If you have a sweet tooth and love the idea of combining classic flavors into one irresistible treat, you are going to adore this Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe. This dessert is the ultimate indulgence, blending soft, gooey cookie dough pieces with creamy cheesecake layers, all baked together in a pull-apart style that’s perfect for sharing. Each bite offers the nostalgic charm of chocolate chip cookie dough and the rich tang of cheesecake, coming together in a way that feels both comforting and celebratory. Whether you’re making it for a casual get-together or a special occasion, this recipe brings an exciting twist to traditional cakes and will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each item plays a vital role: from the creamy butter that creates the buttery dough base, to the perfect balance of sugars that add sweetness and moisture, and of course, the rich cream cheese that delivers that luscious cheesecake texture. These ingredients are easy to find and come together to give the cake its signature flavor and texture.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for creamy texture and rich buttery flavor in the cookie dough.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel sweetness that enhances the cookie dough.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour: The structural base for both cookie dough and cheesecake layers.
- Baking soda: Provides gentle leavening to keep the cake tender.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips: Small bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Cream cheese: Softened to create the smooth, tangy cheesecake filling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling without graininess.
- Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the cheesecake mixture.
- Melted butter: Used in the topping to create a caramelized finish.
- Brown sugar and ground cinnamon: Combined for a warm, spiced drizzle that tops the cake beautifully.
How to Make Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan—this ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out easily. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until it’s creamy and smooth. Next, add the vanilla extract and continue beating for that fragrant depth. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until the dough forms. Fold in the mini chocolate chips carefully so they’re evenly distributed but don’t overmix. Your cookie dough is now ready to share its part in this delicious treat.
Step 2: Making the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until silky and lump-free. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for a luscious cheesecake center. Add the vanilla extract, egg, and a tablespoon of all-purpose flour, then beat until everything combines into a smooth, creamy filling. The flour helps stabilize the cheesecake, so it holds beautifully between those cookie dough layers.
Step 3: Assembling the Pull-Apart Cake
Now comes the fun part! Take spoonfuls of your cookie dough and flatten each into a small disc. Place a layer of cookie dough discs into your prepared pan, then dollop and spread some cheesecake filling on top. Repeat this layering process until your pan is full, alternating between cookie dough and cheesecake. This layered approach makes every slice a dreamy pull-apart experience with swirls of dough and cheesecake mingling together.
Step 4: Adding the Topping and Baking
Mix melted butter with brown sugar and cinnamon to create a warm, sweet drizzle to finish your cake. Pour this evenly over the assembled layers. This little topping step adds a caramelized, slightly spiced crunch that elevates the entire dessert. Bake in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If your cake starts browning too quickly, just cover it loosely with foil and continue baking until done.
Step 5: Cooling and Enjoying
Once baked, allow your cheesecake cookie dough pull-apart cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes in the pan. This rest lets the layers set slightly, making it easier to pull apart and serve. When ready, simply pull the pieces apart and get ready for an incredible combination of soft cookie dough, creamy cheesecake, and that irresistible sweet topping in every hand-held bite!
How to Serve Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe even more stunning, garnish each serving with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a natural tang contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can add an elegant touch that friends will admire.
Side Dishes
This cake shines brightest as a standalone dessert, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the indulgence to the next level. A simple cup of rich coffee or hot chocolate also complements the cake’s creamy richness perfectly, rounding out your dessert experience wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your pull-apart cake in a rustic wooden box or on a large platter encourages guests to dig in and share the fun. You can also present individual portions in small jars layered with extra cheesecake filling and cookie crumble for a whimsical take on the original. Either way, this cake is as exciting to serve as it is to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this dreamy Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake keeps well for up to 4 days and actually benefits from the flavors mingling overnight. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cake pieces keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftover pull-apart cake warm, reheat it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes. Heating brings back the soft, gooey texture of the cookie dough and reactivates the melty creaminess of the cheesecake layers.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will work just fine, though they may create larger pockets of melted chocolate rather than smaller, more evenly distributed bites. Mini chips just help keep the texture consistent throughout.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese at room temperature?
Yes, for the smoothest cheesecake filling, cream cheese should be softened to room temperature. This ensures it beats easily with the powdered sugar, creating a creamy texture without lumps.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a bit separately to help with texture and structure.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (but no raw batter), your cake is done. The top should be golden brown and the layers set but still soft.
Can I prepare the dough and cheesecake filling a day ahead?
Yes! You can prepare both the cookie dough and cheesecake filling a day in advance and store them separately, covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply assemble and bake as directed. This makes it a convenient make-ahead dessert option.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe that makes it impossible not to smile when you bite into it. The marriage of cozy cookie dough with creamy cheesecake delivers a dessert experience unlike any other, one that’s perfect for sharing and savoring with the people you love. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch it quickly become one of your most talked-about sweet treats. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake combines rich, creamy cheesecake filling nestled between layers of soft, buttery cookie dough with mini chocolate chips, all topped with a cinnamon brown sugar glaze. Perfect for sharing, this indulgent dessert bakes up golden and gooey, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every pull-apart bite.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms. Stir in the mini chocolate chips evenly. Set this dough aside.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, egg, and 1 tablespoon flour, beating until fully combined and creamy.
- Assemble Cake: Scoop spoonfuls of the cookie dough and flatten them into discs. Begin layering these discs in the greased pan, spreading or dolloping cheesecake filling between layers. Continue alternating layers until the pan is filled.
- Prepare Topping: Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Drizzle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the assembled cake to add a sweet, spiced crust.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean. If the top browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Pull apart pieces to enjoy the gooey layers of cheesecake and cookie dough for a delightful dessert experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother textures.
- Ensure the cake pan is well greased to prevent sticking.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips with regular-sized chips or chunks if mini chips are unavailable.
- Cover the cake loosely with foil if the top starts browning too quickly to avoid burning.
- Serve warm for the best gooey texture or at room temperature for easier slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
