If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as outrageously moist as it is rich, Cream Cheese Cake is the answer to your sweet cravings. This irresistible cake offers the perfect merger of velvety cream cheese and classic buttery cake, resulting in a treat that’s both familiar and enchanting for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining friends or satisfying a family sweet tooth, this Cream Cheese Cake never fails to wow — every bite strikes the right balance between delicate crumb and luscious creaminess. Let’s bake something unforgettable together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients, you’ll be on your way to making the best Cream Cheese Cake imaginable. Each ingredient was handpicked for a purpose, whether it’s for moisture, fluffiness, or that signature creamy flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake, keeping it light but sturdy enough for slicing.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake its irresistible lift and airy texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds signature buttery richness without overpowering the cream cheese flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): The star player for a tangy, luxurious crumb and unmistakable creaminess in every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right, helping it bake up light and moist.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and add extra richness, ensuring a smooth, cohesive cake texture.
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with aromatic warmth and depth.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture for a soft, tender crumb, making this Cream Cheese Cake truly irresistible.
How to Make Cream Cheese Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan — you can use a little butter or nonstick spray for easy removal later. This bit of prep ensures your Cream Cheese Cake pops out smoothly and beautifully every time.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This quick step evenly distributes the leavening and salt, allowing your cake to rise prettily and evenly. It also breaks up any lumps, which means a finer, more delicate crumb.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is totally smooth and creamy. This step brings dreamy richness to your Cream Cheese Cake, and a silky base means a perfectly textured final cake.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Eggs
Pour in the sugar and beat for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract. Each egg gives structure and richness, while vanilla adds that irresistible aroma.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, stirring just until combined. This gentle mixing method keeps your Cream Cheese Cake tender and ensures a melt-in-your-mouth crumb—don’t over-mix!
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let your cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes (trust me—this helps it set!) before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Savor the incredible smell wafting through your kitchen!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cake
Garnishes
Sometimes the simplest touches are best! Dust your Cream Cheese Cake with powdered sugar for a delicate finish, scatter over a handful of fresh berries for color and tartness, or drizzle with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice or vanilla. Each option complements the cake’s creamy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
If you’d like to create a platter of treats, pair slices of Cream Cheese Cake with bright, juicy fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream transforms every serving into a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
This Cream Cheese Cake is so versatile! Try cubing leftovers for parfaits layered with lemon curd and berries, serve mini slices with sparkling wine at brunch, or decorate a whole cake with edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece that will dazzle your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cream Cheese Cake stores wonderfully. Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, so you can sneak a slice whenever you crave a treat.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some away for later, this cake freezes like a dream! Wrap slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and enjoy just as fresh as the day you baked it.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven vibe, warm individual slices of Cream Cheese Cake in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This gently revives the soft, pillowy crumb and brings out all those rich flavors—just be careful not to overheat.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this Cream Cheese Cake?
You can use low-fat cream cheese if you’d prefer, but keep in mind the texture might be slightly less rich and the cake a bit less moist. Full-fat cream cheese really gives this cake its signature lusciousness!
Is it okay to make Cream Cheese Cake a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making this cake ahead allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become even more tender. Just keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
What pan can I use if I don’t have a 9-inch round cake pan?
You can use an 8-inch square pan or even a loaf pan in a pinch; just adjust the baking time as needed and keep an eye on it after 40 minutes. The cake will still have all that dreamy Cream Cheese Cake flavor and soft crumb.
Can I add mix-ins like fruit or chocolate chips?
Of course! Gently fold in up to a cup of add-ins like blueberries, raspberries, or mini chocolate chips before baking for a fun twist on the classic Cream Cheese Cake. Just be careful not to over-mix the batter.
How do I know when my Cream Cheese Cake is done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean, with maybe a crumb or two attached but no wet batter. The cake will also be lightly golden on top and should spring back gently when touched.
Final Thoughts
There’s something just so special about a good Cream Cheese Cake—it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and never fails to delight. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or simply savoring a slice with your morning coffee, I know this recipe will win you over. Give it a try, and let this moist, fluffy slice of comfort become a favorite in your kitchen, too!
Print
Cream Cheese Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Cream Cheese Cake that boasts a velvety texture and rich flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make cake will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare wet mixture: In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, beat until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, smooth the top, and bake for 45–50 minutes. Cool before serving.
Notes
- This cake pairs well with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- For a richer version, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice or vanilla.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
