If you have a sweet tooth and love the decadent combination of rich cheesecake and indulgent cookie dough, you are in for a huge treat with the Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe. This unique dessert brings together soft, buttery cookie dough loaded with chocolate chips and luscious, creamy cheesecake in every bite. It’s fun to pull apart and share, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. The golden-brown crust and gooey layers offer a spectacular balance of textures and flavors that will absolutely sweep you off your feet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this recipe is wonderfully simple but each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect taste and texture. From creamy butter to velvety cream cheese and just the right balance of sweetness, every element adds its own magic to the cake.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Provides that rich, creamy base for the cookie dough that melts beautifully during baking.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep, caramel notes and moisture to keep the dough soft and chewy.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons + 1/2 teaspoon): A flavor enhancer that brightens both the cookie dough and cheesecake filling.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups + 1 tablespoon): The structure builder, essential for that perfect dough consistency and binding the cheesecake filling.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookie dough rise just enough for a tender bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Little pockets of melty chocolate heaven throughout the cookie dough.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the cheesecake filling, bringing creamy tang and luscious texture.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and smooths the cheesecake filling for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Egg (1): Adds richness and helps the filling set just right.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Used in the topping to create a golden, slightly crunchy finish.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon) and ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Combine to give the topping a warm, sweet-spiced touch.
How to Make Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan thoroughly. This step ensures the cake won’t stick, making pulling apart the cake a joyful, mess-free experience.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture turns creamy and fluffy. Then add vanilla extract and mix it in well. Gradually sift in flour, baking soda, and salt until the dough forms a soft but workable ball. Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently to distribute melty pockets of chocolate throughout the dough. Set this delicious dough aside while you whip up the cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, egg, and a tablespoon of flour, then beat again until fully combined and silky. This luscious cheesecake layer will be the perfect contrast to the sweet cookie dough.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Now for the fun part! Take spoonfuls of cookie dough and flatten each into small discs. Start layering your pan with cookie dough discs, adding spoonfuls of cheesecake filling between each layer. This alternating pattern creates those dreamy pockets of cheesecake melded perfectly into the cookie dough. Continue layering until the pan is full and the layers are irresistible.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Topping
Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until combined. Drizzle this fragrant topping evenly over the assembled cake. This adds a gorgeous caramelized finish with lovely hints of warm cinnamon that will have your kitchen smelling like heaven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top with no gooey batter in the middle—test it with a toothpick, which should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the cake with foil to finish baking without burning.
Step 7: Cool and Get Ready to Eat
Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This cooling time lets the cheesecake layer set slightly so you can pull apart the cake easily without it being too messy. Then dive in and enjoy the delightful combo of gooey cheesecake and tender cookie dough in every pull.
How to Serve Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, consider topping your pull-apart cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint can add a beautiful burst of color and a fresh counterpart to all that rich decadence.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. For a beverage, a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk is the perfect partner, helping to balance the sweetness and enhance the cozy vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cake on a rustic wooden board for an inviting feel, or use individual ramekins for mini versions to wow guests. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts over the top before baking for added texture, or fold in different mix-ins like toffee bits or white chocolate chips for a personalized spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to refrigerate the cake to keep the cheesecake filling fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low-temperature oven until warmed through. This brings back the gooey, melty goodness, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that larger chips might create bigger pockets of chocolate, which can be delicious but might shift the texture slightly. Mini chips offer a more even distribution throughout the dough.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese for the filling?
Yes, cream cheese is essential for that classic cheesecake texture and tangy flavor. Using alternatives could affect the flavor and consistency of the filling, but a full-fat cream cheese ensures the best results.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
You can certainly try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but make sure it is suitable for baking. Some adjustments in baking time or texture might be needed, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The cake should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If you notice the top browning too fast, covering it with foil will prevent burning while the inside cooks through.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Unfortunately, this recipe depends heavily on butter and cream cheese, which provide both flavor and texture. If you want a dairy-free version, look for dairy-free cream cheese substitutes and plant-based butter, but expect some changes in the final taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe is truly a dessert experience worth making a priority in your kitchen. Its playful layers of creamy cheesecake and rich cookie dough, coupled with that cinnamon-sweet topping, create a mouthwatering treat that everyone will rave about. I promise, once you make this cake, it will quickly become a favorite to share with family and friends. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll thank yourself for every delicious bite!
Print
Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this rich and gooey Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake that combines the best of two desserts in one. Layers of soft, chocolate chip-studded cookie dough alternate with creamy cheesecake filling, all baked together and topped with a cinnamon-sugar butter drizzle for a decadent treat perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
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
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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 prepare for baking.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and continue beating. Gradually incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt until a dough forms, then fold in the mini chocolate chips. Set this cookie dough aside for assembly.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, egg, and flour, then beat until fully combined and silky.
- Assemble the Cake: Take spoonfuls of the cookie dough and flatten them into discs. Layer these discs in the prepared pan, alternating with layers of the cheesecake filling, until the pan is filled.
- Prepare Topping: Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the assembled layered cake.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too fast, loosely cover with foil and continue baking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Pull apart the layers to enjoy the combination of gooey cheesecake and soft cookie dough.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- Use mini chocolate chips to evenly distribute chocolate throughout the dough without affecting batter consistency.
- Cover the cake loosely with foil if it browns too quickly to prevent burning.
- This cake is best enjoyed warm to savor the gooey layers, but can also be served at room temperature.
- You can store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
