Irresistible Cream Cheese Dessert Recipes

If you’re a dessert lover, you know that cream cheese can take your sweet treats to the next level. Cream cheese adds richness, tanginess, and creaminess to desserts, making them even more delicious. These are some of the best cream cheese dessert recipes that you NEED to try.

If a dessert recipe has cream cheese in it, there’s a good chance I’m going to love it. There’s something about sweet mixed with creamy and tangy that I just can’t get enough of.

And I’m not the only one, cream cheese is a staple ingredient in many desserts, and for good reason. Its creamy and tangy flavor complements sweet desserts and balances out their sweetness. You can use cream cheese in many different ways because it is a versatile ingredient.

Over the years I’ve developed, tested, and shared dozens of cream cheese dessert recipes. I decided to put together a list of all my favorites to make finding them a bit easier. I know that you’re going to find several recipes to love!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

• They are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for beginners or those short on time.
• These recipes have got you covered when you are in the mood for something sweet, tangy, or creamy.
• These desserts are always crowd-pleasers and are sure to impress guests at any occasion or celebration.

Ready to get baking? (Or in some cases no-baking. Ha!) Let’s get into these irresistible cream cheese dessert recipes!

Cakes and Cupcakes

Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake

Cheesecake might be the ultimate cream cheese dessert. This strawberry ice cream cheesecake is a delicious and decadent dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days.

Cookies and Cream Cake

This cookies and cream cake is a delicious and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This moist chocolate cake is layered with crumbled Oreo cookies and decadent cream cheese frosting.

Strawberry Crunch Cake

This strawberry crunch cake is a delicious and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for entertaining. A creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting and a crunchy strawberry topping top the strawberry cake.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

While perfect for any occasion, these red velvet cupcakes are perfect for celebrating Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. The cream cheese frosting, specked with chopped pecans, makes these cupcakes extra special.

Pumpkin Roll

This classic pumpkin roll is a delicious and impressive dessert that’s perfect for fall. A creamy and tangy cream cheese filling complements the spiced pumpkin flavor perfectly in the moist pumpkin cake.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

These pumpkin whoopie pies are a delicious and festive fall dessert. The fluffy pumpkin cakes are filled with a decadent salted caramel cream cheese filling. Pumpkin and cream cheese desserts are my favorite.

Mini Margarita Cheesecakes

These Mini Margarita Cheesecakes, baked in a mason jar with an edible cactus garnish, are as delicious as they are cute! These are perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any plant / cactus themed party.

Cookies and Bars

Cherry Cream Cheese Bars

These cherry cream cheese bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. A layer of sweet cherry filling and a creamy cream cheese layer top the buttery crust. The bars are then finished with a cake-like topping.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These gingerbread cookie bars are a delicious and festive dessert that’s perfect for the holidays. Warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves flavor the soft and chewy bars that are topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Layers of cheesecake are sandwiched together between a cookie crust and spiced crumble topping to create these epic Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. With a rich and tangy pumpkin spice flavor, these may just be the perfect fall dessert.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars are beyond delicious. Packed with that classic flavor pairing we all love, and served cheesecake-style, these bars will have you looking for any excuse to make them.

Frosted Lemon Cookies

These soft, delicious, and refreshing lemon cookies are topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. The cookies feature a combination of flavors that are a match made in baking heaven.

Breads and Pastries

Mini Blueberry Cheesecake Bites

Are you on the hunt for a dessert that is both easy-to-make and impressive? Made with store-bought phyllo pastry shells, these Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes Bites will quickly become your new go-to entertaining dessert. They are simple to put together, and look like a professional baker created them. Best of all, they’re delicious!

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

Classic Pumpkin Quick Bread is taken to the next level with a creamy and tangy cream cheese swirl right through the center. This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl will quickly become your new and preferred fall sweet treat.

Cream Cheese and Apple Turnovers

Cream cheese gives these apple turnovers creamy richness and tang – a match made in heaven. They just might become your new go-to pastry. They are perfect served as dessert, but also make a sweet for breakfast and brunch.

Dessert Dips

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip

You only need a few ingredients and a couple of minutes to whip up this creamy and decadent cheesecake dip. Sprinkled with chocolate chips and served with cookies or apple slices, this dessert dip recipe is a winner every time! 

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Dip

This Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Dip will become one of your new favorites for fall entertaining. Whipped cream, cream cheese, pumpkin, and a healthy dose of seasonal spices will make this sweet dip a winner time and time again.

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Dip

If you’re looking for a decadent but easy fall treat, this Salted Caramel Cheesecake Dip is going to become your new best friend. It’s delicious served with fresh apple slices making perfect for fall parties!

Birthday Cake Cheese Ball

If you’re looking for a fun, unique, and delicious way to celebrate, this Birthday Cake Cheese Ball is the perfect sweet treat. Colorful and full of birthday cake flavor, this dessert cheese ball is a crowd pleaser! Change up the color of the sprinkles to match any occasion or celebration!

Cheesecake Dip with Strawberries

Served with strawberries and graham cracker crumbs, this Cheesecake Dip makes a quick and easy impromptu treat or dessert. You won’t believe how easy it comes together.

Frosting

My Favorite Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese Frosting might be my favorite way to decorate a cake. I love the tangy sweetness it adds to almost any cake. This is my recipe for the best Cream Cheese Frosting. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do.

Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

This brown butter cream cheese frosting is a delicious and unique twist on classic cream cheese frosting. The nutty and caramel-like flavor of the brown butter complements the tanginess of the cream cheese, making this frosting perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in cream cheese desserts?

Yes. For the most part. You can use low-fat cream cheese in cream cheese desserts, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the final product.

Can I freeze cream cheese desserts?

Maybe? It’s said that cream cheese desserts can be frozen. However, I find that they lose their texture and flavor after being frozen and thawed, so I avoid it.

Can I make cream cheese desserts ahead of time?

Yes, many cream cheese desserts can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days.

More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

• Delicious Blueberry Dessert Recipes
• Unique and Fun Cookie Recipes
• The BEST Pie Recipes
• 30+ Christmas Cookie Recipes
• Easy and Unique Cupcake Recipes

Think you’ll give one of irresistible cream cheese dessert recipes a try? Let me know in the comments which one you’re more excited to enjoy! 

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