Cheese Filling: The Ultimate Guide To Your Preferences

What kind of cheese filling you want with that? is a quote from the 1999 TV show Futurama, from the episode Fry Am the Egg Man (S06E22). In the show, the character Fry works in an egg factory in the future and is asked what kind of cheese filling the customer would like. The quote has been used in other TV shows such as Broad City, Top Chef, and Horrible Bosses, and it is often used to offer a choice of cheese as a filling or topping for food items. The quote has inspired people to experiment with different types of cheese fillings in their recipes, including cream cheese fillings for pastries, cupcakes, and cakes.

Cream cheese filling for sweet treats

Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet treats. Here are some ideas and recipes for cream cheese fillings that you can use to elevate your desserts.

Cream Cheese Filling Ideas

Cream cheese filling can be used in a multitude of sweet treats, including cakes, cupcakes, muffins, pastries, trifles, and even crepes or scones. It can be used as a filling or spread, adding a rich and creamy texture to your desserts.

Basic Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

This basic recipe is a great starting point for a simple and delicious cream cheese filling.

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese (8 oz or 2 packages)
• Sugar (to taste)
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Beat the cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
• Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Cover and chill the mixture in the refrigerator before using it as a filling for pastries or other baked goods.

Sweet Cream Cheese Dip

For a no-bake option, try this sweet cream cheese dip. It's a simple and elegant dessert that can be served with fresh fruit, cookies, or cakes.

Ingredients:

• Full-fat cream cheese (8 oz or 225 grams)
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup or 60 grams)
• Milk (1 tablespoon, optional)
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps.
• Place all the ingredients in a large bowl.
• Beat with an electric hand mixer or food processor until fluffy and ultra-smooth.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature with your desired accompaniments.

Tips and Variations

• When baking with cream cheese filling, you can pipe or spread it into the centre of pastries or danishes before baking.
• For a layered cake, pipe a rim of frosting around the perimeter of each layer, fill the middle section with the cream cheese filling, and stack the layers.
• For cupcakes, use a piping bag to fill the centre of the cupcake with the cream cheese filling. Cover the hole with frosting.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try using cream cheese filling in donuts or kolachky cookies.

Fillings for sweet breads

Sweet breads are a delightful treat, and there are endless possibilities when it comes to fillings. Here are some mouth-watering options to consider:

Honey Cream Filling

Create a buttery, mildly sweet filling by cooking honey, butter, and evaporated milk together with flour. This filling is perfect for those who want just a hint of sweetness in their bread. The recipe can be made up to two days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Apple Pie Filling

Apple pie filling is a delicious option for sweet breads, especially when paired with cinnamon rolls. The tartness of the apples balances the sweetness of the bread, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.

Chocolate

For chocolate lovers, there's nothing better than a chocolate-filled sweet bread. Gooey chocolate chips or chunks can be added to the dough, or you can fill the bread with a chocolate spread. For an extra indulgent treat, try a chocolate brioche, which combines the rich, buttery flavour of brioche with the decadence of chocolate.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese adds a tangy, creamy dimension to sweet breads. It pairs well with banana bread, creating a comforting and irresistible treat. For a fancier option, try a bread filled with honey cream cheese.

Nutella

Nutella is a hazelnut spread that makes an excellent filling for sweet breads. It can be used on its own or paired with other ingredients like tahini, as seen in the Babka buns.

Fruits

Fruits such as strawberries, cranberries, apples, and lemons can be used to create delicious sweet bread fillings. For a festive option, try a cranberry orange bread, or indulge in the sweetness of a lemon blueberry bread.

Fillings for cupcakes

When it comes to cupcake fillings, there's a vast array of options to explore, and you can get incredibly creative with sweet and savory combinations. While the traditional cream-filled cupcake is always a delight, why not try something a little different? Here are some unique and mouthwatering filling ideas to elevate your cupcake game, inspired by the query, "What kind of cheese filling do you want with that?":

Cream Cheese and Fruit:

This filling combines the tanginess of cream cheese with the sweetness of fresh fruit. Try mixing cream cheese with a touch of honey and a pinch of cinnamon, and then fold in diced strawberries, blueberries, or peaches. This filling is perfect for a summer picnic or a light dessert option.

Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onions:

For a savory twist, pair creamy goat cheese with sweet caramelized onions. Slow-cook the onions until they're soft and golden, then mix them with softened goat cheese and a touch of thyme. This filling is unexpected and utterly delicious, perfect for a sophisticated appetizer or a unique brunch offering.

Blue Cheese and Honey:

The strong flavor of blue cheese is balanced by the sweetness of honey in this filling. Crumble some good-quality blue cheese and mix it with a drizzle of honey and a touch of black pepper. This combination is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors, and it makes for an elegant appetizer or a unique dessert option.

Cheddar Cheese and Apple:

This filling combines sharp cheddar cheese with the crispness of diced apples. Shred or grate the cheddar and mix it with a touch of mayonnaise and a hint of Dijon mustard. Fold in finely chopped apples and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for a crunchy surprise. This filling is a delightful blend of sweet and savory, ideal for an autumn-themed party or a hearty snack.

Mascarpone and Chocolate:

For a decadent treat, pair the creamy richness of mascarpone cheese with chocolate. Mix mascarpone with cocoa powder, a touch of vanilla extract, and a drizzle of melted chocolate. For an extra indulgent touch, fold in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts. This filling is perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings and adds a touch of luxury to any cupcake.

Remember, these are just a few ideas to spark your creativity. You can experiment with different types of cheese, fruits, nuts, and flavor combinations to create your own unique cupcake fillings. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a baking project, these fillings are sure to impress and delight your taste buds!

Fillings for cakes

There are endless possibilities when it comes to cake fillings, and they can really bring a cake to life. Here are some ideas for delicious fillings for cakes:

Buttercream

Buttercream is a very common and versatile filling that can be used on its own or as a base for other fillings. There are several types of buttercream, but the most popular are generally American buttercream and Swiss meringue buttercream. Other types include French buttercream, Italian meringue buttercream, and German buttercream. Buttercream can be flavoured in various ways, such as vanilla, almond, cinnamon, caramel, mocha, coffee, cream cheese, chocolate, cookies and cream, and more.

Whipped Cream

Whipped cream is a light and airy filling that can be used on its own or in combination with other fillings. It can be made with cream and sugar, or it can be made into a whipped buttercream, which is a little sweeter and more stable. Whipped cream can also be flavoured with citrus zest or desiccated coconut.

Ganache

Ganache is a mixture of chocolate and cream that can be used as a filling or frosting. It can be made firmer or more fluffy by adjusting the amount of cream used. Different types of chocolate can be used, such as dark, semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate. Ganache can also be flavoured with mint, peanut butter, or raspberry.

Fruit

Fruit fillings can be cooked down into a jam or jelly, pureed and added to buttercream, or cut up and mixed with whipped cream. Popular fruit fillings include raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, cherry, lemon, lime, orange, and mango. Fruit fillings can also be combined with other fillings, such as buttercream or whipped cream.

Mousse

Chocolate mousse, in particular, is a popular cake filling. It is important to note that mousse is light and fluffy, so it should not be paired with a heavy cake. Other types of mousse that can be used as fillings include dark chocolate mousse and white chocolate mousse.

Curd

Curd is a tangy and sweet filling that can be used on its own or added to buttercream. Popular curd flavours include lemon, lime, orange, and mango. Curd can also be used as a filling for lemon poppy seed cupcakes or as a spread for scones.

Pudding and Custard

Pudding and custard fillings are a good option if you want something light and creamy but don't want a whipped cream filling. Popular pudding and custard fillings include vanilla pudding, chocolate pudding, pastry cream, and custard cream.

Caramel

Caramel is a versatile filling that can be used on its own or added to buttercream. It can be paired with chocolate and nuts for a turtle filling, or it can be drizzled on top of a cake. Other variations include butterscotch caramel, whiskey caramel, dark rum caramel, and salted caramel.

Nuts

Nut fillings are particularly good in chocolate and banana cakes. Popular nut fillings include pecan filling for German chocolate cake, macadamia nut cream filling, and nut and fruit filling.

Other Fillings

There are also some fillings that don't fall into any specific category. Some examples include Oreo cheesecake filling, marshmallow cream, Nutella, peanut butter, maple fudge, and coconut pecan.

Fillings for pastries

There are many different types of cheese fillings that can be used for pastries. Here are some ideas:

Cream Cheese Filling

A versatile cream cheese filling can be used for pastries such as puff pastries, danishes, hand pies, and even cupcakes. This filling typically includes cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. For a tangy flavour, add some lemon juice, and to make it taste like lemon, add lemon zest. This filling can be paired with various toppings, such as berries, peaches, or a sugar glaze.

Cheese Filling with Jam

Another option is to make a cheese filling with cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg, and then pair it with flavoured jam or preserves. This combination works well with puff pastry and can be customised with different flavours of jam. For a patriotic celebration, go for a red, white, and blue combo!

Other Cheese Fillings

There are also other types of cheese fillings that can be used for pastries, such as a cheese plate, cheater no-cook pastry cream, or a tofu dream pudding. These fillings can add a savoury or sweet element to your pastries, depending on your preference.

So, the next time you're wondering what kind of cheese filling you want in that pastry, consider these delicious options! Get creative and experiment with different flavours and toppings to find your favourite combination.

Frequently asked questions