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Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory recipes. It is delicious as a spread or dip, but you can also use it to add creaminess and richness to desserts or main dishes. If you have some cream cheese in your fridge, you may want to incorporate it into your next snack or dessert! In this post, we’re sharing four hearty recipes where you can use cream cheese to satisfy your cravings.
On top of having the right ingredients and carefully following any recipe, it would also be crucial to know how to soften cream cheese to ensure great success in your cooking–especially for these recipes. Let’s start cooking!
1. Carrot Cake
A carrot cake is a classic dessert that you can enjoy any time of year. Carrot cake is moist and flavorful, made with fresh carrots and a rich cream cheese frosting. While there are many different ways to make carrot cake, the following recipe is one of the most uncomplicated and most delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups white sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 (8 ounces) can of crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup raisins
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and butter and flour a 10-inch bundt cake pan.
- Whisk together the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large mixing basin. Beat the ingredients until it becomes light in color.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing dish. Mix thoroughly.
- Combine the carrots, pineapple, walnuts, and raisins in a mixing bowl. Transfer the ingredients into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean—cool the cake before removing it from the pan.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 (8-ounce) container softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Directions:
- Combine cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl. Beat until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until desired consistency is reached.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Store cake in the refrigerator.
2. Classic Garlic Dip
There are many reasons to try making a delicious classic garlic dip with cream cheese. It is a great way to add extra flavor to your food. Additionally, this dip can be a healthier alternative to mayonnaise or sour cream. Finally, this dish is effortless and only requires a few simple ingredients.
A classic garlic dip with cream cheese is hard to beat when it comes to flavor. The rich taste of the cream cheese pairs perfectly with the zesty garlic, creating a heavenly combination. This dip is also incredibly versatile and can be used on various foods. Whether you want to dress up some veggies or add extra flavor to your sandwich, this dip will do the trick.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) container softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, onion powder, garlic salt, parsley, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well.
- Before serving, chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. Serve with chips or vegetables.
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Making delicious creamy mashed potatoes with cream cheese is easy and fun! Plus, they’re a great way to get your daily dose of dairy.
Here are four reasons you should try making them: First, they’re nutritious. Creamy mashed potatoes with cream cheeses are a good source of vitamins A and C and potassium. Second, they’re easy to make, and all you need is a potato masher and some cream cheese. Third, they are versatile. You can add other ingredients to mashed potatoes with cream cheeses to create different flavors. For example, try adding garlic, herbs, or even bacon bits. And lastly, they’re delicious!
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Ingredients:
- 1 lb. potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In salted water, bring potatoes to a boil until soft (about 15 minutes)
- Drain water
- Mash well after adding butter and milk
- Stir in the cream cheese until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
4. No-bake Cheesecake
No-bake cheesecakes are the perfect dessert for those who want to enjoy a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen. These cheesecakes are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, perfect for parties or potlucks.
What makes no-bake cheesecakes so special is their creamy texture and rich flavor. The key to achieving the perfect consistency is to use high-quality cream cheeses and make sure that it is softened adequately before mixing.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
Instructions:
- Mix the cream cheese in a bowl until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Put in the sugar and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly mixed.
- Add in the lemon juice.
- Whip the heavy cream into a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently until completely incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and smooth out the top.
- Refrigerate for 4 hours or more
- Remove from the refrigerator and sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes when ready to serve. Serve with fresh fruit or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Takeaway
In conclusion, cream cheese is easy to cook and can help your food become tastier! It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in savory or sweet dishes, and it is also relatively inexpensive. So next time you are looking for a way to add extra flavor to your meal, consider using cream cheese. Visit Recipes.net for more guides, recipes, and tips on everything food!
