Delicious Keto Cream Cheese Creations For Foodies

Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is also a keto-friendly food due to its low net carb content. Cream cheese is a good source of dietary fat and protein, and it can be used in everything from low-carb desserts to keto fat bombs and savoury snacks. There are many keto-friendly recipes that use cream cheese, such as cheesecakes, dips, casseroles, keto bread, and more.

Keto cream cheese frosting

Ingredients

The basic ingredients for keto cream cheese frosting are cream cheese, butter, a sweetener, and vanilla extract. For an 8-ounce block of cream cheese, you will need half a cup (1 stick) of butter. This forms the creamy base of the frosting.

For sweetener options, you can use powdered erythritol (such as Swerve), stevia, powdered allulose, or powdered monk fruit. The amount of sweetener can be adjusted to taste, but a good starting point is 2/3 cup of erythritol or 1 1/2 teaspoons of stevia glycerite.

Method

To make the frosting, start by softening the cream cheese and butter. You can do this by letting them come to room temperature or by microwaving them in short intervals until soft.

Next, combine the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl. Use a mixer to cream them together until they are fully combined.

Once the cream cheese and butter are well-mixed, add the sweetener and vanilla extract. Start by beating slowly to incorporate the sweetener, so it doesn't get blown into the air. Once it is mixed in, increase the speed and beat until the frosting is fluffy, usually for about 2 minutes.

Storage

Your keto cream cheese frosting is now ready to use! You can use it immediately or store it for later. It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, bring it to room temperature before spreading or piping it onto your chosen treat.

Variations

While the basic recipe is delicious as-is, there are endless variations you can try to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

For a dairy-free option, you can replace the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, and use a plant-based butter alternative. Keep in mind that the texture of vegan cream cheese may be softer, so you might want to reduce or omit any additional liquids like heavy cream.

If you prefer a stronger buttercream flavor, you can adjust the ratio of cream cheese to butter. The standard ratio is 4:1, but you can add more butter and less cream cheese if you like.

You can also experiment with different flavor extracts. Vanilla is a classic choice, but coconut extract, orange extract, or almond extract can add an interesting twist to your frosting. For these options, it's best to use just 1/2 teaspoon, as they have stronger flavors.

Tips

• When adding the sweetener, start with a small amount and taste as you go. It's easier to add more than to fix a frosting that's too sweet.
• If you're using a granulated sweetener, be sure to powder it first in a food processor or coffee grinder. Otherwise, your frosting may have a grainy texture.
• If your frosting turns out too soft, simply chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, then whip it again to fluff it back up.
• If you want to thin out your frosting, add a little heavy cream or milk of your choice (almond or coconut milk work well). Adjust the amount to achieve your desired consistency.

Keto cream cheese pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cream cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp sweetener (e.g. stevia glycerite)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. butter, sugar-free syrup, keto whipped cream, strawberry or blueberry compote)

Method:

• Soften the cream cheese in the microwave for 10-20 seconds. Ensure it is soft but not liquid.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the cream cheese, vanilla, and sweetener. Whisk until the mixture is very smooth and well combined. This may take a few minutes.
• Heat butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
• Pour 1/4 of the batter into the pan. Cook until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes.
• Flip the pancake and cook for another minute.
• Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
• Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
• Serve immediately with your desired toppings.

Tips:

• The batter will be thin, so cook one pancake at a time in a small pan, or use an egg cooker pan to make perfectly round pancakes.
• For a nuttier flavour and a denser texture, add 1/4 cup of almond flour to the batter.
• For a stronger flavour, add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter.
• If you prefer a sweeter pancake, use a different sweetener such as Besti Powdered or erythritol monk fruit sweetener.
• For a dairy-free version, replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative or coconut yogurt.
• For a savoury version, omit the sweetener and add chives, spinach, or grated cheese.

Storage:

These pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Separate the pancakes with wax paper squares to prevent them from sticking together.

Keto cream cheese cookies

These wonderfully sweet and crispy keto cream cheese cookies are simple to make and are perfect for a holiday treat. You can press them into shapes, decorate them, or enjoy them plain!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/3 cup Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (or up to 1/2 cup if you like them very sweet)
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp sour cream (optional, but recommended)
• 3 cups almond flour

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and sweetener until fluffy and light in color.
• Beat in the vanilla extract, salt, and egg. Beat in sour cream, if using.
• Beat in the almond flour, 1/2 cup at a time. The dough will be soft. If it sticks to your hands, refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop balls of the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet. Flatten each ball with your palm.
• Bake for about 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely in the pan before handling.

Tips:

• If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 45 minutes before baking.
• Avoid overbaking the cookies. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Avoid using low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese, as your cookie dough will be super soft and lose stability once baked.
• To make them vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg and use dairy-free cream cheese.
• For cream cheese chocolate chip cookies, fold in some chocolate chips.
• For fun toppings, add sprinkles, cinnamon sugar, or make a cream cheese frosting by combining softened cream cheese with vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and milk.

Keto cream cheese ice cream

Ingredients

• 8 fluid ounces of light whipping cream or pouring cream
• 4 ounces of cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 10 fluid ounces of heavy cream
• 4 ounces Natvia (aka Swerve)
• 2-4 tablespoons powdered xylitol or sweetener of choice, to taste

Method

• Warm the light whipping cream in a saucepan over low heat until it just starts to steam.
• Place the egg yolks, cream cheese, Natvia/Swerve, and vanilla into a bowl. Mix with a hand mixer on medium speed until all ingredients are combined.
• Pour 1/4 of the warm cream into the egg mixture to temper the eggs and mix well.
• Pour the rest of the cream into the egg mixture. Mix well and return to the saucepan.
• Heat over a low temperature, stirring continuously to avoid scrambling the eggs. The mixture will slowly turn into a thick, velvety custard.
• Remove the custard from the heat and pour it into a heatproof bowl. Continue to stir for 5 minutes before placing it in the fridge. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
• Lightly whip the heavy cream until it reaches very soft peaks.
• Remove the custard from the fridge and stir in the lemon juice.
• Add half of the whipped cream to the custard and fold it in, then add the remaining cream and fold it in as well.
• Transfer the ice cream to an ice cream churner and churn for 25 minutes.
• Once churned to a firm soft-serve ice cream consistency, remove it from the ice cream machine and place it in a suitable container. Put it in the freezer to harden for 1 hour.

Tips

• For a strawberry twist, blend 225g of strawberries with the cream cheese in a food processor or blender and sieve it. You can also add a handful of diced strawberries if you like fruity bits in your ice cream!
• If you don't have an ice cream churner, you can use an ice cream machine or skip the churning process altogether if you use xylitol or allulose as your sweetener.
• If you're using erythritol as your sweetener, add a couple of tablespoons of booze to your ice cream to prevent it from freezing rock-solid.

Keto cream cheese dips

Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is an excellent choice for those on a keto diet, as it is low in net carbs and provides beneficial fats, proteins, and vitamins. Here are some delicious keto-friendly cream cheese dips to try:

Million Dollar Cream Cheese Dip

This dip is packed with flavour and texture. It is filled with thick-cut bacon, smoked gouda, cheddar cheese, green onions, slivered almonds, and savoury seasonings. It is easy to make and perfect for any gathering.

2-Minute Everything Seasoning Cream Cheese Dip

This dip is a quick and healthy option that can be made in just 2 minutes! It uses cream cheese, sour cream, and Everything Bagel Seasoning, a garlicky and onion-y spice mix. It is perfect for dipping veggies, crackers, or chips.

Easy Cream Cheese Dip

This dip is simple to make and only requires a few basic ingredients. It is rich, creamy, and full of flavour. It pairs well with pork rinds, cucumber slices, bell peppers, and other veggies. It is a great option for a low-carb diet.

Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers

A savoury and spicy option, these cream cheese jalapeno poppers are sure to be a hit. The cream cheese helps to balance out the heat from the jalapenos.

5-Ingredient Crab Dip

A creamy and indulgent dip, this crab dip is made with cream cheese and only four other ingredients. It is perfect for those who want a luxurious and keto-friendly option.

These dips are just a few examples of the many ways to use cream cheese in keto-friendly recipes. Whether you are looking for a quick snack or a dish to bring to a gathering, these dips are sure to impress!

Frequently asked questions