Carrot Cake-Inspired Bagels with Coconut Cream Cheese: A Wholesome Twist on Breakfast Classics

Discover the delightful fusion of savory bagels with the sweet, spiced flavors of carrot cake in this innovative recipe for Carrot Cake-Inspired Bagels. Each bagel is lovingly crafted with a blend of warming spices, fresh carrots, raisins, and walnuts, offering a nutritious start to your day with a nod to the beloved dessert. Paired with a homemade coconut cream cheese spread that marries the tanginess of cream cheese with the sweetness of maple syrup and the tropical flair of coconut flakes, these bagels present a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re looking for a special weekend breakfast or a unique addition to your brunch table, these bagels are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This:

This recipe transforms the traditional bagel with the addition of classic carrot cake ingredients, creating a breakfast option that’s both satisfying and slightly indulgent. The use of yogurt in the dough ensures each bagel is moist and tender, while the spices and fresh ginger add depth and warmth. The coconut cream cheese spread is the proverbial icing on the cake, adding a creamy, flavorful finish that complements the bagel’s spices. It’s a recipe that pays homage to the comforts of homemade carrot cake with the practicality and versatility of bagels.

Perfect Occasion:

These Carrot Cake-Inspired Bagels are perfect for leisurely weekend breakfasts, special occasions like Easter or Mother’s Day, or any day when you crave a sweet yet nourishing start. They’re also excellent for hosting a brunch, offering a creative twist on traditional bagel spreads that’s sure to delight your guests. Plus, they make for a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family who appreciate a culinary surprise.

Decoration Tips:

Presentation is key with these aromatic bagels. Serve them sliced open, with a generous spread of the coconut cream cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a dash of cinnamon on top for added flair. Arrange them on a platter with a side of extra cream cheese spread, fresh fruit, and a selection of teas or coffees to round out your brunch spread. The contrast of the golden-brown bagels with the creamy spread and vibrant orange carrot pieces makes for an inviting and appetizing display.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • A pinch of cardamom
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• For the Coconut Cream Cheese Spread:
  • 3 tablespoons plain cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Stir in the minced ginger and brown sugar.
  3. Add the yogurt, vanilla, grated carrot, raisins, and chopped walnuts to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula until just combined, then gently knead by hand until the dough forms a ball.
  4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface, divide into four equal parts, and roll each into a strand. Form each strand into a bagel shape by connecting the ends.
  5. Place the formed bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with the beaten egg.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown on top.
  7. While the bagels cool, mix the cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and coconut flakes to make the spread.
  8. Once cooled, slice the bagels in half and spread a generous amount of the coconut cream cheese mixture on each.

Enjoy the warm, spiced comfort of these Carrot Cake-Inspired Bagels, a delightful twist on a breakfast classic that combines the hearty texture of bagels with the sweet, comforting flavors of carrot cake and the exotic touch of coconut cream cheese.