Who says bagels have to stick to cream cheese and lox? These sweet twists turn the humble bagel into a dessert-worthy delight, loaded with everything from cinnamon-sugar crunch to chocolate-drizzled decadence.
If you’ve only had bagels the savory way, these 15 recipes will change how you see them forever. They’re indulgent, unexpected, and just the thing to satisfy a carb-loving sweet tooth.
1. Cinnamon Apple Pie Bagel
Holy mouthwatering magic! Sliced bagels transform into mini apple pies with just a few simple ingredients from your pantry. Toast your cinnamon bagel until golden, then slather with butter.
Pile on thinly sliced apples tossed in cinnamon sugar, drizzle with caramel sauce, and pop under the broiler for 2 minutes. The apples soften slightly while the edges caramelize into gooey perfection.
2. Chocolate Hazelnut S’mores Bagel
Campfire vibes without leaving your kitchen! Split and toast a plain bagel until it’s crispy-edged but still chewy inside. Spread both halves generously with chocolate hazelnut spread – don’t be shy, really layer it on thick.
Scatter mini marshmallows across the surface and broil for 60 seconds until they puff up and turn golden brown with charred spots. The marshmallows should bubble and blister just like they would over a campfire.
3. Birthday Cake Funfetti Bagel
Party on a plate! Grab a plain bagel and transform it into celebration central. Slice that circular beauty in half and pop it in the toaster until it’s just warm enough to melt butter.
Mix cream cheese with a splash of vanilla extract and a spoonful of powdered sugar until it’s silky smooth. Spread this concoction thick on both halves and shower generously with rainbow sprinkles – like, embarrassingly generous amounts.
4. Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Bagel
Cheesecake for breakfast? Absolutely! Hollow out the inside of a strawberry bagel using a knife (save those bagel innards for breadcrumbs). The circular indent creates the perfect vessel for your sweet filling.
Beat cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and a splash of lemon juice until fluffy. Fold in diced fresh strawberries and spoon this heavenly mixture into your bagel cave. The contrast between the chewy bagel exterior and the creamy filling is mind-blowing.
5. Blueberry Lemon French Toast Bagel
Morning magic happens when bagels meet French toast! Slice a blueberry bagel horizontally, then cut each half into three strips. The smaller pieces soak up more of that custardy goodness.
Dunk these bagel strips into a mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and lemon zest. The lemon zest is your secret weapon – it makes the blueberry flavor pop like fireworks! Fry in butter until golden and crispy on all sides.
6. Tiramisu Bagel Delight
Caffeine addicts, rejoice! This Italian-inspired creation will revolutionize your coffee break. Split an everything bagel (trust me on this – the savory seeds create an incredible contrast) and toast until golden.
Brew espresso or strong coffee and brush it liberally over both halves. The bagel soaks up the coffee like a sponge, creating that authentic tiramisu base. Mix mascarpone cheese with a touch of sugar and vanilla, then spread generously over both coffee-soaked halves.
7. Peach Cobbler Grilled Bagel
Summer sunshine on a plate! Butter both sides of a sliced cinnamon bagel and place butter-side down in a hot skillet. The butter creates a caramelized crust that’s absolutely divine.
While the first side browns, spread the exposed side with cream cheese mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon. Once flipped, top with sliced fresh peaches and a sprinkle of crunchy granola. The heat from the bagel slightly warms the peaches, releasing their sweet juices.
8. Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Bagel
Chocolate and peanut butter fanatics will lose their minds over this creation! Start with a chocolate bagel (if you can’t find one, a plain bagel works too). Slice it in half and scoop out some of the bready interior.
Mix peanut butter with powdered sugar until it reaches a thick, fudgy consistency. Pack this mixture into the hollowed bagel halves. The sweetened peanut butter transforms into a filling that tastes exactly like the center of a peanut butter cup!
9. Coconut Cream Pie Bagel
Tropical vacation vibes without the plane ticket! Toast a plain bagel until it’s golden brown and fragrant. While it’s still warm, spread a thick layer of coconut cream pudding across both halves.
Shower generously with toasted coconut flakes – the toasting step is crucial for that authentic coconut cream pie flavor profile. The warm bagel slightly melts the pudding, creating a luscious texture that’ll make you weak in the knees.
10. Cherry Almond Danish Bagel
Bakery-quality pastry without the bakery price tag! Slice an everything bagel (the savory seeds create a magical contrast with the sweet toppings) and toast until crisp around the edges but still chewy inside.
Mix almond extract into cream cheese and spread generously on both halves. The almond flavor transforms regular cream cheese into something extraordinary! Spoon cherry pie filling over the top – don’t be stingy, let those cherries cascade down the sides.
11. Maple Bacon Donut Bagel
Sweet-savory heaven exists, and it’s shaped like a bagel! Cook bacon until crispy, then chop it into bits. The bacon should shatter like glass – that’s when you know it’s perfect.
Toast a cinnamon raisin bagel and spread with a mixture of cream cheese, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. The salt amplifies the maple flavor to extraordinary heights. Press the bacon bits into the cream cheese mixture, allowing some to fall onto your plate (chef’s snack!).
12. Key Lime Pie Bagel Bombs
Florida sunshine in every bite! Cut a plain bagel into 1-inch cubes and toast them until they’re golden and slightly crispy. These little nuggets become the perfect vessels for tangy goodness.
For key touch roll them in crushed graham crackers and chill for 30 minutes. Serve these pop-in-your-mouth treats with extra lime zest on top. They’re dangerously addictive – don’t say I didn’t warn you about making a double batch!
13. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bagel
Fall fair flavors without the sticky fingers! Hollow out an apple cinnamon bagel to create a deeper well for all the glorious fillings. This bagel engineering trick maximizes the filling-to-bagel ratio.
Mix cream cheese with diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. The brown sugar dissolves slightly into the cream cheese, creating caramel-like swirls throughout. Spoon this mixture into your bagel cavern until it’s overflowing. For extra decadence, add a second drizzle of caramel on top!
14. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bagel
Romance on a plate – no special occasion required! Toast a chocolate bagel until it’s warm throughout but not crunchy. The slight warmth helps melt the chocolate toppings for maximum indulgence.
Spread cream cheese mixed with strawberry preserves across both halves. Finish with a sprinkle of grated white chocolate for that fancy café look. This bagel turns ordinary Tuesday breakfasts into special occasions and makes an impressive but easy Valentine’s Day breakfast in bed!
15. Cookies And Cream Bagel Sandwich
Childhood dreams come true! Slice a plain bagel and toast it just enough to warm it through without making it crispy. The soft texture creates the perfect sandwich foundation.
Mix cream cheese with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies until you achieve a cookies-and-cream ice cream look. Those black cookie flecks distributed throughout the white cream cheese create Instagram-worthy appeal. Spread this mixture thick – we’re talking half-inch minimum!