How to Use Kite Hill Cream Cheese for Quick Vegan Recipes

Are you looking for delicious vegan alternatives that don’t compromise on taste? Kite Hill cream cheese offers the perfect plant-based solution for creating quick, satisfying recipes that even dairy lovers appreciate. With 47% of consumers now regularly purchasing plant-based alternatives, these versatile recipes will transform your meal planning.

Ingredients List

For our featured Kite Hill Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 container (8 oz) Kite Hill plain cream cheese (original or chive flavor works best)
• 12 Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest for brightness

Possible substitutions include almond butter for those with cashew allergies (Kite Hill’s base), agave nectar instead of maple syrup, or pistachios rather than walnuts for a different flavor profile.

Timing

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Chilling time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
• Total time: 45 minutes (33% faster than traditional cream cheese-based desserts)

This recipe can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Carefully slice each date lengthwise on one side without cutting all the way through. Remove the pits if needed and gently open each date to create a pocket for the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

Mix the Kite Hill cream cheese with maple syrup, cinnamon, and a small pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. The mixture should be smooth enough to spread, yet firm enough to maintain its shape. If you’re using the lemon zest, fold it in now for a refreshing twist.

Step 3: Fill the Dates

Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date with approximately 1-2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture. The amount will vary depending on the size of your dates, but aim to fill each one generously without overflowing.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Top the stuffed dates with chopped nuts, pressing them lightly into the cream cheese so they stick. The crunch adds a nice contrast to the soft dates and creamy center.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Arrange the stuffed dates on a serving platter and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up slightly.This helps make them easier to pick up and serve.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (3 stuffed dates):

• Calories: 245
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 38g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Replace maple syrup with mashed ripe banana for a lower sugar option that still provides natural sweetness.
• Use crushed flaxseeds instead of nuts for added omega-3 fatty acids and a different nutrient profile.
• Incorporate a tablespoon of chia seeds into the cream cheese mixture for additional fiber and protein without altering the taste significantly.

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange on a wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant appetizer or dessert platter.
• Cut each stuffed date in half and place over a bed of arugula with orange slices and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet-savory appetizer.
• Warm slightly in the oven (2-3 minutes at 350°F) and serve with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Kite Hill cream cheese, which can make it too soft. Stir just until ingredients are incorporated to maintain the ideal texture.
• Using dates that are too dry. If your dates seem firm, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before preparing to ensure they’re soft and pliable.
• Adding too much filling, which can cause it to spill out when eating. Start with less and add more if needed after your first few dates.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Store any leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the ingredients meld together.
• Prepare the cream cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance and store separately from the dates for quick assembly when needed.
• Freeze unfilled mixture in an ice cube tray for perfect portions that can be thawed and used in various recipes beyond this one.

Conclusion

These Kite Hill cream cheese stuffed dates offer an impressive balance of creamy texture and sweet-savory flavors that’s hard to beat. They showcase how plant-based ingredients can create truly satisfying treats without dairy.

Try this recipe today and share your creations on social media with #KiteHillRecipe – we’d love to see your personal spin on this versatile vegan delight!

FAQs

1: Is Kite Hill cream cheese completely vegan?
Yes, Kite Hill cream cheese is 100% plant-based, made primarily from almond milk and contains no animal products.

2: How does dairy free cream cheese compare to regular cream cheese in baking?
Dairy free cream cheese works similarly in most baking applications, though it may create a slightly lighter texture and might require minor adjustments to moisture levels.

3: Can I freeze recipes made with non dairy cream cheese?
Yes, most dishes made with non dairy cream cheese freeze well, though the texture might change slightly upon thawing.

4: What flavors of dairy free cream cheese does Kite Hill offer?
Kite Hill offers several dairy free cream cheese varieties including plain, chive, garden vegetable, and everything.

5: How long does non dairy cream cheese last after opening?
Once opened, non dairy cream cheese typically lasts 7-10 days in the refrigerator when properly sealed.