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Spiced Brown Sugar Cream Cheese: The Ultimate Guide & Recipe

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x

Description

Creamy, spiced brown sugar cream cheese dip or spread. Perfect with graham crackers, apples, bagels, or anything you like!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for a richer flavor)
  • Graham crackers
  • Apple slices
  • Pear slices
  • Ginger snaps
  • Cinnamon pita chips
  • Bagel halves, toasted
  • Celery sticks

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until they are completely smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. You don’t want any lumps!
  2. Gradually add the packed light brown sugar to the cream cheese and butter mixture. Beat on low speed until the brown sugar is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can make the filling too dense. Just mix until the brown sugar disappears into the cream cheese mixture.
  3. Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to the bowl. Beat on low speed until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the filling. The aroma at this point is just heavenly! Make sure there are no clumps of spices.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla enhances the other flavors, and the salt balances the sweetness. Mix until just combined.
  5. Give the filling a taste! This is your chance to adjust the flavors to your liking. If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a little more cinnamon. If you prefer a sweeter filling, add a touch more brown sugar. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
  6. If you’re feeling adventurous, now is the time to add any optional add-ins, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, raisins or dried cranberries, or maple syrup. Gently fold in the add-ins with a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
  7. While you can serve the spiced brown sugar cream cheese filling immediately, I highly recommend chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the filling to firm up slightly, making it easier to spread.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
  • Don’t overmix the filling.
  • Adjust spices to your preference.
  • Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Bring to room temperature before serving if chilled.
  • Get creative with add-ins!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes

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Find it online: https://www.sweetbananachef.com/spiced-brown-sugar-cream-cheese/