Cream cheese spread and cream cheese are very similar ingredients, but they are not exactly the same. Both are soft, creamy cheese products commonly used in cooking and baking, so it’s understandable why many people wonder if they can be used interchangeably. While in some cases cream cheese spread can stand in for regular cream cheese, there are important differences to consider before swapping one for the other.
What is Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is a fresh, soft, and mild-tasting cheese made from milk and cream. It has a smooth, creamy texture and is white in color. Traditional cream cheese is made by culturing pasteurized milk and cream with lactic acid-producing cultures. The cultures cause the milk proteins (casein) to coagulate and form curds, which are then separated from the whey and pressed into blocks. These blocks of curd are then soaked in salt brine to extract more moisture, cooled, and packaged. Philadelphia brand cream cheese remains the gold standard of authentic cream cheese in the United States.
The FDA has standards of identity that cream cheese must meet to be labeled as such. It must contain at least 33% milkfat and have a moisture content no greater than 55%. The finished cheese must have a pH range of 4.4 to 4.9. Cream cheese is mild and tangy in flavor and has a soft, spreadable texture. Because of its high fat content, it provides a rich, creamy mouthfeel. Cream cheese is available in regular, reduced-fat, and non-fat varieties. It comes in block form or whipped for easier spreading.
Common Uses for Cream Cheese
- Cheesecake
- Frostings and fillings
- Bagels and toast
- Dips
- Icing
- Cakes
- Pasta dishes
What is Cream Cheese Spread?
Cream cheese spread, sometimes labeled as “spreadable cream cheese,” is a close relative of regular cream cheese. It was developed to provide the flavor and utility of cream cheese in a more spreadable form right out of the refrigerator. To make it smoother and easier to spread while cold, cream cheese spread has a higher moisture content than block cream cheese.
Manufacturers make cream cheese spread by mixing regular cream cheese with milk, sweeteners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. This modifies the texture so the cheese can spread smoothly even when cold. The FDA has a standard of identity for cream cheese spreads that dictates they must contain at least 51% cream cheese by weight along with added dairy ingredients.
The added moisture content gives cream cheese spreads a softer, looser texture than brick cream cheese. The texture is smooth and spreadable at refrigerator temperatures. Cream cheese spread may have a slightly thinner, lighter consistency depending on moisture content. It is usually white in color like regular cream cheese. The flavor is mildly tangy and creamy like cream cheese, but may be slightly milder depending on ingredients.
Common Brands of Cream Cheese Spread
- Philadelphia 2X Cream Cheese Spread
- Kraft Philadelphia Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese Spread
- Boursin Garlic & Herbs Cream Cheese Spread
- Alouette Garlic & Herbs Spreadable Cheese
Comparing Cream Cheese and Spread
While cream cheese spread has a similar flavor and usage to regular cream cheese, there are some key differences that can impact baking and cooking performance when swapping the two:
| Difference | Cream Cheese | Cream Cheese Spread |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture content | Max 55% | Higher moisture, up to 70% |
| Fat content | Min 33% | Varies, can be lower |
| Texture | Dense, stiff when cold | Smooth, spreadable when cold |
| Tangy flavor | Tangier | Milder |
| Melting properties | Holds shape when melted | Softer melt |
Can You Substitute Cream Cheese Spread?
In some instances, cream cheese spread can be used in place of regular cream cheese:
- On bagels, toast, English muffins
- As a vegetable dip
- Stirred into pasta or mashed potatoes
- On crackers or a cheese tray
- As a sandwich spread
The convenience of cream cheese spread being smooth and spreadable right out of the fridge makes it an acceptable substitution in applications where the texture difference does not matter significantly. The milk and stabilizers in cream cheese spreads keep them smoothly spreadable at cold temperatures.
When Cream Cheese Spread Works Well
Cream cheese spread shines in recipes and uses where its softer, more spreadable texture is an advantage. For example:
- As a topping or dip due to its spreadability
- In no-bake desserts like cheesecake
- Sandwiches, wraps, and pinwheels
- Frosting cakes or cupcakes
- Blender dips like ranch or onion
- Mix-ins for creamy pasta or potato dishes
Substitution Considerations
There are some important ways that cream cheese spread behaves differently from regular cream cheese that impact how well it substitutes in recipes:
Moisture Content
The higher moisture content in cream cheese spreads makes them softer set and more prone to watering out of a recipe. They can lead to thinner, looser frostings, fillings, and cookie dough. Too much moisture released can ruin the structure in delicate cakes and crepes.
Fat Content
Full-fat brick cream cheese gets its lush, creamy texture from its high milkfat content. Lower-fat cream cheese spreads won’t provide quite the same richness and mouthfeel. This can impact flavor and texture in baked goods.
Tangy Flavor
The flavor of cream cheese spreads is a little milder and less tangy due to the dairy ingredients added. In recipes where cream cheese flavor is front and center, like cheesecake, this can be noticeable.
Soft Melt
Regular cream cheese is stable when melted and holds its shape well. Cream cheese spread can become quite soft when cooked and may not thicken properly in recipes that rely on cream cheese setting up.
When to Avoid Substitution
There are certain recipes and uses where cream cheese spread does not adequately stand in for regular cream cheese:
- New York-style cheesecake – needs cream cheese for tang and structure
- Savory dips and spreads where texture is important
- Frostings and fillings for delicate cakes/pastries
- Recipes where cream cheese is baked or cooked a long time
- Any recipe where strict moisture content is key (macarons, meringues)
Examples to Avoid Cream Cheese Spread
Here are some examples of recipes where cream cheese spread is not the best substitution choice:
- Cheesecake – would likely lead to a softer set and structure
- Stuffed pastries like rugelach – can result in fillings leaking out
- Cookie dough – may spread too much and become thinner
- Quiche – would make a looser, wetter custard
- Frosting piped decoratively on cakes – less stability for piping
Tips for Using Cream Cheese Spread
If you do want to substitute cream cheese spread in a recipe that calls for regular cream cheese, here are some tips:
Reduce Liquid
Use a little less liquid in the recipe to account for the higher moisture content in the spread. This can help prevent batters from becoming too thin.
Chill Thoroughly
Chilling batters and doughs made with cream cheese spread can make them easier to handle and prevent leaks in baked goods.
Reinforce Structure
Add a little extra flour or gelatin to cheesecake or pastry fillings to compensate for the softer set. Sprinkle flour over pie dough to absorb moisture.
Limit Cooking Time
Avoid overbaking items filled or topped with cream cheese spread, as prolonged cooking can break down structure.
Boost Flavor
Add extra lemon juice, vanilla, or tangy flavorings to compensate for the milder flavor in spreads.
Best Uses for Cream Cheese Spread
While cream cheese spread may not work well in all recipes, it can be a quick and convenient substitution in these uses:
Bagel or Toast Topping
Easy to spread cold on bagels, toast, and English muffins for breakfast or a quick snack.
Fruit Dip
Mix with honey or brown sugar to make a sweet fruit dip for snacking.
Quesadillas
Spread on tortillas before adding other fillings to quesadillas or quesadillas.
Pasta Sauce
Stir into hot pasta along with herbs and lemon for a quick cream sauce.
Pinwheel Sandwiches
Spread onto tortillas or bread before rolling up with fillings for easy pinwheel sandwiches.
Celery or Crackers
Serve as a handy dip for snacking on veggies or crackers.
The Bottom Line
Cream cheese spread can work as a substitute for regular cream cheese in some cases, especially when used as a topping or dip. However, its higher moisture content, lower fat content, milder flavor, and softer melting properties make cream cheese a better choice for recipes where these factors are critical. Always consider the chemistry of the original recipe before swapping in a spreadable cream cheese. With proper precautions, like chilling and reinforcing structure, cream cheese spread can be used successfully in some baked goods.
For the very best results in recipes that rely on the distinct texture and flavor of cream cheese, your safest bet is to use real brick-style cream cheese. But when used carefully in the right applications, cream cheese spread can be a convenient and tasty stand-in.