Tropical Pineapple Pecan Cream Spread
Indulge in the flavors of the tropics with this delightful Tropical Pineapple Pecan Cream Spread. This creamy concoction blends smooth light cream cheese with sweet, juicy crushed pineapple and crunchy pecans, lightly sweetened with brown sugar for a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for breakfast or brunch, this spread enhances everything from toast to bagels and fresh fruit. It's a simple yet enticing way to elevate your morning routine and impress guests with a taste of the islands.
1
Servings
350
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
light cream cheese
1/2 cup (softened (Neufchatel cheese))
crushed pineapple
1/4 cup (drained)
finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup (chopped)
light brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened light cream cheese and crushed pineapple, ensuring the pineapple is well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
2
Add the finely chopped pecans to the mixture, along with the light brown sugar.
3
Using a rubber spatula or whisk, mix all the ingredients until well combined and creamy. Adjust sweetness to taste if desired.
4
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or an airtight container for later use.
5
Serve immediately on toasted bread, English muffins, waffles, or bagels. For a refreshing option, try pairing it with fresh fruit slices.
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
30g
Carbs
6g
Protein
2g
Fiber
16g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Pineapple Pecan Cream Spread?
It is a creamy breakfast or brunch spread made from light cream cheese, crushed pineapple, pecans, and brown sugar, designed to bring a tropical flavor to various baked goods.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires four main ingredients: light cream cheese, crushed pineapple, finely chopped pecans, and light brown sugar.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of light cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute regular full-fat cream cheese for the light version (Neufchatel) for a richer texture.
Why is it important to drain the crushed pineapple?
Draining the pineapple is essential to prevent excess moisture from making the spread too runny or watery.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple as long as it is finely crushed or chopped and very well-drained.
What are the best serving suggestions for this spread?
It is excellent on toasted bread, English muffins, waffles, bagels, or served as a dip with fresh fruit slices.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does this spread last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, it should remain fresh for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze the Tropical Pineapple Pecan Cream Spread?
Freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture of the cream cheese, causing it to become crumbly or separated upon thawing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed (cream cheese, fruit, nuts, and sugar) are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brand labels.
Can I substitute the pecans with a different nut?
Yes, walnuts or macadamia nuts would work very well as substitutes for pecans in this tropical recipe.
How do I soften the cream cheese quickly?
You can leave it at room temperature for 30-60 minutes or microwave it on a low power setting for 10-15 seconds.
Is there a substitute for light brown sugar?
You can use honey, maple syrup, or a granulated sugar substitute, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
How many calories are in a serving of this spread?
There are approximately 350 calories in the full recipe serving as described.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This spread contains approximately 24 grams of fat.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
No, as it contains dairy-based cream cheese. However, you can use a vegan cream cheese alternative to make it plant-based.
Can I add coconut to this spread?
Yes, adding shredded coconut is a great way to enhance the tropical flavor of the spread.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 16 grams of sugar, mostly from the pineapple and brown sugar.
What equipment do I need to make this?
You only need a medium-sized mixing bowl and a rubber spatula or whisk.
Is this spread considered a healthy breakfast option?
It provides 6g of protein and 2g of fiber, though it is a sweet treat. Using light cream cheese helps keep it lighter than traditional spreads.
Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
Yes, making it a few hours ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Can I use this as a filling for crepes?
Absolutely! This spread makes a delicious and creamy filling for sweet crepes.
Is this spread kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet pineapple and crunchy pecans make it a very popular choice for children.
How much protein is in one serving?
One serving of this spread contains 6 grams of protein.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to accommodate more guests for a brunch or event.
What is Neufchatel cheese?
Neufchatel is a lower-fat alternative to traditional cream cheese that is often sold as 'light cream cheese' in grocery stores.
Does this spread contain sodium?
While not specified in the data, cream cheese typically contains a small amount of sodium; check your specific packaging for details.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Yes, but it will have a stronger molasses flavor and a slightly darker color.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
You can taste the mixture after combining and add more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter spread.
Is this a savory or sweet spread?
This is a sweet spread due to the inclusion of pineapple and brown sugar.