Cream cheese desserts are a crowd-pleasing favorite. They offer a perfect mix of creamy, tangy flavors that can satisfy any sweet tooth.
From classic cheesecakes to no-bake treats, there’s a cream cheese dessert for every taste and occasion.
You’ll find 26 delicious cream cheese dessert ideas in this collection. These recipes range from simple parfaits to rich pies and cakes.
Whether you’re looking for a quick treat or an impressive dessert for a special event, you’ll discover plenty of options to try.
Get ready to explore these tasty cream cheese creations that are sure to become new favorites.
1. New York Cheesecake
New York cheesecake is a classic dessert loved by many. It’s rich, creamy, and has a dense texture that sets it apart from other cheesecakes.
To make this treat, you’ll need cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. The crust is typically made with graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
Bake the crust first, then add the filling and bake again. The key is to cook it slowly at a low temperature. This helps prevent cracks and ensures a smooth texture.
Once baked, let it cool gradually. Some recipes suggest browning the top for extra flavor. Serve it plain or with fruit toppings for a delicious dessert.
2. Red Velvet Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Red velvet cream cheese swirl brownies are a tasty treat that combines two classic desserts. The deep red brownie base has a rich chocolate flavor with a hint of tanginess.
To make these, you’ll mix up a red velvet brownie batter and a cream cheese filling. Pour most of the brownie batter into a pan, then dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top.
Use a knife to swirl the two batters together, creating a marbled effect. Bake until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. The result is a decadent dessert with swirls of creamy cheesecake throughout fudgy red velvet brownies.
3. Cream Cheese Frosted Carrot Cake
Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a classic dessert that combines moist cake with tangy frosting. To make it, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mix well.
Fold in grated carrots and optional nuts or pineapple.
Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for about 35-40 minutes. Let it cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then spread over the cooled cake. Enjoy your homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting!
4. No-Bake Cream Cheese Pie
No-bake cream cheese pie is a quick and easy dessert you can make without turning on the oven. It’s perfect for hot summer days or when you’re short on time.
To make this pie, you’ll need cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the other ingredients.
Pour the filling into a pre-made graham cracker crust. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours to set.
You can make it up to 2 days in advance, making it great for planning ahead.
For extra flavor, try topping your pie with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or cherry pie filling. The creamy texture and tangy taste will make this dessert a hit at any gathering.
5. Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins
Blueberry cream cheese muffins are a tasty treat that combines tangy cream cheese with sweet blueberries. To make these muffins, you’ll mix cream cheese into the batter for extra richness.
The batter often includes sugar, eggs, flour, and baking powder. You’ll fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the mixture. Some recipes add lemon zest for a citrusy kick.
Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake until golden brown. The result is a moist, flavorful muffin with pockets of melted cream cheese and juicy blueberries.
These muffins are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. You can enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature.
6. Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Cream cheese stuffed French toast takes your breakfast to the next level. You start by making sandwiches with cream cheese spread between slices of brioche or regular bread.
Dip these sandwiches in a mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Cook them on a buttered griddle until golden brown on both sides.
Top your stuffed French toast with fresh strawberries, maple syrup, and whipped cream for extra indulgence. This dish works great for brunch or as a sweet dessert.
You can customize the flavors by adding lemon zest to the cream cheese or using different fruits as toppings. It’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to please your taste buds.
7. Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish
Raspberry cream cheese danish combines flaky pastry with creamy filling and tart fruit. You can make this treat at home with some simple ingredients.
Start by thawing puff pastry dough. Mix cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice for the filling. Roll out the pastry and cut strips on the sides.
Spread the cream cheese mixture in the center. Add raspberry filling on top. Fold the cut strips over to create a braid effect.
Brush with egg wash before baking until golden brown. Once cooled, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and water.
These danishes make a delicious breakfast or dessert. The combination of creamy cheese, sweet raspberries, and buttery pastry is hard to resist.
8. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll
Pumpkin cream cheese rolls are a tasty fall treat. You can make this dessert at home with a few simple steps.
Start by baking a thin pumpkin cake. When it’s done, carefully roll it up in a towel while still warm. This helps prevent cracks later.
Once cooled, unroll the cake and spread cream cheese filling inside. Then roll it back up without the towel.
Chill the roll for a few hours before slicing. The result is a spiral of pumpkin cake and creamy filling that looks impressive.
You can add nuts or spices to the cake batter for extra flavor. Dust the finished roll with powdered sugar for a nice touch.
9. Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake
This no-bake dessert combines creamy and fruity flavors for a refreshing treat. You’ll layer graham crackers with a mixture of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla pudding.
Fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness between the layers. The cake needs to chill in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld and the graham crackers to soften.
To make it extra special, top the cake with whipped cream and more strawberries before serving. It’s perfect for warm summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
10. Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups are a tasty treat that’s easy to make. You’ll need bread, cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
Start by flattening slices of bread with a rolling pin. Mix cream cheese with sugar and spread it on each slice. Roll up the bread tightly.
Dip each roll in melted butter, then coat it in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place the rolls on a baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until they turn golden brown. The result is a warm, gooey dessert with a crispy cinnamon coating.
These roll-ups are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack. You can make them ahead and reheat them when you’re ready to eat.
11. Jalapeño Cream Cheese Poppers
Jalapeño cream cheese poppers are a tasty twist on traditional desserts. You start by cutting jalapeños in half and removing the seeds.
Next, mix cream cheese with cheddar, garlic powder, and bacon bits. Spoon this filling into the jalapeño halves.
Coat the stuffed peppers in egg wash and roll them in breadcrumbs. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
These poppers offer a unique blend of creamy, spicy, and crunchy textures. They’re perfect for parties or game day snacks.
Remember to wear gloves when handling jalapeños to protect your hands from the spicy oils.
12. Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Lemon cream cheese bars are a delightful dessert that combines tangy lemon flavor with creamy cheesecake. To make these bars, you’ll need crescent roll dough, cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Spread this mixture over a layer of crescent roll dough in the pan.
Top with another layer of crescent dough and bake until golden brown. Once cooled, you can dust the bars with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
These bars are best stored in the fridge and eaten within a few days.
13. Savory Cream Cheese Garlic Bread
This Korean-inspired treat blends savory and sweet flavors in a unique way. You’ll love the crispy exterior and soft, creamy center.
To make it, start with a bread roll and fill it with a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and heavy cream. Brush the outside with a garlic butter sauce.
Bake the bread until golden and crispy on the outside. The inside will remain soft and gooey. Let it cool for a few minutes before eating.
This dish works great as an appetizer or snack. It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
14. Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing
Chocolate cream cheese icing is a rich and indulgent topping for cakes and cupcakes. To make it, you’ll need cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
Start by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
For a smoother texture, you can add a tablespoon of milk if needed. Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness or chocolate flavor to your liking.
This versatile icing pairs well with many desserts. Try it on chocolate cake, red velvet cupcakes, or even as a dip for fresh fruit.
15. Cream Cheese Cannoli
Cream cheese cannoli offer a delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert. To make the filling, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
For extra flavor, fold in mini chocolate chips and a bit of orange zest. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
Pipe the creamy mixture into prepared cannoli shells. For best results, fill the shells just before serving to keep them crisp.
This cream cheese version is easier to make than traditional ricotta-based fillings. It’s perfect for a quick and tasty dessert that will impress your guests.
16. Cherry Cream Cheese Cobbler
Cherry Cream Cheese Cobbler combines tart cherries with creamy cheese for a delightful dessert. You’ll need cherry pie filling, cream cheese, sugar, and crescent rolls or a cake mix for the topping.
To make it, spread cherry pie filling in a baking dish. Mix cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, then drop spoonfuls over the cherries. Top with crescent rolls or cake mix.
Bake at 350°F for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown. The result is a warm, gooey cobbler with pockets of tangy cream cheese and sweet cherries. It’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. This dessert offers a nice balance of flavors and textures that you’ll love.
17. Baked Cream Cheese Wontons
Baked cream cheese wontons are a tasty twist on the classic fried version. You can make these easily at home with just a few ingredients.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Mix cream cheese with extras like diced shrimp, garlic, or green onions for added flavor.
Place a small amount of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Brush the edges with water and fold into triangles, sealing tightly.
Arrange the wontons on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 8-10 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.
These baked wontons are lighter than fried ones but still have a satisfying crunch. They make a great appetizer or snack for parties.
18. Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese
Buffalo chicken dip with cream cheese is a tasty party snack. You can make it easily in a few steps.
Start by mixing softened cream cheese with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Add shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese to the mix.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top with more cheese and bake until hot and bubbly.
Serve your dip with celery sticks, crackers, or tortilla chips. It’s perfect for game days or gatherings with friends.
You can make this dip ahead of time and reheat it when needed. It’s sure to be a hit at your next party.
19. Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Dip
This quick and easy dessert dip combines cream cheese, marshmallow creme, and caramel topping. It takes just minutes to prepare and is perfect for parties or gatherings.
You can serve this dip with a variety of dippers. Try apple slices, pretzels, or animal crackers for a delicious treat. The sweet and salty flavors blend perfectly in this creamy dip.
For extra flair, top the dip with chopped pecans and a sprinkle of sea salt. Chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
This versatile dip works well as a last-minute dessert option when you need something tasty and impressive. Your guests will love the rich, indulgent taste of this salted caramel cream cheese creation.
20. Classic Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Cream cheese sugar cookies are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies. They have a rich, tangy flavor and soft texture that melts in your mouth.
To make these cookies, you’ll cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy. Then mix in eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest for extra flavor.
Add flour, baking powder, and salt to form a soft dough. Chill the dough before rolling it out and cutting into shapes.
Bake the cookies at 375°F for a golden edge while keeping the centers soft. Let them cool before decorating with your favorite icing or sprinkles.
These versatile cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you crave a sweet treat. Their cream cheese base makes them extra special.
21. Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Cream cheese banana bread is a tasty twist on the classic recipe. It combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the tangy richness of cream cheese.
To make this bread, you’ll cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Then add eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Mix in flour, baking soda, and spices.
Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake at 350°F. The result is a moist, flavorful bread with a tender crumb. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
You can add extras like nuts or chocolate chips for more flavor. This bread freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later.
22. Spinach Artichoke Cream Cheese Dip
Spinach artichoke cream cheese dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties. You’ll love how easy it is to make.
Start by mixing softened cream cheese with sour cream and mayonnaise. This creates a creamy base for your dip.
Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the mixture. Stir in some shredded cheese for extra flavor and gooeyness.
Spread the dip in a baking dish and top with more cheese. Bake it in a 375°F oven for about 25-35 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.
Serve your spinach artichoke dip with toasted bread slices or crackers. It’s best enjoyed warm, so let it cool for a few minutes before digging in.
23. Peach Cream Cheese Tart
Peach cream cheese tart combines sweet peaches with creamy cheese for a delightful dessert. You’ll start with a buttery crust made from flour and sometimes pecans.
The filling features cream cheese mixed with sugar and vanilla. Fresh peach slices are arranged on top for a beautiful presentation.
To make this tart, you’ll bake the crust first. Then add the cream cheese mixture and peaches before baking again. Some recipes call for a glaze made with honey, lemon juice, and spices.
This tart works well for summer gatherings when peaches are in season. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing treat.
24. Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies
Chocolate chip cream cheese cookies are a tasty twist on a classic treat. The cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor and creates a softer texture.
To make these cookies, mix butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy. Add an egg and vanilla extract, then blend in flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
Fold in chocolate chips and chill the dough for an hour. Bake the cookies at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
For extra chocolatey goodness, press additional chips on top of the cookies right after baking. Let them cool before enjoying your delicious homemade treats.
25. Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
Cream cheese thumbprint cookies are a delightful twist on classic thumbprint cookies. They combine the tangy flavor of cream cheese with sweet jam fillings.
To make these cookies, you’ll mix butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy. Then add eggs and vanilla extract. Blend in flour, baking powder, and salt to form the dough.
Roll the dough into small balls and press your thumb in the center to create an indentation. Fill each indent with your favorite jam or preserves.
Bake the cookies at 350°F until lightly golden. The cream cheese in the dough gives these cookies a rich, soft texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet jam filling.
26. Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Crostata
This dessert combines the best of Italian pastry with creamy cheese and fresh berries. You’ll love the flaky crust filled with sweet, tangy fruit.
To make it, mix blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Roll out a whole wheat pastry dough and spread cream cheese in the center.
Pour the berry mixture over the cream cheese. Fold the edges of the dough over to create a rustic tart shape. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
The result is a delicious blend of textures and flavors. The cream cheese adds richness, while the berries provide a burst of sweetness in every bite.
Cream Cheese Variations
Cream cheese comes in many forms beyond the classic plain variety. You can find flavored options and healthier alternatives to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Flavored Cream Cheese Options
Flavored cream cheese adds excitement to desserts. You can buy pre-flavored versions or make your own at home. Popular flavors include:
• Strawberry • Blueberry • Chive and onion • Garlic herb
To make flavored cream cheese, mix softened plain cream cheese with your chosen ingredients. For fruit flavors, add fresh or frozen berries. For savory options, mix in herbs, spices, or finely chopped vegetables.
Try using flavored cream cheese in cheesecakes, frostings, or as a spread for sweet and savory dishes. It adds extra taste and color to your desserts.
Healthier Alternatives
If you want to cut calories or fat, try these cream cheese substitutes:
• Greek yogurt cream cheese • Neufchâtel cheese • Tofu cream cheese (vegan option) • Cottage cheese (blended smooth)
These options have less fat and calories than regular cream cheese. They work well in many dessert recipes. Greek yogurt cream cheese has a tangy flavor similar to regular cream cheese. Neufchâtel is slightly lower in fat but tastes very similar.
For vegan desserts, tofu cream cheese is a good choice. It’s made from soy and has a creamy texture. Blended cottage cheese can replace cream cheese in some recipes, offering more protein and less fat.
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Desserts
Making cream cheese desserts can be tricky. These tips will help you get the best flavor and texture in your sweet treats.
Balancing Sweetness and Tanginess
Cream cheese has a natural tang that adds depth to desserts. You can adjust the sweetness to complement this flavor.
Start with less sugar than the recipe calls for. Taste as you go and add more if needed.
For a brighter taste, try adding a splash of lemon juice. This brings out the tangy notes. If you want more sweetness, use honey or maple syrup instead of plain sugar. These add flavor along with sweetness.
Mix in fruits like berries or peaches for natural sweetness. They pair well with cream cheese. Taste your mixture before baking to make sure the flavors are balanced.
Consistency and Texture Tips
Room temperature cream cheese is key for smooth desserts. Take it out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before using.
This prevents lumps in your mixture. Beat the cream cheese well before adding other ingredients. This makes it light and fluffy.
Don’t overmix once you add eggs or flour. This can make your dessert tough. For no-bake treats, chill the mixture before shaping.
This makes it easier to work with. Use a water bath when baking cheesecakes. This keeps them from cracking. To get clean slices, dip your knife in hot water between cuts.
Wipe the blade clean each time. This gives you picture-perfect portions of your cream cheese dessert.