Honey Walnut Cream Cheese

This honey walnut cream cheese is worlds better than store-bought flavored cream cheese! It's just 4 simple ingredients and comes together in 10 minutes.

Flavored Cream Cheese:

You don't need to buy flavored cream cheese! It's easy to make at home and it tastes better too. Plus you can skip all the unwanted additives.

This honey walnut cream cheese is delicious and easy to customize! It's lusciously creamy with lots of honey flavor and little bits of crunchy walnuts. Yum!

You can make it as subtly sweet or extra sweet as you like.

Don't forget to try this strawberry cream cheese too!

Key Ingredients:

• Cream cheese - I use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor! You can use reduced-fat if you want to reduce fat or calories.
• Honey - The exact amount is a personal preference. Two to three tablespoons is the sweet spot! It gives you enough honey flavor without making it too sweet or runny. If you like your spread on the sweeter side, go with three tablespoons.
• Walnuts - Toasting them first enhances their flavor and crunch. Not a fan of walnuts? Try pecans instead!
• Powdered sugar - Adds a little extra sweetness and thickens the spread a smidge.
• Cinnamon - Optional, but delicious! I used ⅛ teaspoon so it doesn't overpower the honey flavor. Feel free to add more if you like.

Instructions:

Flavored cream cheese is easy to make at home! In this version, I toast the walnuts first to enhance their nuttiness. Otherwise, it's as simple as combine, mix, and enjoy!

For those who like a bit more guidance:

• Toast the walnuts - This is optional, but highly recommended! Toasting nuts intensifies their nutty flavor and crunch! They should get a shade darker in the oven.

• Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine everything but the walnuts. Use a hand mixer to mix until smooth and creamy.

• Chop & add the walnuts: Finely chop the walnuts. There shouldn't be any whole walnuts or else the mixture is hard to spread.

• Serve or store: Transfer the mixture to a bowl for serving OR store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Expert Tips:

• You don't need to use softened cream cheese for this recipe. It comes together just fine with a hand mixer.
• For a sweeter cream cheese, use three tablespoons of honey. If you still want it sweeter, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time. The powdered sugar keeps it a nice, spreadable consistency.
• For a dairy-free/vegan version, swap the cream cheese with a vegan alternative.

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container or sealed jar.
• Homemade honey walnut cream cheese lasts for up to 10 days in the refrigerator. Mine never lasts that long!

Spread Recipes:

• Honey Butter