One of the fan favorites to spread on a bagel or serve as part of a breakfast bar at Panera Bread is the honey walnut cream cheese. It’s nutty, it’s creamy and it provides just a touch of sweetness in each bite that makes it distinctive. A lot of people go to Panera solely so they can enjoy their bagel spread with this. It is one of those items that has become a customer favorite because it’s a little something different but also reassuring.
But why do people love honey walnut cream cheese from Panera so much? Is it nutritious? What is in it? And how do you make it at home? Let us dive into all about this tasty spread.
Table of Contents
What Is Honey Walnut Cream Cheese
Honey walnut cream cheese is a cream cheese spread with a flavor that you can find available in Panera Bread outlets. It is a blend of smooth cream cheese combined with honey and walnuts that have been chopped. It gives a subtly sweet and nutty flavor that is simply ideal for bagel toast or even fruit.
While ordinary cream cheese is saltier this brings honey sweetness and walnut crunch. Thus it is very much like a treat as well as a breakfast spread. It is normally ordered with bagels but others prefer to use it with pastries or even as a snack.
Why People Love Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Panera
There are quite a number of reasons why the spread has gained such popularity among customers
The flavor is unique with a sweetness and nuttiness
It offers distinction from normal cream cheese
It is perfect for breakfasts and snacks
It pairs well with a lot of bagel flavors such as whole grain cinnamon raisin or plain
It’s like a little treat without being too heavy
It isn’t cream cheese. It is a mix that makes bagels taste like something special.
What Is in Honey Walnut Cream Cheese
The ingredients are simple but blend well to create an excellent spread
Cream cheese base
Honey as sweetener
Walnuts finely chopped for crunch
Sugar and natural flavoring
A dash of dairy stabilizers for texture
The honey brings a smooth sweetness while the walnuts bring a nutty flavor. They mix well to balance out the creaminess of cheese.
Nutrition Facts of Honey Walnut Cream Cheese
As delicious as it is, nutrition is also something to think about. A single serving of about 2 oz or 57 grams provides approximately
Calories 210–220
Fat 15g
Saturated Fat 7g
Carbohydrates 16g
Sugar 14g
Protein 4g
Sodium 120–130mg
It makes honey walnut cream cheese calorie dense because of the cream cheese and the nuts. It is best had sparingly as part of an otherwise well-balanced meal.
Is Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Healthy
It is yes and no based on your point of view.
The good:
High in protein from walnuts and milk
Provides healthy fats from walnuts
Is packed with calcium that is bone-friendly
Provides instant energy because of sugar and fat
The not so good:
High in calories when eaten excessively
Contains added sugar from honey and sweeteners
Packed with saturated fat which must be eaten in moderation
So while it is not the most health-conscious option it can be eaten as an occasional indulgence especially when served on whole grain bagels or fruit.
The Healthiest Foods to Serve with Honey Walnut Cream Cheese
This cream cheese isn’t just reserved for plain bagels. There are lots of creative ways to enjoy it.
Whole grain bagels for a healthy breakfast
Cinnamon raisin bagels for that little bit extra of sweetness
Apple slices with honey walnut cream cheese
Toasted multigrain bread
Waffles or pancakes with cream cheese spread topping
Crackers for snacking
Fresh fruits like grapes or pears as a contrast
It is also versatile and complements sweet or mildly salty pieces.
Why People Search for Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Panera
One of the biggest reasons you see so many people searching for this product online is that Panera Bread is not in every town. People who do get to try it once will want to find it again or even learn how to make it at home. It is so popular because it tastes so gourmet-like compared to the standard spreads.
Can You Make Honey Walnut Cream Cheese at Home
Yes you can. It is very simple and uses only a few ingredients.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp of honey
¼ cup chopped walnuts
1–2 tbsp sugar, optional
Steps
Mix cream cheese and honey until smooth
Add walnuts and stir gently
Add sugar if desired for it to be sweeter
Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes
Serve on bagels, toast, or fruit
This homemade version will not compare to Panera’s but is similar and can be adapted to taste.
Fun Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Facts
It is one of the most popular cream cheese flavors that Panera gets asked for
Most clients buy extra tubs to take home with their bagels
Walnuts are considered brain healthy due to omega 3 fatty acids
Honey has been a natural sweetener for over one thousand years
Panera usually serves this spread on holiday bagels like cranberry or pumpkin
Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Serving Suggestions
Use sparingly because it is extremely high in calories
Pair with whole grain foods to offset the calorie content
Spread thinly on fruit for a healthy snack
Refrigerate leftovers and use within seven days
Mix with plain yogurt to create a sweet party dip
These tiny little tricks help you indulge in the spread without disturbing your diet.
Frequently Asked Questions on Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Panera
Is Panera continuing to offer honey walnut cream cheese
Yes it is still listed on the menu at most locations but it may run out because people tend to buy a lot of it.
Is honey walnut cream cheese vegetarian
Yes it is built from dairy honey and nuts so it is a nice option for vegetarians but not vegans.
Can I buy a container of honey walnut cream cheese at Panera
Yes you can buy it alone in small jars to take home.
Does it contain gluten
No the spread itself is gluten free but it’s what you spread it on such as bagels.
Can I freeze honey walnut cream cheese
It is not best because freezing changes the texture but it can be refrigerated for a few days.
Honey walnut cream cheese at Panera is a spread plus. It’s a creamy sweet and nutty flavor that adds something special to snack time or breakfast. With its combination of flavors and unique texture it is a customer favorite.
Though it is not a healthy option due to sugar and fat, it can be eaten in small amounts as part of a balanced diet. It pairs well with bagels, fruit toast, and even desserts.
So the next time you are at Panera order a honey walnut cream cheese bagel. And if where you live they don’t have it make your own at home. Either way it is a spread that brings pleasure to each bite.
