17 Delicious Dessert Recipes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Let’s face it, nothing beats the creamy, dreamy delight of cream cheese frosting atop your favorite desserts. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, our roundup of 17 delicious dessert recipes promises to inspire your next baking adventure. From classic cakes to innovative treats, get ready to dive into a world where every bite is a little slice of heaven.

Classic New York Cheesecake

Ultimate comfort dessert, the Classic New York Cheesecake is rich, creamy, and perfectly tangy. Its simplicity is its elegance.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs – 1 ½ cups
• Butter – ½ cup, melted
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Cream cheese – 4 packages (8 oz each), room temperature
• Eggs – 4 large
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Sour cream – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Tip: Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even baking.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Bake crust for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
4. Beat cream cheese and remaining sugar on medium speed until smooth. Tip: Room temperature cream cheese blends easier, preventing lumps.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until blended after each.
6. Stir in vanilla and sour cream. Pour over crust.
7. Bake for 1 hour or until center is almost set. Tip: The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles.
8. Turn off oven. Leave cheesecake in oven with door slightly open for 1 hour.
9. Remove from oven. Cool completely on wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Just as good as it looks, this cheesecake is velvety with a slight tang. Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel for an extra touch.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Luscious and vibrant, these cupcakes are a hit at any gathering. Perfectly moist with a tangy frosting, they’re irresistible.

Ingredients

• Flour – 1 ¼ cups
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Cocoa powder – 2 tbsp
• Baking soda – ½ tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Buttermilk – 1 cup
• Vegetable oil – ½ cup
• Egg – 1
• Red food coloring – 1 tbsp
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• White vinegar – 1 tsp
• Cream cheese – 8 oz
• Butter – ½ cup
• Powdered sugar – 4 cups

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, oil, egg, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth.
4. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients. Stir until just mixed.
5. Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
8. Frost cooled cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.

Crumbly yet soft, these cupcakes pair well with a cold glass of milk. For a festive touch, sprinkle with red sugar or top with a chocolate shard.

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Carrot cake with cream cheese icing is a classic dessert that balances sweetness with a hint of spice. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe keeps it simple and delicious.

Ingredients

– Flour – 2 cups
– Sugar – 1 ½ cups
– Baking soda – 1 tsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Cinnamon – 1 tsp
– Eggs – 3
– Oil – ¾ cup
– Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
– Carrots – 2 cups, grated
– Cream cheese – 8 oz
– Butter – ½ cup
– Powdered sugar – 2 cups

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add eggs, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Fold in grated carrots. Tip: Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cake cool completely on a wire rack.
7. For the icing, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
8. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until creamy. Tip: Ensure the cake is completely cool to prevent the icing from melting.
9. Spread icing evenly over the cooled cake. Tip: For a decorative touch, use a piping bag to apply the icing.
Now, enjoy the moist, spiced cake paired with the tangy cream cheese icing. Serve chilled for a refreshing twist or at room temperature for a softer texture.

Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Ultimate fall dessert, this Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling combines spice and sweetness in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree – ¾ cup
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Eggs – 3
• Flour – ¾ cup
• Baking soda – 1 tsp
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp
• Cream cheese – 8 oz
• Butter – 1 tbsp
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Beat eggs and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add pumpkin puree, flour, baking soda, and cinnamon to the bowl. Mix until just combined.
4. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until the top springs back when touched.
5. While warm, turn the cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment paper.
6. Roll the cake and towel together from the short end. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
7. Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.
8. Unroll the cake. Spread filling evenly over the cake. Roll up again without the towel.
9. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Cool and creamy, this pumpkin roll is a delightful contrast of textures. Serve slices with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Craving a sweet, flaky pastry? This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is your answer. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry – 1 sheet
• Cream cheese – 8 oz
• Sugar – ¼ cup
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Strawberries – 1 cup, sliced
• Egg – 1, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a 10×10 inch square. Cut into 4 smaller squares.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Spread 2 tbsp of cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square.
5. Top each with ¼ cup of sliced strawberries.
6. Fold the corners of each square towards the center, pressing lightly to seal.
7. Brush the pastries with beaten egg for a golden finish.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and puffed.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Delightfully flaky with a creamy, tangy center and sweet strawberry topping. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese Layer

Fancy a twist on the classic lemon bar? This version adds a creamy layer of cheesecake for extra richness. Perfect for summer picnics or a sweet treat any time.

Ingredients

– Flour – 1 cup
– Butter – ½ cup
– Sugar – 1 cup
– Eggs – 2
– Lemon juice – ¼ cup
– Cream cheese – 8 oz
– Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. Mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup butter, and ¼ cup sugar until crumbly. Press into the pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
3. Beat 8 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over the baked crust.
4. Whisk 2 eggs, ¾ cup sugar, and ¼ cup lemon juice. Pour over the cream cheese layer.
5. Bake for 25 minutes or until the filling is set. Cool completely before cutting.
6. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Dense yet creamy, these bars balance tart lemon with sweet cream cheese. Try serving them chilled with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Brownies

Let’s dive straight into making these decadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Brownies. They’re rich, fudgy, and swirled with creamy cheese for the perfect balance.

Ingredients

• Butter – ½ cup
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Eggs – 2
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Flour – ½ cup
• Cocoa powder – ⅓ cup
• Salt – ¼ tsp
• Cream cheese – 8 oz
• Sugar – ¼ cup
• Egg – 1
• Vanilla extract – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Tip: Ensure butter is fully melted but not hot.
3. Whisk sugar into melted butter until combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Tip: Overmixing leads to tough brownies.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.
7. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
8. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture onto brownie batter. Swirl with a knife. Tip: Don’t over-swirl to maintain distinct layers.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
10. Cool completely in pan before cutting.

Now these brownies boast a fudgy base with a tangy cream cheese swirl. Serve them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

Simple to make and delicious to eat, this Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl is a twist on the classic. Perfect for using up overripe bananas.

Ingredients

• Flour – 1 cup
• Sugar – ¾ cup
• Eggs – 2
• Bananas – 3, mashed
• Butter – ½ cup, melted
• Baking soda – 1 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, and eggs. Tip: Use overripe bananas for sweeter bread.
4. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Tip: Overmixing leads to dense bread.
5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
6. Pour half the banana batter into the prepared pan. Spoon half the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Repeat layers. Tip: Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese into the batter for a marbled effect.
7. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Rich and moist, this banana bread has a tangy cream cheese swirl that balances the sweetness. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Tiramisu with Cream Cheese

Easy to make and irresistibly creamy, this tiramisu with cream cheese is a twist on the classic that’s sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, it combines rich flavors with a light texture.

Ingredients

• Ladyfingers – 24
• Espresso – 1 cup, cooled
• Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened
• Heavy cream – 1 cup
• Sugar – ½ cup
• Cocoa powder – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. Dip each ladyfinger into the espresso for 1 second per side. Arrange in a single layer in an 8×8 inch dish.
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Tip: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
3. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold into the cream cheese mixture gently to keep the air in.
4. Spread half of the cream mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat layers with remaining ladyfingers and cream mixture.
5. Dust the top with cocoa powder. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Tip: Cover with plastic wrap to prevent the tiramisu from absorbing other fridge odors.
6. Before serving, dust with additional cocoa powder for a fresh look. Tip: Use a fine mesh strainer for an even dusting.

Delightfully creamy with a hint of coffee, this tiramisu is a crowd-pleaser. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of cocoa or a side of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Pie

You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Pie. Yet, it’s irresistibly creamy and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese – 8 oz
• Peanut butter – 1 cup
• Powdered sugar – 1 cup
• Heavy cream – 1 cup
• Graham cracker crust – 1

Instructions

1. Beat cream cheese and peanut butter together in a large bowl until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
4. Fold whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture gently to keep it airy.
5. Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until set.

A smooth, velvety texture meets a rich peanut butter flavor in every bite. Serve chilled with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra decadent touch.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Zesty blueberries meet creamy cheese in these irresistible muffins. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they’re easy to make and even easier to love.

Ingredients

• Flour – 2 cups
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Baking powder – 2 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Eggs – 2
• Milk – ¾ cup
• Butter – ½ cup, melted
• Blueberries – 1 cup
• Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Tip: Overmixing leads to tough muffins.
5. Fold in blueberries gently.
6. Fill muffin cups halfway with batter.
7. Add a teaspoon of cream cheese to each cup. Tip: Softened cream cheese spreads easier.
8. Top with remaining batter.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Tip: A toothpick should come out clean when done.

Airy and moist, these muffins burst with juicy blueberries and a creamy center. Serve warm for a melty surprise or chilled for a firmer texture.

Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Got a craving for something sweet and tangy? This raspberry cream cheese coffee cake is your answer. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

• Flour – 2 cups
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Butter – ½ cup, softened
• Egg – 1
• Milk – ½ cup
• Baking powder – 2 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened
• Raspberry jam – ½ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add butter, egg, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Spread half the batter into the prepared pan.
5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Spread over batter in pan.
6. Drop spoonfuls of raspberry jam over the cream cheese layer.
7. Top with remaining batter. Use a knife to swirl layers slightly.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Perfectly moist with a creamy, tangy center and sweet raspberry swirls. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Oreo Cream Cheese Balls

Got a sweet tooth craving something quick and indulgent? These Oreo Cream Cheese Balls are your go-to fix, combining creamy richness with crunchy chocolate in bite-sized delights.

Ingredients

• Oreo cookies – 36
• Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened
• White chocolate chips – 2 cups
• Vegetable oil – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Crush 36 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin.
2. Mix the Oreo crumbs with 8 oz of softened cream cheese in a large bowl until fully combined. Tip: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother blending.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Melt 2 cups of white chocolate chips with 1 tsp of vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Tip: Adding oil thins the chocolate for easier dipping.
5. Dip each frozen ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork to let excess drip off. Place back on the parchment paper. Tip: Work quickly as the chocolate will start to set.
6. Refrigerate the balls for at least 1 hour until the chocolate coating is firm.

Kick back and enjoy these decadent treats, where the velvety cream cheese filling meets the crisp Oreo crust, all enveloped in a smooth white chocolate shell. Perfect for parties or as a luxurious snack straight from the fridge.

Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Very few desserts combine the tangy creaminess of cheese with the sweet crispness of apples quite like this. Perfect for any season, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Ingredients

– Flour – 2 cups
– Sugar – 1 cup
– Eggs – 3
– Cream cheese – 8 oz
– Apples – 2, diced
– Baking powder – 1 tsp
– Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
– Butter – ½ cup, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl. Tip: Sifting the flour can make the cake lighter.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
5. Fold in diced apples gently to distribute evenly without crushing them.
6. Pour half the batter into the pan. Layer with cream cheese, then top with remaining batter.
7. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Tip: Check at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
8. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack. Tip: Cooling slightly helps the cake release easily.

Key to its appeal is the moist crumb paired with creamy pockets of cheese. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Got a sweet tooth craving something indulgent? This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake combines two classics into one irresistible dessert.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese – 16 oz
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Eggs – 3
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Cinnamon – 1 tbsp
• Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough – 1 can

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Tip: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a lump-free batter.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, mixing well after each.
4. Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon.
5. Arrange cinnamon roll pieces over the batter. Tip: Cut rolls into quarters for even distribution.
6. Top with remaining batter and cinnamon.
7. Bake for 45 minutes or until center is set. Tip: A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
8. Cool completely before serving.

Combining creamy cheesecake with gooey cinnamon rolls, this dessert is a textural dream. Serve warm with a drizzle of icing from the cinnamon roll package for extra decadence.

Coconut Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Fancy a dessert that combines richness with a hint of tropical flair? This Coconut Cream Cheese Pound Cake is your answer. It’s moist, dense, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

– Butter – 1 cup
– Cream cheese – 8 oz
– Sugar – 2 cups
– Eggs – 4 large
– Flour – 3 cups
– Baking powder – 1 tsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Coconut milk – 1 cup
– Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
– Shredded coconut – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Tip: Ensure both are at room temperature for a smoother mix.
3. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Alternately add flour mixture and coconut milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
7. Stir in vanilla extract and shredded coconut.
8. Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Check at 60 minutes to avoid overbaking.
10. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Dense yet tender, this cake boasts a perfect balance of sweetness and coconut flavor. Serve slices with a drizzle of coconut glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Whip up these Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls for a sweet, creamy treat that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients

• Crescent roll dough – 1 can
• Cream cheese – 4 oz
• Cherry pie filling – ½ cup
• Powdered sugar – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
3. Spread 1 tbsp cream cheese on each triangle.
4. Top cream cheese with 1 tsp cherry pie filling.
5. Roll up triangles starting from the wide end.
6. Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar.

Zesty and sweet, these rolls have a flaky texture with a creamy center. Serve warm with a drizzle of chocolate for an extra decadent touch.

Conclusion

Nothing beats the joy of baking, especially when it involves creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting! Our roundup of 17 delicious dessert recipes offers something for every sweet tooth. We invite you to try these treats, share your favorites in the comments, and spread the love by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy baking!