This honey walnut cream cheese is exactly the kind of small recipe I love because it takes almost no effort, but it makes breakfast feel so much better. It is sweet, creamy, lightly spiced and just textured enough from the walnuts to feel like more than a basic flavored spread.
- Not just for bagels – Of course a schmear of cream cheese is perfect on bagels, but it’s also great on toast, muffins, waffles and brunch boards.
- Bagel shop flavor – Very similar to Panera’s honey walnut cream cheese, this spread turns your ordinary bagel into something that tastes like a bagel shop order.
- Balance of flavors – The honey gives it sweetness, the walnuts add texture, the vanilla softens everything, and the cinnamon and nutmeg make it feel warmer and more rounded instead of just sugary.
Ingredients for Honey Walnut Cream Cheese
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this sweet spread. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese gives you the smooth, rich base that makes this spread actually feel luxurious enough for a bagel or toast.
- Honey – Honey is the main sweetener and gives the spread a softer, more floral sweetness than plain sugar would.
- Vanilla extract – Vanilla rounds out the flavor and makes the whole spread taste more warm and finished.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg – Cinnamon adds warmth and gives the spread that bakery-style flavor. Just a small amount of nutmeg makes the cinnamon feel fuller and more balanced.
- Kosher salt – Adding salt to sweet recipes elevates all the sweeter flavors and keeps the spread from tasting flat.
- Walnuts – Walnuts add the classic honey-walnut crunchy texture and a little savory nuttiness.
How to Make Honey Walnut Cream Cheese (Step-by-Step)
Making this flavored cream cheese is as easy as one, two, three!
- Whip the cream cheese. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large food processor, whip the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients. Add the honey, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg until fully mixed.
- Fold in walnuts. By hand, fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Chill before use. Transfer to a container with a lid and chill for 30-60 minutes before using.
Ways to Use Honey Walnut Cream Cheese
Whether you’re slathering, dipping or eating with a spoon, this cream cheese spread can be used in so many ways.
- Bagels
- English muffins
- Toast
- Waffles
- Pancakes
- Banana bread
- Muffins
- Stuffed french toast
- Crepes
- Brunch boards
Chef Tips
I’ve tested this recipe several times to be able to bring you not only a great recipe, but also tips and tricks for along the way.
- Use softened cream cheese – If the cream cheese is too cold, it will not blend smoothly and you are more likely to end up with a lumpy spread. Fully softened cream cheese makes a big difference here.
- Chill before serving – Right after blending, the mixture can feel a little soft. Giving it 30 to 60 minutes in the refrigerator helps it firm back up into that better bagel-spread texture.
- Fold in the walnuts at the end – That preserves the contrast between creamy spread and crunchy nut pieces, which is a big part of what makes this recipe work.
Storage and Freezing
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because it contains dairy, it should stay chilled until you are ready to use it.
Freezing: Freezing is not ideal for the best texture. Cream cheese spreads can sometimes become grainy or separate slightly after thawing, especially once mixed with other ingredients.
If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and thaw it in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving. The flavor should still be fine, but the texture may be less smooth than fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe is inspired by that style of spread, with a slightly more homemade flavor profile thanks to the cinnamon and small touch of nutmeg.
Yes, but I would still keep the walnuts folded in at the end rather than blending them completely smooth. The texture is part of what makes it so good.
Bagels are the obvious answer, but it is also really good on toast, English muffins, waffles, muffins, and brunch boards.
More Sweet Sauces and Spreads
If you know me, you know how much I love a homemade sauce. Here are some of my favorites.
Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons walnuts finely chopped
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large food processor, whip the 8 ounces cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the 2 tablespoons honey, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg until fully mixed.
- By hand, fold in the chopped 2 tablespoons walnuts.
- Transfer to a container with a lid and chill for 30-60 minutes before using.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
