Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Spread: Panera Copycat Recipe

This Honey Walnut Cream Cheese spread is the ultimate Panera copycat recipe. It’s perfect for bagels and a delicious breakfast topping

If you’re a fan of Panera Bread’s delightful breakfast spreads, you’re in for a treat. In this blog post, we’re sharing the secret to recreating one of their most beloved cream cheese spreads at home.

Our Panera Honey Walnut Cream Cheese recipe captures the essence of those unforgettable bagel toppings, delivering a rich blend of sweet, nutty, and creamy flavors that will take your morning routine to a whole new level.

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Join us as we unveil the magic behind this delectable creation and explore ways to customize it to suit your unique tastes.

Get ready to savor every bite and make your breakfasts truly exceptional!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Here are three reasons why people will love the Panera Honey Walnut Cream Cheese recipe:

1. Delicious Flavor Combination: This cream cheese spread offers a delightful combination of flavors that appeal to a wide range of tastes. The sweetness of honey, the depth of molasses and brown sugar, the warmth of cinnamon, and the nutty crunch of walnuts create a balanced and satisfying flavor profile. It’s a sweet and savory treat that can enhance the enjoyment of bagels or other baked goods.
2. Homemade Version of a Favorite: Many people love Panera’s Honey Walnut Cream Cheese spread but may not always have access to it or find it expensive to buy regularly. This recipe allows them to recreate that beloved flavor at home, providing a cost-effective and convenient way to enjoy this spread anytime they want. Homemade versions often have a personal touch that can make them even more enjoyable.
3. Versatile Use: While the recipe is inspired by Panera, the homemade cream cheese spread can be used in various creative ways beyond just bagels. It can be spread on toast, muffins, or croissants, used as a filling for pastries, or even as a dip for fruit slices. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to the kitchen, giving people the freedom to experiment with different culinary creations.

Overall, the Panera Honey Walnut Cream Cheese recipe offers a delectable taste, cost-saving benefits, and culinary versatility, making it a favorite for those who enjoy flavorful spreads and homemade treats.

What ingredients do you need for this recipe

1. Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is a dairy product known for its smooth and creamy texture. It serves as the base for this cream cheese spread and adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.
2. Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees from flower nectar. It lends a delightful sweetness to the cream cheese spread while also infusing it with a distinct floral flavor. Honey is thick and viscous, adding a smooth consistency to the mixture.
3. Molasses: Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that is a byproduct of the sugar refining process. It contributes a deep, earthy sweetness and a hint of bitterness to the spread. Molasses also gives the cream cheese a darker color.
4. Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is granulated sugar mixed with molasses. It adds sweetness and moisture to the mixture while also offering a mild caramel and toffee-like flavor. It helps balance the other flavors in the spread.
5. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a warm and aromatic spice derived from the bark of cinnamon trees. It imparts a subtle spicy and earthy flavor to the cream cheese spread. Cinnamon enhances the overall depth of flavor and provides a pleasant warmth.
6. Chopped Walnuts: Walnuts are a type of nut known for their mild, buttery flavor and crisp texture. Chopped walnuts are added to the cream cheese mixture to provide a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty taste. They also contribute to the spread’s texture and appearance.

These carefully selected ingredients combine to create the distinct and delicious flavor profile of Panera Honey Walnut Cream Cheese, making it a delightful addition to various baked goods and dishes.

Substitutions

1. Neufchâtel Cheese for Cream Cheese: The recipe mentions that Panera uses Neufchâtel cheese, a lighter version of cream cheese, in their cream cheese spread. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option or want to replicate the Panera taste more closely, you can substitute Neufchâtel cheese for the regular cream cheese called for in the recipe. Neufchâtel cheese has a similar texture and taste but with lower fat content.
2. Agave Nectar for Honey: If you prefer an alternative to honey or want a vegan option, you can replace honey with agave nectar. Agave nectar is a sweet syrup derived from the agave plant and can be used as a honey substitute in equal quantities. It offers a similar level of sweetness and a mild, neutral flavor, making it a suitable alternative for vegans or those who prefer a different sweetener.

These substitutions can help customize the recipe to your dietary preferences or ingredient availability while still achieving a delicious honey walnut cream cheese spread.

How to customize and personalize it

Here are three creative customizations to give the Panera Honey Walnut Cream Cheese recipe a unique twist:

1. Fruit Infusion: Add a fruity twist to the cream cheese by incorporating finely chopped dried fruits such as apricots, cranberries, or figs. These fruits can introduce additional layers of flavor and a delightful chewy texture. For an extra kick, consider infusing some citrus zest like orange or lemon to brighten the overall profile.
2. Spiced Variation: Elevate the cream cheese with a touch of spice. Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger, in addition to or in place of cinnamon. Spices can add warmth and complexity to the spread. You can also consider a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle, intriguing heat.
3. Savory Savors: While the original recipe is sweet, you can give it a savory twist by incorporating ingredients like finely chopped scallions, chives, or even a hint of garlic powder. This savory version can be a unique topping for savory bagels or as a dip for vegetable sticks.

What to serve with this Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Spread

Panera Honey Walnut Cream Cheese is a versatile spread that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are five ideas on what to serve with this cream cheese spread:

1. Bagels: The classic choice! Spread the Honey Walnut Cream Cheese generously on a toasted bagel, whether it’s plain, sesame, everything, or your favorite variety. The creaminess and nutty sweetness complement the chewy texture of the bagel perfectly.
2. Toast: Slather the cream cheese on slices of toasted bread, such as whole wheat, multigrain, or cinnamon raisin. The contrast between the warm, crispy toast and the creamy, sweet spread is delightful.
3. Muffins: Use it as a muffin topper. Whether you’re enjoying plain muffins, blueberry muffins, or apple cinnamon muffins, a dollop of this cream cheese spread adds a layer of flavor and texture that elevates your muffin game.
4. Fruit: Dip apple slices, banana chunks, or berries into the cream cheese spread for a sweet and nutty twist on a fruit dip. The creamy sweetness of the spread pairs wonderfully with the freshness of the fruit.
5. Pancakes or Waffles: Instead of traditional butter or syrup, try spreading this cream cheese on your pancakes or waffles. The rich, sweet, and nutty flavors make for a delightful topping that complements the warm, fluffy pancakes or waffles.

These ideas showcase the versatility of Panera Honey Walnut Cream Cheese, allowing you to enjoy its unique flavor and texture in various ways, from breakfast to snacks and even desserts.

How to refrigerate it and keep it fresh

Refrigerating Panera Honey Walnut Cream Cheese is essential to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Here’s how to properly refrigerate it:

1. Allow It to Cool: If you’ve just made a batch of the cream cheese spread, ensure it has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating it. Placing hot or warm food directly in the refrigerator can raise its internal temperature and potentially affect other items in the fridge.
2. Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the cream cheese spread into an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the spread.
3. Seal It Tightly: Close the lid securely to create an airtight seal. This prevents air from entering the container, which can lead to drying out or flavor changes in the cream cheese.
4. Label and Date: Consider labeling the container with the date when you made the cream cheese spread. This will help you keep track of its freshness and ensure you use it within a reasonable time frame.
5. Store in the Refrigerator: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature for storing cream cheese is between 32°F (0°C) and 40°F (4°C). Store it on a shelf, not in the refrigerator door, as the temperature can fluctuate more in the door.
6. Keep Away from Strong Odors: Cream cheese can absorb odors from other foods in the refrigerator. To prevent this, store it away from strong-smelling items like onions or garlic.
7. Use Within a Reasonable Time: While there is no strict expiration date for homemade cream cheese spreads, they are best consumed within 1 to 2 weeks to ensure optimal flavor and quality. Check for any signs of spoilage, such as off smells, unusual colors, or mold growth, before using.

By following these steps, you can keep your Panera Honey Walnut Cream Cheese safe, fresh, and delicious for an extended period in the refrigerator.

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Honey Walnut Cream Cheese spread

This Honey Walnut Cream Cheese spread is the ultimate Panera copycat recipe. It’s perfect for bagels and a delicious breakfast topping

Ingredients

• 1 Block cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese softened
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tablespoon walnuts toasted and chopped

Instructions

• In a small bowl combine the cream cheese with the honey, molasses, brown sugar and cinnamon. Add the walnuts and stir to incorporate.