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Vibrant Rainbow Cream Cheese Bagel Swirls

rainbow cream cheese bagel swirls - featured image
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These vibrant rainbow cream cheese bagel swirls are soft, chewy, and packed with a tangy cream cheese filling, perfect for breakfast or brunch. The colorful dough and creamy center make them a fun and impressive homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups bread flour (480g)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (355ml, about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
  • Natural food coloring gels: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (225g), softened
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar (30g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (optional)
  • Water for boiling
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine bread flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead for 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too sticky.
  4. Divide and color: Divide dough into 6 portions. Add a small amount of natural food coloring gel to each and knead until vibrant.
  5. First rise: Shape each colored dough ball into a smooth ball. Cover and let rise for about 45 minutes until doubled.
  6. Prepare cream cheese filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until smooth. Refrigerate.
  7. Shape the bagels: Roll each colored dough ball into a 12-inch long strip. Spread cream cheese filling evenly on each strip. Stack strips in rainbow order and press gently.
  8. Create swirls: Roll stacked strips into a tight log. Slice into 1-inch rounds and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  9. Second rise: Cover bagel swirls and let rest for 20 minutes to puff slightly.
  10. Boil the bagels: Boil water with baking soda. Boil bagel swirls for 30 seconds on each side. Remove with slotted spoon and return to baking sheet.
  11. Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake bagels for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and firm.
  12. Cool and enjoy: Transfer to cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use gel or paste food coloring to avoid sticky dough. Proof yeast properly for best rise. Boiling bagels before baking is essential for chewy crust. Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated after first rise. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread flour blend; for dairy-free, use coconut cream cheese and plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: rainbow bagels, cream cheese bagels, colorful bagels, homemade bagels, breakfast recipe, brunch recipe, easy bagels

Find it online: https://avabake.com/vibrant-rainbow-cream-cheese-bagel-swirls-easy-homemade-recipe-to-impress/