Cream cheese is more than just a spread - it's a kitchen essential that adds indulgence to both sweet and savoury creations. From creamy desserts to savoury brunch ideas, it's the one ingredient that never fails to impress. And with LANCEWOOD®, you get premium quality at an accessible cream cheese price, making it easy to bring restaurant-style flavours into your home.
Before diving into the recipes, many people wonder about cottage cheese vs cream cheese. While both are dairy heroes, there's an important difference between cottage cheese and cream cheese: cottage cheese is a little more lactic in flavour, higher in protein and lighter, while cream cheese is creamier, richer and denser, making it ideal for baking, cooking and spreading. Both have their place, but for the ultimate rich indulgence, cream cheese wins hands down.
With that in mind, here are 10 of the most loved cream cheese recipes — each one tested, loved and shared.
When you’re craving something sweet but don’t have time to bake, these 3-ingredient cheesecake balls are the perfect fix. Just roll, chill and enjoy.
Why you’ll love them:
Looking for an easy cheesecake recipe? Start here - it’s indulgence in bite-size
No dessert screams "local favourite" quite like the South African peppermint crisp tart. This showstopper layers peppermint crisp tart ingredients - crunchy Tennis biscuits, caramel, whipped cream and LANCEWOOD® Cream Cheese - into a chilled dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is decadent.
Why it works:
Get the recipe and bring a taste of tradition to your next celebration.
Smooth, tangy, and utterly irresistible - cream cheese icing for cake is the perfect topping for carrot cake, red velvet or cupcakes. Unlike butter icing, this balances sweetness with a subtle tang that keeps you coming back for more.
Why bakers swear by it:
Save this recipe for every bake-off moment.
Inspired by the classic pickled fish recipe South Africa loves at Easter, this pâté is a fresh twist that lingers long after the holiday. Creamy LANCEWOOD® Cream Cheese mellows the tang of pickled fish, turning it into a rich, spreadable appetiser.
Why it’s special:
Add it to your festive table and watch it disappear fast.
Creamy, savoury, and utterly satisfying — these Mini Veggie Lasagne Cups made with Lancewood® Cream Cheese are the perfect bite-sized twist on a classic. Layered with roasted vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and smooth, tangy cream cheese, they deliver comfort and flavour in every mouthful.
Why home cooks love them:
Save this recipe — it’s your go-to for every crowd-pleasing moment.
Brunch just got easier. This one-pan bacon and egg pie is filled with breakfast classics, lifted by Spring Onion & Chives Cream Cheese for extra flavour.
Why it belongs in your weekend menu:
A party platter must-have. These fiery jalapeño poppers are stuffed with LANCEWOOD® Cream Cheese, then crisped in the air fryer. Pair with a drizzle of cream cheese and sweet chili sauce (or dip into cream cheese with sweet chili sauce) to balance the heat.
Why you’ll love them:
Trending: Among the hottest air fryer recipes online.
Versatile: Adjust heat levels to taste.
Snackable: Perfect for game nights and parties.
One bite and you’ll understand the hype.
Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Made with puff pastry, your choice of LANCEWOOD® Cream Cheese flavours, and fun fillings, these pinwheels are crisped to perfection in the air fryer.
Highlights:
Great brunch idea: Double up as lunchbox fillers.
Creative combos: Sweet or savoury twists depending on your filling.
Convenient: Prep ahead and cook fresh in minutes.
Add them to your rotation of go-to air fryer recipes.
Golden, flaky and bursting with creamy filling — these phyllo pies are a half-time snack hero. Simply stuff phyllo pastry with LANCEWOOD® Cream Cheese, brush with butter, and let the air fryer work its magic.
Why they shine:
Game day winner: The ultimate sports-day snack.
Easy hosting: Make a big batch for guests.
Crispy + creamy: The best of both worlds.
Proof that air fryer recipes can be decadent too.
For those days when the oven is off-limits, the no-bake cheesecake is here to save dessert time. Choose your favourite toppings — Biscoff, granadilla, strawberries, or speckled eggs — for endless customisation.
Why it’s a keeper:
Quick & easy: The ultimate easy cheesecake recipe.
Customisable: Pick your flavour twist.
Classic: A fridge staple for any cream cheese cake lover.
Try all four versions and find your family favourite.
Both are nutritious & delicious, but each plays a unique role in your kitchen.
So, while Cottage Cheese is the go-to for light, high-protein meals, Cream Cheese is your best bet for indulgent desserts, spreads & air fryer recipes.
From lunchbox snacks to iconic desserts like the South African peppermint crisp tart, cream cheese is the versatile hero ingredient every kitchen needs.
Whether you’re whipping up cream cheese icing for cake, trying new brunch ideas, experimenting with air fryer recipes, or looking for an easy cheesecake recipe, LANCEWOOD® Cream Cheese delivers every time.
With a competitive cream cheese price and a reputation for premium quality, LANCEWOOD® makes it simple to enjoy indulgence at home. Stock up today and explore these 10 recipes — because every meal deserves that little something extra.
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