What do you like to eat for breakfast? Cereal? Eggs? Bacon? Bagels? How long it takes: 5 minutes Equipment you’ll need: electric mixer, mixing bowl Servings: 16 (about 2 tablespoons each) Every once in a while I really get the craving for a bagel and cream cheese, especially a toasted blueberry bagel (although cinnamon raisin is a close second). I really love everything bagels but they aren’t a good match with this cream cheese. And my son is allergic to sesame seeds, so they’re a no-go. Usually I opt for eggs and vegetables for breakfast, but like I said, every once in a while that bagel craving hits, and I definitely want some perfectly fluffy, spreadable cream cheese on that bagel. Who wouldn’t want that in their life?! This whipped cream cheese is the answer.
About This Recipe
Whipped cream cheese spread is a delicious choice for topping your bagel, toast, muffin, or pancakes. It is subtly sweetened by honey and flavored with vanilla bean and freshly ground nutmeg. This spread is a great addition to a holiday brunch. The little vanilla bean flecks make the dip look so classy. It’s perfect for Mother’s Day, Easter, Christmas, Monday, Tuesday…. I’m sure you get the point. It’s so easy to make. Give yourself about five minutes to simply put the ingredients in a bowl and use an electric mixer to whip it into a smooth and fluffy spread.
What You’ll Need
Cream Cheese: You’ll need an 8 oz. package of either regular or lowfat cream cheese. Avoid nonfat cream cheese; it’s too soft and has additives. Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator an hour or two ahead of time to soften.Whole Milk or Heavy Cream: You’ll blend milk or cream into the cream cheese to make it “whippable” and spreadable. Heavy cream is best but whole milk works well, too.Vanilla Bean: Scrape the seeds out of one vanilla bean. The dark flecks really add visual appeal to the dip. If you don’t have a vanilla bean, substitute 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. If you use the paste, use less sweetener because vanilla bean paste contains sugar. Honey: This sweetener adds flavor as well as sweetness. If you prefer, substitute maple syrup, agave, or packed brown sugar.Freshly Grated Nutmeg: While this is optional, you’ll love the flavor it adds.
How To Serve This Cream Cheese Spread
It goes well on any type of bread: bagels, English muffins, toast, pancakes, muffins, etc. Here’s a few ideas:
Apple quinoa pancakesPumpkin streusel breadWhole wheat banana breadBuckwheat pancakesApple cinnamon muffinsBanana bread muffinsHomemade English Muffins by Baked by an Introvert
Cream cheese spreads also make a good dip for fruits, graham crackers, or cookies. Try it with sliced apples, graham cracker sticks, or gingersnap cookies.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate cream cheese dip in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Layer it up! After you spread the cream cheese on your bagel or muffin, layer on sliced or chopped fruit. This apple compote is really good. Quick-Start Guide!
