![Southern Living Cream Cheese Brownies cut to serve](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/MpEyzjvtpxSP4JYuvIKGED_Lw6k=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cream_Cheese_Swirl_Brownies_014-a855e75f6945442a82be1a5a2c20eafb.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Cool, smooth, and convenient, cream cheese is the go-to for our favorite Southern desserts. It makes icebox pie fillings smooth, cake frostings and drizzles creamy, and baked goods more tender. Whether you're stirring up a batch of brownies or frosting a three-layer red velvet cake, cream cheese is ready to come to the rescue.
We've gathered a few of our favorite dessert recipes that lean on cream cheese for superior flavor and texture. Find a new favorite today.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler
![strawberry cream cheese cobbler](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/iRu6dUzdHafvfjSCYyiQGLsEGLA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SEO_Batch37_StrawBerryCreamCheeseCobbler_42531-26f694cff6ee4bef98505edffab4b347.jpg)
Can we just stop for a minute and admire the way these berries sink into this cream cheese-filled cobbler batter? This dessert is indeed as delicious as it looks.
Cookies-And-Cream Cheesecake Brownies
![Southern Living Cookies-and-Cream Cheesecake Brownies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/S7FA-LTruaRt60RberXOl5YkDt4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27726_POC-_Brownies_DIGI_9203-fd8318cf1a21407cbfba26dce83b99d1.jpg)
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Take your cream cheese brownies to the next level with the crunch of Oreo crumbs.
Hummingbird Cake
![Hummingbird Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/QDzDwaHhA3OjRhxfI_i2NF-6YFs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Hummingbird-Cake_16x9-518298ccaba2423ba54c29d3080db66b.jpg)
Hummingbird Cake without cream cheese frosting is just overachieving banana bread.
Grapefruit- Cream Cheese Hand Pies
![Grapefruit-cream cheese hand pies on pink platter](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/aYQWRiV6u9NvZj3pLaxCQt9rTmk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-Grapefruit_Cream_Cheese_Hand_Pies_025-b6751cc2fbee4e248f9a0680c4ce47f0.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Cream cheese makes the pastry crust for these grapefruit-filled hand pies extra crisp and flaky.
Rhubarb- Cream Cheese Spoke Cake
![Rhubarb-Cream Cheese Spoke Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Dx_DtwCZOG4FSR894GRsUNSwnUQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Rhubarb_Cream_Cheese_Spoke_Cake_216-2000-1d5448f55a0a41bf98d83df32e972e01.jpg)
Speaking of "too pretty to eat," this scarlet rhubarb stunner is quite a looker. The cream cheese-enriched batter yields a moist and tender cake.
Carrot-Walnut Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
![Carrot-Walnut Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/yAGmazQ-dUyrtnNv4NsqvbROTIo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2645601_Double_Carrot_Cake_With_Cream_Cheese_Frosting_068-D-2000-ef10da37cebd44b4b331bd4882c29c3a.jpg)
Walnuts and a secret ingredient (it's not what you think!) update classic carrot cake in this recipe. Don't worry—the cream cheese frosting is old-school delicious.
Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars
![Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/UGXZ1aVame0tJzXk316Cnbmo3Rc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2654101_Lemon_Cover_Bars_main-2000-987808c3eb1a442c9f526aea481f389b-390b67ee47ed464a997f1b240448abb6.jpg)
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
You can't have cheesecake without cream cheese. These sunny bars step it up a notch with floral Meyer lemon and honey.
Praline-Cream Cheese King Cake
Consider this your official permission slip to enjoy King Cake any time of the year. The cream cheese and praline swirl makes this cake perfect for breakfast.
Strawberry Cheesecake Salad
![Strawberry Cheesecake Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/hFktiIOkn9kycD5izV0flG3MOJc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Strawberry-Cheesecake-Salad-2000-4fffc744abda4738a9c0204852373d67.jpg)
Stop trying to figure out why this is called a salad; we don't know, either. What we DO know is that this fluffy concoction of cream cheese, whipped topping, strawberries, and graham crackers is delicious, and that's all that matters. Call it "Steve" if you want.
Fresh Raspberry-Cream Cheese Frosting
![Fresh Raspberry-Cream Cheese Frosting](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/e2leqnlSppzIE391LiTo_mPuArw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2682201_Bount_0094-2000-9562c3f9db79439baba7cb6b8d35600c.jpg)
Cream cheese really doesn't need any embellishment, but it's hard to argue with this blushing pink raspberry frosting.
Red Velvet Cake With White Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting
![Red Velvet Cake with White Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/8QwtuaISADqOpGAcJF1Y6GJTGpI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2641101_Red_Velvet_Cake_336-2000-c771d9ee43e94ac3bed7607cbbba5802.jpg)
It's not a Red Velvet Cake without cream cheese frosting, and this one has the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, thanks to white chocolate.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins
![pumpkin cream cheese swirl muffins](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/bwgm-SuaSyCZxLiS9qFLuJBStWc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pumpkin_Cream_Cheese_Muffins_224-5f2c784c8ea048b4aa8a437d0385820a.jpg)
Cream cheese is like the perfect dance partner—it loves a good swirl-n-twirl. Here, it takes a spin with pumpkin muffin batter to yield a breakfast treat that's perfect for crisp fall mornings.
Frozen Cheesecake Bites
![Frozen Cheesecake Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/aRW8OAVogXCw-cDCxmsuNhyPEqI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Frozen-Cheesecake-Bites-2000-46065ef93aa84062a5ffac1ad98bbb46.jpg)
Show-Off Alert: These adorable cheesecake desserts are perfect to keep stashed in your freezer for surprise guests.
Cream Cheese Ice Cream
![Red Velvet-Berry Cobbler Recipe with Cream Cheese Ice Cream Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/BucHAtuIDC-_e_iuJCWnoYuykKA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2082001_cobbl006_0-d8042c05cddf49368c6d31b3a6ed41c0.jpg)
Cream cheese makes this homemade ice cream incredibly easy—no eggs or custard required. The sweet, slightly tangy flavor is lovely with fresh fruit.
Apple-Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
Bundt cakes are deliciously easy, but can be a bit dense. Here, a cream cheese swirl delivers a surprise in every slice. It's like a layer cake, but way easier.
Cream Cheese Pastries
![Brunch for a Crowd Cream Cheese Pastries](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/FJO_iH3Vytu_7-AP3hHFHm1ln4c=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cream-cheese-pastries_0_0-2000-ee40e82911d54d43868f2b2120d09b8d.jpg)
This classic Southern Living recipe was a favorite of our beloved Test Kitchen Professional, Pam Lolley. Trust us—that's all the reason you need to make it.
Cheesecake Cookies
![Cheesecake Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/LliC8bqyWUnvQ_8Is4CEWwhLw8k=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/seo_holiday_recipes_006_0_1-5c852e25336248508fcab28ca9d834ac.jpg)
Cream cheese in cookie dough? Just try it. These fluffy, flaky cookies will make you want to add cream cheese to all your recipes.
Black-And-Blue Buttermilk Tart
![Black-and-Blue Buttermilk Tart](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/1DvmJjcFGMCeerCTV20s4NGme2M=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2601301_saver_blackandblue_buttermilk_tart_008_sdw_0_1-8ba4ee9268964cb58726645cb222dece.jpg)
Not quite a cheesecake (it's actually less fussy and quite easier!), this creamy dessert is equally delicious with summer berries, spring strawberries, or winter citrus.
Strawberry Swirl Cream Cheese Pound Cake
![Strawberry Swirl Cream Cheese Pound Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/X4F-RHmvJTydyg1rTb22g5oe3K0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_1b45418484a66f98_spcms-3f72a0c61f2b4c939ac774fba1cd3284-4f6557718fbe4b7fa1a4263a86880c76.jpg)
Jennifer Davick
This is the cream cheese dessert you've been scrolling for. Cream cheese delivers its tangy flavor to this buttery cake swirled with strawberry goodness.
Cream Cheese-Banana-Nut Bread
![âCream Cheese-Banana-Nut Bread](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/zb9W0V4psBFz1Kz7i9z3g8FvGQE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_c47cc83197c49a68_spcms-feb4344fc2d34ec59b647b672b75b870-0f396e290a8b4561924d78fb05b12afd.jpg)
Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas
You had us at cream cheese, honestly. Here, it lightens traditional banana bread, yielding a fluffier loaf.
Cream Cheese Brownies
![Southern Living Cream Cheese Brownies cut to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/MpEyzjvtpxSP4JYuvIKGED_Lw6k=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cream_Cheese_Swirl_Brownies_014-a855e75f6945442a82be1a5a2c20eafb.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These beauties are everything you love about brownies, but better! Sweetened cream cheese is dolloped over classic brownie batter, then swirled in for a stunning marble effect.
Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Okay, so this recipe is our favorite. Pound cakes with butter alone are wonderful, but add cream cheese and they become mighty fine.
Cream Cheese Danish
![Southern Living Quick and Easy Cream Cheese Danish on a board to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/4Z0o_SleI0PaHPu90Z8nkYfgmW4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SouthernLiving27402_OE_Danish_00140-easy-cream-cheese-danish-58a16effa1054f70b64f373715632f10.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist Christine Keely
Why pay bakery prices when you can whip up these easy, pretty pastries at home? The cream cheese filling is lovely with any seasonal fruit.
Classic Red Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
![Classic Red Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/5r1Tfh3s830gJz9En4VHUeQTO5E=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living_red-velvet-cake-molly-bolton-beauty2-360a9c0efa4e492f8948d890652c910f.jpg)
Molly Bolton/Southern Living
This is for all you folks who think a three-layer cake is too much work. We see you! This double-decker red velvet delivers all the flavor (and cream cheese frosting!) with less effort.
Pecan Cheesecake Pie
![Pecan Cheesecake Pie](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/DCaqH4b1Ieznhy-TZmz7RwUk2lU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pecan-cheesecake-sl-1673197-xl-b55557afc3714926a1dc0b75dcbab6eb.jpg)
For all you folks who can't make a dessert decision, this is the perfect compromise pie. It's a tasty marriage of toasty-gooey pecan pie and creamy cheesecake. You're welcome!
Sweet Potato Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
![Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting decorated with a sprinkle of chopped pecans on the bottom](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/sCf-LdohdrjYxbRrandNkFqPihA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Sweet-Potato-Cake-With-Cream-Cheese-Frosting-1-1-911dc2100d6a4dff8c5865386e7a1e7c.jpg)
Warm spices, sweet potato, pecans, and cream cheese combine to make one fantastic fall cake.
Carrot Cake with Maple-Cream Cheese Frosting
![Southern Living Carrot Cake With Maple-Cream Cheese Frosting cut on serving platter](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/TzuUdxfIGRm3vUDrQjUmWgDQNO4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living_27201_EasterSheetCakes_0119-4babb27c84f04dbe880e55e734ac7022.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl Jones
While the jordan almond carrots are super cute, you can totally skip them thanks to the maple-sweetened cream cheese frosting—it's tasty enough on its own.
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
![Lemon Cream Cheese Bars](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/OKGVX12q8q9CkO25NwafgFkiwxY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lemon_cream_cheese_bars-1-2000-f17d018035694a1eb5cf2af114aa0379.jpg)
For these sweet and tangy bars, it's lemon curd that does the swirling, while cream cheese powers the batter base.
Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
![Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/4JNKdhOFVEPrWqsfvNMyoBhCdcs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cinnamon-Rolls-with-Cream-Cheese-Icing-cda7385066354c66b343e736893b4fea.jpg)
We couldn't give you a pile of cream cheese recipes without sneaking a good cinnamon roll in. Just look at that frosting!
Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
![Cheesecake Crescent Rolls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/WEnxave-l_L39Z6kl4suE9YfyLo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cheesecake_crescent_rolls-2000-4ca7610d7af043ac9c197d72fd297986.jpg)
If you did a double take, you're not alone! The crescent rolls are actually on the top and bottom of this dessert, sandwiching a lovely cheesecake filling.
Italian Cream Cake
![Italian Cream Cake - Southern Living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/D_lq_KHWX9mXnI6Ups5_QyO33Nk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Italian_Cream_Cake_012-b4413ee914d546cd9f3d85a6bbb19173.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The nutty cream cheese frosting on this event-worthy layer cake is studded with pecans.
Coconut Cheesecake Squares
If you need a vacation but only have time for dessert, we've got you covered. These dreamy cheesecake bars are loaded with coconut and lime.