Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a variety of desserts. From rich and creamy cheesecakes to sweet frosting and fillings, cream cheese adds a unique texture and tangy flavor that balances out sweetness. If you’re looking to make something delicious with cream cheese, there are countless options to explore. Below, we will go through some of the best desserts you can make with cream cheese.
Cream Cheese Cheesecake
The Classic Cheesecake
Cheesecake is one of the most popular desserts that uses cream cheese. It’s smooth, creamy, and has a slightly tangy taste that pairs perfectly with a buttery crust. To make a simple cheesecake, you’ll need cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Ingredients for a Classic Cheesecake:
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 4 packages of cream cheese (8 ounces each)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter together. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix until combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared crust and bake for about 55-60 minutes.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating it for at least 4 hours before serving.
This classic cheesecake is simple to make and can be topped with fruit, chocolate, or any topping you prefer.
Cream Cheese Frosting
A Perfect Topping for Cakes and Cupcakes
Cream cheese frosting is a beloved choice for frosting cakes, cupcakes, and even cookies. It’s rich, smooth, and has just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness of the cake. This frosting pairs wonderfully with carrot cake, red velvet cake, and more.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
- 3-4 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
- Add vanilla extract and mix again.
- Use the frosting to decorate your cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.
This frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Cream Cheese Brownies
Rich and Fudgy with a Creamy Swirl
Cream cheese brownies are a decadent dessert that combines the rich taste of chocolate with the creamy texture of cream cheese. The cream cheese adds an extra layer of flavor to the brownies and creates a beautiful marble effect.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Brownies:
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup of cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Melt the butter and set it aside to cool.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix the remaining sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Add the cream cheese mixture on top, then swirl the two mixtures together using a knife or toothpick.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, then cool and slice into squares.
These cream cheese brownies are rich and indulgent, perfect for any chocolate lover.
No-Bake Cream Cheese Pie
A Quick and Easy Dessert
A no-bake cream cheese pie is a great option when you need a dessert in a hurry. The combination of cream cheese, whipped cream, and sugar creates a light and airy filling that is perfect for a quick treat. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or fillings.
Ingredients for No-Bake Cream Cheese Pie:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust or cookie crust
- Fruit, chocolate chips, or caramel for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the filling into the pre-made crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or until set.
- Top with fruit, chocolate chips, or caramel before serving.
This no-bake pie is quick to make and refreshing, making it an ideal choice for hot summer days.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Strawberries
A Sweet and Fruity Treat
Cream cheese stuffed strawberries are a delightful bite-sized dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creamy richness of cream cheese. This dessert is simple to prepare and perfect for parties or a sweet snack.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Stuffed Strawberries:
- 1 pint of fresh strawberries
- 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
- Wash and hull the strawberries, removing the tops and hollowing them out slightly to create space for the filling.
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
- Use a piping bag or spoon to fill the strawberries with the cream cheese mixture.
- Optionally, dip the filled strawberries in chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra decoration.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing and sweet treat.
These stuffed strawberries are both delicious and visually appealing.
Cream Cheese Danish
A Flaky, Buttery Pastry
A cream cheese danish combines flaky pastry with a creamy filling, making it a perfect breakfast or snack. The tangy cream cheese filling complements the sweet pastry and is often topped with fruit or icing.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Danish:
- 1 package of puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Jam or fresh fruit for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares or rectangles.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to form a shape of your choice.
- Brush the pastries with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Optionally, top with jam or fresh fruit before serving.
These cream cheese danishes are sure to impress with their combination of flavors and textures.
Cream Cheese Cookies
Soft and Chewy with a Creamy Center
Cream cheese can be used to create soft and chewy cookies that have a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are light yet rich, and the cream cheese helps to keep them soft for days.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Cookies:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract, and mix until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool before serving.
These cream cheese cookies are soft, sweet, and a perfect treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
Conclusion
Cream cheese is a wonderful ingredient that can be used in many dessert recipes. Whether you’re making a classic cheesecake, creamy frosting, decadent brownies, or refreshing no-bake pie, the possibilities are endless. The smooth texture and slightly tangy flavor of cream cheese complement both rich and light desserts, making it an essential ingredient for any baker’s kitchen. Next time you want to make a sweet treat, consider using cream cheese for a creamy, satisfying dessert that everyone will love.
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