A bagel is nothing without a good cream cheese. This easy-to-make recipe for Honey Walnut Cream Cheese tastes exactly like Panera’s — it might even be better.
The tanginess of the cream cheese matched with the sweetness of the honey makes this spread so good, you might just have to eat it with a spoon. After you realize how easy it is to whip up your own cream cheese, you’ll never go back. But, *shhhh* don’t tell Panera 🤫
Find the recipe for easy copycat Honey Walnut Cream Cheese below!
Best ways to enjoy Honey Walnut Cream Cheese:
We all know that cream cheese is a toasted bagel’s BFF, but this spread can be enjoyed with so much more! After all, why limit yourself to just bagels when the world is your dipping oyster?! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this recipe:
- Sourdough bread is amazing for any kind of dip (or on its own!), but this fluffy bread is truly *chef’s kiss* with Honey Walnut Cream Cheese.
- Graham crackers — the warm sweetness of the cracker with the honey of the cream cheese… wow.
- Pretzels! Basically, the dream salty/sweet combination.
- Of course, bagels! But break out of the plain bagel bubble. This spread is great with cinnamon raisin, too.
Copycat Panera Honey Walnut Cream Cheese
A bagel is nothing without a good cream cheese. This easy-to-make recipe for Honey Walnut Cream Cheese tastes exactly like Panera’s — it might even be better.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Food Processor
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2–3 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Toast walnuts stovetop in a nonstick pan on medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Set aside
- Place softened cream cheese in (ideally mini) food processor and pulse until creamy
- Then add honey, vanilla, cinnamon & salt and continue pulsing until everything combined and reaches a fluffy, smooth consistency
- Transfer to a bowl and fold in crushed walnuts
- Use as a topping on your favorite bagels or bread. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container
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How to make this dairy-free:
If you want to make this recipe dairy free, you can do so by substituting the cream cheese for a dairy-free option. I recommend using Kite Hill brand or Monty’s.
So, what’s the deal with toasting nuts?
Well, I’m happy you asked! If you’ve ever seen a baking show, then you’re probably familiar with the obsession with having toasted nuts over plain. Why? After nuts are toasted, they get a deeper, more bodied flavor. Basically, this means you’re going to be able to taste that delicious walnut flavor more! Don’t skip this step!
As always, if you make this Honey Walnut Cream Cheese or any of my other recipes I would love to know how it turned out for you! Please leave a review, and be sure to tag me on Instagram @Hungry.Blonde. xoxo GG
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Honey Walnut Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread
EASY Dairy-Free Salted Cashew Butter Frosting
The BEST Honey Vanilla Banana Bread ~ Soft & Fluffy, Easy Recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Fluff Dip ~ EASY Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Recipe
Delighful! Will make again!
★★★★★
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂