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Creamy Matcha Cream Cheese Spread: Easy 5-Minute Bagel Recipe

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This creamy matcha cream cheese spread for bagels is a quick and easy 5-minute recipe that turns an ordinary breakfast into something special. With earthy matcha, tangy cream cheese, and a touch of honey, it’s the perfect morning upgrade.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 to 1½ teaspoons culinary-grade matcha powder
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream (optional, for thinner consistency)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge 20-30 minutes before starting. If in a rush, cut into small cubes and let sit for 10 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in 10-second bursts at 50% power until soft but not warm.
  2. Sift the matcha powder: Use a fine-mesh strainer to sift matcha directly into a medium mixing bowl to remove clumps.
  3. Add honey and vanilla: Drizzle in 1 tablespoon honey and vanilla extract. Add a pinch of salt.
  4. Mix everything together: Use a fork or small whisk to mash and stir cream cheese with matcha mixture until uniform pastel green and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Taste and adjust: Add more matcha (up to ½ teaspoon) if desired, or more honey if too bitter.
  6. Optional: Thin it out: If spread is too thick, add 1 tablespoon milk or cream and mix until smooth.
  7. Toast your bagel: Toast bagel to preferred doneness (golden brown with slight crunch).
  8. Spread and enjoy: Spread a generous layer of matcha cream cheese on warm bagel and eat immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip sifting the matcha to avoid clumps. Room temperature cream cheese is essential for smooth mixing. Start with less matcha and adjust to taste. The spread tastes even better the next day after flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before spreading.

Nutrition

Keywords: matcha cream cheese, matcha bagel spread, easy breakfast, 5-minute recipe, creamy spread, matcha recipe