17+ Cream Cheese Desserts for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather around the table with loved ones and indulge in delicious treats. If you’re looking to add a creamy twist to your dessert menu, these cream cheese delights are sure to impress.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bars

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars from The Girl Who Ate Everything

Rating: 4.7 (120 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.9 (25 reviews). Total Time: 4 hr 30 min.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars from Sugar Spun Run

Rating: 5 (48 reviews). Total Time: 7 hr 10 min.

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Imagine the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin pie swirled with the tangy creaminess of cream cheese. These bars combine the best of both worlds, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting.

Made with canned pumpkin, cream cheese, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these bars are a festive treat that celebrates the season’s favorite flavors. The cream cheese swirl not only adds a beautiful marbled effect but also a tangy contrast to the sweet pumpkin.

What makes these bars special is their texture. They’re soft and chewy, with a slightly crisp edge that gives way to a creamy center. A sprinkle of chopped pecans on top adds a delightful crunch, making these bars a crowd-pleaser at any Thanksgiving gathering.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Tart

Cranberry Cheesecake Tart

Cranberry Cheesecake Tart from Sweet Cayenne

Rating: 4.3 (3 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pastries

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pastries from Amanda's Cookin'

Rating: 5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 30 min.

Sweet Cream Cheese Cranberry Tartlets

Sweet Cream Cheese Cranberry Tartlets from The Cozy Cook

Total Time: 1 hr.

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This tart is a feast for the eyes and the palate. The vibrant red of the cranberry topping against the creamy white filling is simply stunning. But it’s not just about looks; the taste is equally captivating.

The tart starts with a buttery shortbread crust that’s baked to perfection. The filling is a smooth blend of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, which provides a rich and creamy base. Topped with a homemade cranberry sauce that’s both sweet and tart, this dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors.

It’s a refreshing alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving pies and a great way to showcase cranberries, a classic holiday ingredient. Each bite is a burst of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Apple Cream Cheese Hand Pies

Cream Cheese-Stuffed Fried Apple Handpies

Cream Cheese-Stuffed Fried Apple Handpies from Tillamook

Total Time: 40 min.

Apple Cream Cheese Hand Pies

Apple Cream Cheese Hand Pies from Lynn Mumbing Mejia

Total Time: 30 min.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Hand Pie

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Hand Pie from Family Dinners

Rating: 5 (6 reviews). Total Time: 50 min.

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If you’re looking for a portable dessert that’s easy to serve, these hand pies are the answer. They combine the classic flavors of apple pie with a creamy twist, making them a delightful treat for all ages.

The filling is a luscious mixture of diced apples, cream cheese, cinnamon, and sugar, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry shell. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spice, reminiscent of a comforting apple pie.

These hand pies are perfect for a Thanksgiving buffet or as a grab-and-go dessert. They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile option for any gathering.

Maple Pecan Cream Cheese Dip

Maple Pecan Cheesecake Dip

Maple Pecan Cheesecake Dip from Homemade In The Kitchen

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.

Maple Pecan Cream Cheese Dip

Maple Pecan Cream Cheese Dip from Food.com

Total Time: 5 min.

No Bake Pecan Pie Dip

No Bake Pecan Pie Dip from Allrecipes

Rating: 5 (44 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.

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Who says dessert has to be served on a plate? This creamy dip is a fun and interactive way to end your Thanksgiving feast. It’s like a deconstructed cheesecake with a seasonal twist.

The dip is made from cream cheese, maple syrup, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a sweet and creamy base. Topped with chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup, it’s a nod to the classic flavors of a pecan pie.

Serve it with graham crackers, apple slices, or ginger snaps for dipping, and watch it disappear in no time. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s big on flavor and sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

Sweet Potato Cream Cheese Muffins

Sweet Potato Muffins With Ginger Cream Cheese Filling

Sweet Potato Muffins With Ginger Cream Cheese Filling from Burrata and Bubbles

Rating: 5 (96 reviews).

Sweet Potato Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

Sweet Potato Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling from Jackfruitful Kitchen

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 35 min.

CREAM CHEESE FILLED SWEET POTATO MUFFINS

CREAM CHEESE FILLED SWEET POTATO MUFFINS from Just A Pinch Recipes

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 5 min.

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Sweet potatoes aren’t just for casseroles; they make a delicious addition to dessert, too. These muffins are moist, flavorful, and have a surprise cream cheese center that makes them extra special.

The muffins are made with cooked sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a touch of brown sugar, creating a moist and tender crumb. The cream cheese filling is a simple blend of cream cheese and sugar, adding a rich and creamy surprise in every bite.

Dusted with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. They’re a comforting treat that’s sure to become a new Thanksgiving favorite.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Brownies

Cream Cheese Brownies

Cream Cheese Brownies from Spend With Pennies

Rating: 4.9 (326 reviews). Total Time: 50 min.

Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe from The Cookie Rookie

Rating: 5 (29 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 10 min.

Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe from The Kitchn

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 55 min.

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Chocolate lovers rejoice! These brownies are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich chocolate with creamy swirls of cream cheese. They’re fudgy, decadent, and utterly irresistible.

The brownie batter is made with cocoa powder and melted chocolate, ensuring a deep, intense chocolate flavor. The cream cheese layer is swirled in, creating a marbled effect that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The contrast of the tangy cream cheese with the sweet chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven.

These brownies are perfect for those who prefer a chocolate dessert on Thanksgiving. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat, and watch them disappear from the dessert table.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Cream Cheese Desserts

Recipe: No-Bake Cream Cheese Pie with Summer Fruit from The Kitchn

Rating: 5 (3 reviews).

Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe from Foodess

Rating: 5 (8 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 5 min.

How to Make Pro Cream Cheese Icing from KMarie Kitchen

Total Time: 1 hr 10 min.

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Soften Your Cream Cheese

To ensure a smooth texture in your desserts, always soften your cream cheese before using it. Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it on low power for 10-15 seconds.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh spices, fruits, and nuts can make a big difference in your dessert’s flavor. Be sure to use the freshest ingredients you can find for the best results.

Don’t Overmix

When mixing your cream cheese filling, be careful not to overmix. This can lead to a dense texture in your desserts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and creamy result.