Are you looking for a luscious and versatile spread that will elevate your breakfast, snack, or dessert? Look no further than this delightful Honey Pecan Cream Cheese recipe!
Combining the creamy tang of cream cheese with the natural sweetness of honey and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, this spread is a crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re drizzling it over warm bagels, dolloping it onto fresh fruit, or using it as a frosting alternative for your favorite cakes, this honey pecan cream cheese will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and nutty, with just the right hint of richness. Plus, it comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
Read on to discover why this recipe is a must-try, how to make it step-by-step, and some creative ways to serve and enjoy it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Pecan Cream Cheese spread is a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that makes it incredibly versatile. The cream cheese base offers a smooth and tangy foundation, while the honey adds a natural, floral sweetness that’s never overpowering.
Toasted pecans contribute a satisfying crunch and a rich, buttery flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
One of the best parts? It’s incredibly easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and equipment.
You don’t need to be a professional chef to whip this up—just a few minutes and a mixing bowl are all it takes. It’s also a great recipe for those who love using natural sweeteners and enjoy nutty flavors.
This spread is perfect for everything from breakfast to dessert. Spread it on warm toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or use it as a dip for apple slices.
You can even use it as a frosting substitute for carrot cake or spice cake for a lighter, more wholesome treat.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons honey (preferably raw or local)
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Small skillet (for toasting pecans)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spatula
- Chopping board and knife
Instructions
- Toast the pecans: Place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Chop the toasted pecans: Once cool, roughly chop the pecans into small pieces. You want some crunch but also small bits that will mix well into the cream cheese.
- Prepare the cream cheese base: In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Using an electric mixer or hand whisk, beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add honey, vanilla, and salt: Pour in the honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Fold in the pecans: Using a spatula, gently fold the chopped pecans into the cream cheese mixture. Make sure they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Chill before serving: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up slightly.
- Serve and enjoy: Spread on bagels, toast, or crackers, or use as a dip or frosting alternative.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For an extra nutty flavor, try lightly salting the pecans before folding them into the cream cheese. This contrast enhances the sweetness of the honey beautifully.
Variation ideas to customize your honey pecan cream cheese:
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg: A pinch of warm spices can bring a cozy, autumnal twist.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey: For a deeper, richer sweetness.
- Mix in dried fruit: Chopped dried cranberries or apricots add a chewy texture and tartness.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds: Different nuts offer unique flavors and textures.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan cream cheese and agave syrup for a plant-based version.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (2 tbsp) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Fat | 10g |
Saturated Fat | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 6g |
Sugars | 5g |
Protein | 2g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sodium | 90mg |
Serving Suggestions
This honey pecan cream cheese spread is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Spread on warm, toasted bagels or English muffins for a sweet and nutty breakfast.
- Use as a dip for fresh fruit like apple slices, pears, or strawberries.
- Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt bowls for added texture and flavor.
- Spread between layers of carrot cake or spice cake as a lighter frosting alternative.
- Serve alongside crackers or crostini for a sophisticated appetizer with smoked salmon or prosciutto.
Conclusion
This Honey Pecan Cream Cheese recipe is a simple yet elegant way to elevate your everyday meals and snacks. Its creamy texture, combined with the natural sweetness of honey and the crunch of toasted pecans, creates a spread that’s both indulgent and wholesome.
Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast, a snack for entertaining, or a unique dessert topping, this recipe adapts beautifully to any occasion.
With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a homemade spread that tastes far better than store-bought alternatives. Plus, the recipe’s flexibility allows you to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs.
Give it a try, and you might find yourself reaching for this honey pecan cream cheese again and again!
While you’re here, be sure to check out some of our other favorite recipes like Classic Banana Bread, Homemade Granola, and Cinnamon Roll Pancakes to continue your culinary adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Honey Pecan Cream Cheese
Description: A creamy and sweet spread combining smooth cream cheese, honey, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for bagels, toast, or as a dessert topping.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, butter, and salt; mix well.
- Fold in chopped pecans gently.
- Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Carbs: 6g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Honey Pecan Cream Cheese”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and sweet spread combining smooth cream cheese, honey, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for bagels, toast, or as a dessert topping.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“8 oz cream cheese, softened”, “1/4 cup honey”, “1/2 cup pecans, chopped”, “1 tsp vanilla extract”, “1/4 tsp ground cinnamon”, “1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened”, “Pinch of salt”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, butter, and salt; mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold in chopped pecans gently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150”, “proteinContent”: “3g”, “fatContent”: “13g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “6g”}}