Whether you’re making a cheesecake, baking cream cheese frosting, or spreading it on a bagel, having the right consistency of cream cheese is key. Cream cheese comes in a few different forms – blocks, spreads, and whipped. While they may look and taste similar, they can’t always be used interchangeably in recipes. So can you use cream cheese spread instead of block cream cheese?
The Difference Between Block and Spread Cream Cheese
Block cream cheese, often just labeled as “cream cheese”, has a firm, dense texture that holds its shape well. It contains just a few ingredients – pasteurized milk and cream, cheese culture, salt, and stabilizers like carob bean gum or guar gum. Block cream cheese has a fat content of around 33%.
Cream cheese spread has a softer, smoother consistency that is easy to spread straight out of the container. It achieves this texture through the addition of milk, buttermilk, or whey protein concentrate. The extra moisture gives it a fat content around 25-30%. Cream cheese spread may also have added gums, gelatin, or emulsifiers to improve the texture.
Using Cream Cheese Spread in Baked Goods
When it comes to baking, block cream cheese is usually best. Recipes for baked goods like cheesecake or cream cheese frosting rely on the stiffness and structure that block cream cheese provides. If you swap in cream cheese spread, the higher moisture content will change the texture.
For example, cheesecake made with cream cheese spread may end up with a more custard-like texture on the inside rather than being rich and dense throughout. The top is also more likely to become soggy. And for frosting, you’ll get a looser consistency that is harder to pipe or spread neatly.
That said, using around 25% cream cheese spread in combination with block cream cheese can work in some baking recipes. For instance, adding a portion of spread may make a cream cheese frosting easier to pipe through small decorating tips. Just be cautious of going above 25% or you risk a frosting that is too thin.
Tips for Using Cream Cheese Spread in Baked Goods
- Limit to 25% or less of the total cream cheese
- Add a bit more powdered sugar to account for the extra moisture
- Let the frosting or batter sit for 30 mins to thicken up after mixing
- Bake cheesecakes 5-10 mins longer to account for the higher moisture content
- Consider adding in stabilizers like gelatin or extra guar gum if the texture seems too loose
Using Cream Cheese Spread on Bagels and Toast
While cream cheese spread may not work as well for baking, it’s perfectly fine to use in place of block cream cheese as a spread. The smoother, softer texture makes it easy to spread on bagels, toast, or sandwiches straight out of the container.
Cream cheese spread also incorporates seasonings and flavors nicely due to the added moisture. Options like chive & onion or strawberry cream cheese spread are convenient choices for topping bagels.
Tips for Using Cream Cheese Spread as a Topping
- Let cream cheese spread sit at room temperature to reach optimal spreading consistency
- Consider whipped cream cheese for an even lighter, fluffier texture
- Add a touch of milk or butter to block cream cheese to soften it
- Use a knife instead of a spreader to better control the thickness of the layer
Substituting Quantity of Cream Cheese
Since block and spread cream cheese differ in density, you’ll need to alter the quantity if substituting one for the other. For every 8 oz. of block cream cheese, use equivalent volumes below of cream cheese spread:
| Cream Cheese Type | Substitution Amount |
|---|---|
| Block | 8 oz |
| Whipped | 8 oz |
| Spread | 10 oz |
So for example, if a cheesecake recipe calls for 24 oz. of block cream cheese, use 30 oz. of cream cheese spread instead. Whipped and block cream cheese are almost interchangeable 1:1.
Adjusting Recipes When Substituting
When substituting cream cheese spread in a recipe, you may need to adjust other ingredients to account for the higher moisture content.
For Cheesecakes and Baked Goods:
- Add 2-4 Tbsp extra flour to account for the extra moisture
- Increase baking time by 5-10 minutes
- Let cheesecakes bake until just slightly jiggly in center
- Consider adding additional eggs for structure
For Frostings:
- Add 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup more powdered sugar
- Incorporate powdered sugar slowly to reach desired consistency
- Add a pinch of cream of tartar or lemon juice to stabilize
- If too thin, chill frosting for 30 mins before using to thicken
Conclusion
While cream cheese spread won’t work as a direct substitute in all recipes, it can be used successfully in moderation in combination with block cream cheese. For baking, limit cream cheese spread to 25% or less of the total amount. And when using as a spread, allow cream cheese to come to room temperature before serving. Adjusting accompanying ingredients and textures as needed can help compensate for the differences between block and spread cream cheese.