falling apart.
- Keep the cheese ball refrigerated and do not leave it out too long to avoid watery texture.
- Carrot greens, parsley, or broccoli can be used as garnish options depending on availability.
Nutrition Information
Calories
170kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
16g
(5%)
Protein
4g
(8%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Cholesterol
23mg
(8%)
Sodium
286mg
(12%)
Potassium
237mg
(5%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
9g
(18%)
Vitamin A
2916IU
(58%)
Vitamin C
6mg
(7%)
Calcium
76mg
(8%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings as an appetizer
Amount Per Serving
Calories 170
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 170kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 23mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 286mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 237mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 2916IU | 58% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 76mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.