20 Delicious Cream Cheese Recipes Everyone Will Want to Try

Cream cheese is one of those ingredients that brings instant richness and flavor to any dish. From decadent desserts like cupcakes, brownies, and Danish pastries to savory favorites like corn casseroles, chicken dishes, and creamy dips, it works in endless ways. This roundup features 20 easy and delicious cream cheese recipes that are perfect for breakfast, dinner, snacks, or dessert. With these ideas, you can turn everyday ingredients into dishes that are creamy, comforting, and absolutely crowd-pleasing.

Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Soft, tender cupcakes feature a bright lemon flavor balanced by cream cheese frosting. The cream cheese adds richness and moisture. Frosting is smooth and tangy, complementing the citrus cake. Ideal for celebrations or a fresh dessert treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Cream Cheese Brownies

Brownies swirl with cream cheese for a rich, decadent dessert. Cream cheese adds tangy contrast to the chocolate. Texture is fudgy and soft. Simple to make yet visually appealing.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Brownies

Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies

Cookies mix crushed Oreos into a cream cheese-based dough. The result is soft, slightly tangy, with cookie crunch throughout. Easy to bake and portion. Perfect for chocolate and cookie lovers.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies

No Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

This frosting uses cream cheese without butter for a smooth, tangy topping. Easy to spread on cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Flavor is bright and creamy. Can be made quickly for last-minute baking.
Get the Recipe: No Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Soft cookies are filled with cream cheese in the center. The filling adds richness and a slight tang. Bakes evenly with lightly golden edges. Works for dessert trays or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce

Cream cheese adds smooth, creamy texture to pasta sauce. Blends easily with milk or cream for a rich coating on noodles. Flavor is mild but indulgent. Quick to prepare for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Philadelphia Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce

Cold Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese

Cream cheese provides a creamy base for cold shrimp dip. Smooth texture blends with shrimp and seasonings. Easy to serve with crackers or veggies. Flavor is fresh and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese

Cinnamon Rolls with Gingerbread Cream Cheese Frosting

Cinnamon rolls are topped with cream cheese frosting infused with gingerbread spices. Frosting adds tangy richness to sweet, spiced rolls. Rolls are soft and tender. Great for holiday breakfasts or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls with Gingerbread Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe

Flaky pastry surrounds a sweet cream cheese and berry filling. Cream cheese adds creaminess and subtle tang. Pastry bakes golden and tender. Ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe

Cream Cheese Pancakes

Pancakes include cream cheese for moisture and richness. Tender and fluffy texture holds well on a griddle. Slight tang complements sweet toppings like syrup or fruit. Easy for breakfast or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pancakes

Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries

Flaky puff pastry envelopes cream cheese and cherry filling. Cream cheese keeps the center creamy and smooth. Bakes golden and slightly crisp. Perfect for dessert or sweet snack.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries

Bundt Cake: Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Pumpkin cake is moist and spiced, topped with cream cheese icing. Icing adds smooth richness and subtle tang. Cake slices cleanly with a soft, tender crumb. Works for fall or holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Bundt Cake: Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Cream Cheese Corn Dip

Cream cheese blends with corn for a creamy, savory dip. Smooth, scoopable texture works for chips or crackers. Flavor is sweet, mild, and comforting. Quick to make for parties or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Corn Dip

Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

Corn casserole gains richness and creaminess from cream cheese. Bakes into a soft, slightly golden dish. Texture is smooth yet holds together well. Works as a side for family dinners or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

Cream Cheese Chicken

Chicken is baked with cream cheese for a rich, flavorful main dish. Cream cheese keeps the chicken moist and tender. Seasonings blend smoothly into the sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip

Cream cheese combines with caramel for a sweet, tangy dip. Perfect for dipping apple slices. Smooth and creamy with a balance of sweet and slightly tart flavor. Easy to prepare for dessert or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip

Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Layers of strawberries, cake mix, and cream cheese bake into a quick dessert. Cream cheese adds richness and slight tang. Cake topping becomes golden and tender. Easy to serve and slice.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Rich pound cake gets a tender crumb and moisture from cream cheese. Flavor is slightly tangy and indulgent. Bakes evenly with a golden crust. Works for dessert or gift-giving.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

Green bean casserole uses cream cheese for creamy texture and added richness. Blends easily with vegetables and seasonings. Top with crispy onions or breadcrumbs. Perfect side for holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

Corn cooks with cream cheese and Gouda for a cheesy, creamy side dish. Rich and smooth texture coats each kernel. Quick to prepare in one pot. Works well for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn