If you have a soft spot for luscious desserts that combine the best of both worlds, then you’re in for a real treat with this Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe. Imagine tender layers of rich, creamy cheesecake filling nestled between pillowy cookie dough discs, all baked to golden perfection and kissed with a cinnamon-sugar drizzle. This dessert is an irresistible dance of textures and flavors, perfect for sharing—or savoring all on your own. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just indulge your sweet tooth, this cake brings a comfort and fun factor like no other.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic of this cake starts with simple, straightforward ingredients that work beautifully together. Each item is essential, not just for taste, but also for the perfect combination of texture and visual appeal—from the creamy cheesecake to the studded chocolate chips in the cookie dough.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture, helping create the perfect cookie dough texture.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the dough tender.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons + 1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, fragrant notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups + 1 tablespoon): The backbone of the dough and filling, providing structure and stability.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookie dough a slight lift and softness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Little bursts of melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates the silky, tangy cheesecake filling.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and smooths out the cheesecake mixture.
- Egg (1): Binds the cheesecake filling and adds a rich texture.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): For the topping, adding a luscious buttery glaze.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon, for topping): Combines with cinnamon for a warm, sweet finish.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spice that complements the sweetness.
How to Make Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Before diving into mixing the dough and filling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan is key—this ensures the layers won’t stick, giving your pull-apart cake that irresistible ease of serving.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
It all begins with creaming your softened butter and packed brown sugar until luxuriously creamy—that smoothness is absolutely vital and sets the stage for tender cookie dough. Next, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that classic warmth. Gradually add your flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just enough to bring the dough together without overworking it. Finally, stir in the mini chocolate chips, which add delightful pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until completely smooth—no lumps allowed here! This step makes the filling creamy and luscious, the perfect counterpart to the cookie dough. Then mix in the vanilla, egg, and a tablespoon of flour, which helps the filling hold its shape as it bakes without sacrificing silkiness.
Step 4: Assemble Your Cake
Now for the fun part—taking spoonfuls of the cookie dough and flattening them into discs. These discs will form layers in your pan. Start by placing a disc at the bottom, then spoon in some cheesecake filling, repeating this layering process until the pan is packed full. This assembly process creates the signature pull-apart effect once baked, with gooey cheesecake pockets nestled between tender cookie dough layers.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Topping
Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make a simple yet mouthwatering topping. Drizzle this over the assembled cake, giving it a sweet, spiced glaze that will caramelize during baking, adding a golden crown that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your cake into the preheated oven, baking for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown top and a cooked-through center—test with a toothpick to be sure it comes out clean! If your cake starts browning too quickly, just cover loosely with foil and keep baking to ensure even doneness without burning.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow your creation to cool for 10 to 15 minutes—this rest time helps everything set up nicely. Then, dive in and enjoy the pleasure of pulling apart warm, gooey pieces that ooze with luscious cheesecake and soft cookie dough. It’s a party for your taste buds in every bite.
How to Serve Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this already decadent dessert, try sprinkling a pinch of powdered sugar on top just before serving. Fresh berries or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can add a lovely contrast, making each bite extra special without overwhelming the cake’s rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a contrasting touch, serving it alongside a cup of strong coffee or a spiced chai latte adds warmth and balance to the sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cake pieces on a large wooden board for a communal, shareable experience—you and your guests can pull apart the layers together. Alternatively, layering individual servings in clear jars showcases the beautiful layers of cookie dough and cheesecake for a stunning presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this dessert can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful, and chilling actually helps the cheesecake layer firm up nicely.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the pull-apart cake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep perfectly for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating or serving cold.
Reheating
To truly revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or briefly in a 300°F oven until warmed through. This helps the cheesecake filling become indulgently gooey again without drying out the cookie dough.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! Regular-sized chocolate chips work well too, though the mini chips evenly disperse and melt more smoothly throughout the dough, providing consistent chocolate delight in every bite.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
While traditional cream cheese and butter are central to the texture and flavor, you can substitute with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and plant-based butter. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the cake will still be delicious.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The top should be a deep golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it browns too fast, cover loosely with foil and continue baking to prevent burning.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture will be similar, and no one will miss the gluten!
What’s the best way to serve this cake for a party?
The pull-apart style is perfect for sharing, so place it on a large platter or wooden board where guests can simply pull pieces apart themselves. You might want to provide small plates and napkins because things will get wonderfully messy and fun.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe is truly one of those desserts that bring joy with every bite. It’s fun to make, easy to share, and absolutely irresistible. Give it a try the next time you want to wow your family or friends with something both comforting and creatively delicious—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesecake Cookie Dough Pull-Apart Cake is a delectable dessert combining rich, gooey layers of chocolate chip cookie dough with smooth, creamy cheesecake in a pull-apart cake form. Perfect for sharing, this indulgent treat offers a unique twist on classic flavors with a cinnamon-sugar drizzle topping for added warmth and sweetness.
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 prevent sticking.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar until creamy. Add vanilla extract and continue beating. Gradually incorporate flour, baking soda, and salt until a dough forms. Fold in mini chocolate chips and set dough aside.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract, egg, and flour, beating until fully combined and creamy.
- Assemble Cake: Take spoonfuls of cookie dough and flatten into discs. Layer these discs into the prepared pan, alternating with spoonfuls of the cheesecake filling in between each layer. Repeat layers until the pan is filled.
- Prepare Topping: Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Drizzle this cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the assembled cake.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If the cake browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue baking.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Pull apart the cake pieces to enjoy the delightful combination of gooey cheesecake and chocolate chip cookie dough layers.
Notes
- Allow the butter and cream cheese to soften fully for easier mixing and better texture.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips with regular size chips if mini are unavailable.
- If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the brown sugar in the cinnamon drizzle.
- Make sure not to overbake; the cake should be set but remain moist inside.
- For easy cleanup, consider lining the pan with parchment paper before greasing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
