Panera Bread Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Recipe

Panera Bread Honey Walnut Cream Cheese is a sweet, nutty spread that has become a fan-favorite for its ability to elevate a simple breakfast bagel into a gourmet treat. Ideally the walnuts should be toasted in a dry skillet and allowed to cool completely before being folded into the cream cheese to ensure they maintain their signature crunch and deep, roasted flavor.

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Panera Bread Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Recipe Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 tbsp high-quality honey
• 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• A tiny pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

How To Make Panera Bread Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Recipe

1. Toast the Walnuts: Place the chopped walnuts in a small skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and slightly darkened. Remove from heat and let them cool completely.
2. Cream the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and light.
3. Add Sweeteners: Pour in the honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and the pinch of salt. Continue to mix until the honey and spices are thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is uniform in color.
4. Fold in the Crunch: Once the walnuts are cool, gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula. Do not over-mix, as you want the walnuts to stay intact for texture.
5. Chill: Transfer the cream cheese to an airtight container or a small ramekin. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the honey and cinnamon flavors to meld together.
6. Serve: Spread generously on your favorite toasted bagel or artisan bread.

Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature is Key: Trying to mix honey and nuts into cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy spread. Let the cream cheese sit on the counter for at least 30 to 45 minutes before you begin.
• Don’t Skip the Toasting: While raw walnuts work, toasting them releases the natural oils and creates a much bolder “Panera-style” flavor profile.
• Honey Consistency: If your honey has crystallized, warm it for 5 to 10 seconds in the microwave so it is fluid and easy to blend into the cheese.
• Texture Control: If you prefer a smoother spread, you can pulse the walnuts in a food processor until they are very fine before adding them to the bowl.

What To Serve With Panera Bread Honey Walnut Cream Cheese

Cream cheese accompaniments are sweet, toasted additions frequently served during a relaxed weekend brunch or a quick morning commute. Ideally the cinnamon crunch bagel should be toasted until the sugar topping is slightly molten to provide a warm, caramelized base for the cool honey cream cheese.

• Toasted Cinnamon Crunch or Cinnamon Raisin bagels
• Thick slices of toasted Honey Wheat Bread
• Fresh apple slices or pear wedges for dipping
• A hot cup of hazelnut coffee or a latte

How To Store Panera Bread Honey Walnut Cream Cheese

• Refrigerate: Store the cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Preparation: Before serving refrigerated leftovers, let the container sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to make it easier to spread.
• Freeze: It is not recommended to freeze this recipe, as the texture of the cream cheese will become grainy and the walnuts may lose their crunch upon thawing.

Panera Bread Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 110 kcal (per 2-tbsp serving)
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 5g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 8 servings per batch.

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