Makeover Traditional Cheesecake
Though softer than a full-fat cheesecake, this lightened-up dessert has all of the original's delectable flavor. It's sure to make any special event more festive. —Anne Addesso, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Apple Kolaches
A fellow home cook shared this recipe for a sweet, fruit-filled pastry. My son, who isn’t a dessert fan, was disappointed when he came home to find his dad had polished off the last kolache in the batch.—Ann Johnson, Evansville, Indiana
Chocolate Bavarian Torte
Whenever I take this eye-catching torte to a potluck, I get so many requests for the recipe. —Edith Holmstrom, Madison, Wisconsin
Miniature Pumpkin Cake Towers
I make these pumpkin treats every autumn and they are gone in minutes. The spice combination is perfect for fall, and it is all wrapped up in a pretty little cake.—Deb Lyon, Bangor, Pennsylvania
Cheesecake Berry Parfaits
Berry season is a real treat for me. This layered delight is an easy way to enjoy a hint of cheesecake, and it’s a refreshing change from traditional pudding and fruit parfaits. —Patricia Schroedl, Jefferson, Wisconsin
Sweet Potato & Marshmallow Swirl Cheesecake
I make a sweet potato souffle that I’ve always thought tastes like a dessert. I finally decided to use that idea for an actual dessert, and the result was a smooth, rich cheesecake.
Strawberry Tart
This swift-to-fix, creamy strawberry tart boasts a crunchy chocolate layer tucked next to the crust. Try making individual tartlets instead of one big one. —Dawn Tringali, Hamilton Square, New Jersey
Mini PB&J Cheesecakes
I got hooked on these mini peanut butter and jelly cheesecakes when a friend made them. She let me steal her recipe, and now I'm sharing this tasty treat with you!—Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Caramel Pumpkin Tiramisu
I'm not fond of traditional tiramisu, so I used pumpkin and in place of coffee, bourbon, and it's absolutely fabulous. I always make extra sauce and eat it over vanilla ice cream. It's so good, I don't want to leave it alone! – Mary Filipiak, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Rustic Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Here's a delectable dessert that all ages will enjoy. With its raspberries and Nutella-covered homemade pastry crust, you won't be able to get enough of this. —Christina Seremetis, Rockland, Massachusetts
Dutch Treats
I was born and raised in Holland, where we used almond paste quite often in our baking. I created this recipe to capture the outstanding flavors of home.
Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Enjoy this holiday dessert without worrying about calories. Plus it is so luscious that no one will guess that it is light! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
Strawberry Pillows
Make cookie trays extra special with these mini pie look-alikes stuffed with sweet strawberry preserves. Yum! —Amy Sauerwalt, Columbia, Maryland
Pecan Roll-Ups
This recipe is so delicious and is sure to become a favorite of your family. The pecans make them so rich.—Lee B. Roberts, Racine, Wisconsin
Quick Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
These cookies freeze well, so it's easy to keep some on hand for last-minute munching. In summer, I often make them larger to use for ice cream sandwiches. —Mary Rempel, Altona, Manitoba
Easy Nutella Cheesecake
A creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread tops a crust made of crushed Oreo cookies to make this irresistible baked cheesecake.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Berry Dream Cake
I use cherry gelatin to give a boxed cake mix an eye-appealing marbled effect. It's so festive-looking. Top it with whatever fruit you like! —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
Apricot-Nut White Fudge
My family looks forward to this luscious apricot-studded fudge every year. It's easy to make a really does melt in your mouth. I like to wrap up small squares of the candy with ribbon and silk holly.
Lemon Cheesecake Tarts
To make these cute tarts even quicker, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
Chocolate-Cherry Sandwich Cookies
I make these often at Christmastime, but they're great for summer parties, too. Chilling the cookies before you dip them in chocolate is important because it firms up the filling. —Amy Sauerwalt, Columbia, Maryland
Cinnamon-Sugar Sweet Potato Pastries
We always have leftover mashed sweet potatoes after our Thanksgiving feast. I take what’s left to make an indulgent filling for sweet potato empanadas. Convenient crescent roll dough makes this recipe easy as pie. —Sarah Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
Blueberry Graham Dessert
When you're short on time but long for cheesecake, try this fruity dessert. Ricotta and cream cheeses give every bit as much flavor as cheesecake without the effort. Instead of making individual servings, you could layer the ingredients in a glass serving bowl. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Refrigerator Lime Cheesecake
I made this for a Father's Day party, and it was a hit! I guarantee compliments when you serve this fantastic dessert. —Cher Anjema, Kleinburg, Ontario
Grilled Banana Brownie Sundaes
My niece Amanda Jean and I have a lot of fun in the kitchen creating different dishes. One of us will start with a recipe idea and it just grows from there—and so does the mess. We always have a blast. That's exactly what happened with our Grilled Banana Brownie Sundae with Peanut Butter Cream. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana
Peachy Summer Cheesecake
This cool and always refreshing dessert is lightened up a bit but still fancy enough to take to a gathering. You can make it ahead of time and freeze it—just wrap it well in airtight wrap, and only add the peaches after it thaws. —Joan Engelhardt, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
The post 25 Desserts That Start with a Package of Cream Cheese appeared first on Taste of Home.
Laurie Dixon