Cream cheese is a criminally underutilized ingredient, capable of enriching basically anything it is used in. However, its thickness can sometimes be a problem, so why not try making it insanely light and frothy by whipping it?
Why not use your cream cheese to make this Cream Cheese Pastry? For any leftovers that you have, why not learn how to Freeze Cream Cheese so that you have ready-to-use cream cheese on hand the next time you need it?
Whipped Cream Cheese
Cream cheese isn’t just for making dips or spreading on bagels; it can be used to thicken and enrich pretty much anything.
However, cream cheese straight from the packet does have one really significant problem – it is just too thick!
This recipe uses a surprisingly easy trick of beating the cream cheese and mixing in just a little bit of heavy cream to turn it into a thick, creamy, and spreadable whipped cream cheese that can be used directly on basically anything!
Why Make Whipped Cream Cheese?
Making whipped cream cheese might seem like a pretty unnecessary extra step to be able to enjoy some cream cheese. Other than making it look a lot prettier, why bother to make it?
Well, while whipped cream cheese obviously does look a lot silkier and creamier than just the regular stuff, it is also a lot more useful.
When you beat and whip cream cheese, it takes on a wonderfully airy, thick texture, pretty much exactly like when making whipped cream using regular cream.
This results in the cream cheese getting fluffy and luscious, as well as being way more spreadable.
Normal cream cheese can easily stick to a bagel or even stick to the knife you are trying to use to spread it. Whipped cream cheese will go wherever you want it to.
Making A Basic Whipped Cream Cheese
The actual process of making whipped cream cheese is surprisingly simple. You just need to follow a few basic steps.
- Firstly, you need to beat the cream cheese vigorously. Beating it, ideally with the paddle attachment on a mixer, softens the cream cheese, as well as aerating it, allowing air to thicken it do most of the work for you.
- Once beaten, add a little bit of whipped cream – this not only helps to enrich the cream cheese, but it also helps it to stay thick and glossy in the fridge for several weeks!
While adding dairy to dairy might seem a little strange, the addition of even a little bit of cream really does do wonders for helping your whipped cream cheese to maintain its consistency.
How To Make A Savory, Herby Whipped Cream Cheese
While you could easily just keep your whipped cream cheese as regular and unflavored, you can turn it into a custom-made savory spread with just a few ingredients!
Adding in just a few seasonings, like dried parsley, basil, or even dill, can help amp up the herby notes, while the addition of some minced chives and garlic powder help make it taste like a supermarket bagel spread.
Even if you don’t like chives and garlic, you can add pretty much whatever you like to it to try and make something unique and delicious.
Want it spicy? Try chopping up a few chilies and some spices like paprika to help darken the color.
Want it to taste Indian-themed vaguely? A dash of Garam Marsala, a sprinkle of cumin powder, and a heaping teaspoon of turmeric powder will make this spread taste as if it belongs on Naan bread!
Making A Sweet Whipped Cream Cheese Instead
Cream cheese is often used as part of sweet recipes. Whether using it to make a cheesecake or making some cream cheese frosting for cinnamon rolls, cream cheese is surprisingly good at being the basis for sweet things.
This is why it is so easy to turn this whipped cream cheese into more of a dessert spread.
Simply add a little bit of vanilla extract and some white sugar. Even though it is a comparatively very small amount of sweetness, your whipped cream cheese will take on a totally different flavor and texture.
If you want, you can really spice it up with some cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves, turning it almost into a dessert all on its own.
Spread this sweetened whipped cream cheese over a sweet bread, such as a pain au raisin or maybe a raisin bagel, and it will taste like a gourmet pastry made by a bakery, even though it took literally 5 minutes to prepare!
Looking for more delicious cream-based Frostings, Icings & Puddings recipes? Try these out:
Happy Cooking
Love,
Karlynn
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Whipped Cream Cheese
Ingredients
Basic Whipped Cream Cheese
- one eight ounce block cream cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons whipping cream
Herb and Garlic Whipped Cream Cheese
- 3 tablespoons minced chives
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Sweet Whipped Cream Cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Bring the block of cream cheese to room temperature.
- Place in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, or in a bowl that you can use a hand mixer with.
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add in a tablespoon of the whipping cream.
- Continue to beat until light and fluffy, adding in more whipping cream if wanted.
- Add in any of the seasonings for the versions that you want, mixing in thoroughly,
- Store in a closed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Elizabeth says
So simple! Thank you for the various ways to make basic cream cheese come alive.