Cream Cheese Cake

This Cream Cheese Cake is a rich, moist, and velvety dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite. Made with cream cheese for an ultra-smooth texture, this cake is perfect for any occasion—whether as a tea-time treat, a celebration dessert, or simply when you’re craving something indulgent and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Moist & Creamy – The cream cheese adds richness and a soft crumb.
  • Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal effort for a bakery-quality cake.
  • Perfectly Sweet – Just the right balance of sweetness without being overwhelming.
  • Versatile – Enjoy plain, with a glaze, or topped with fruit.
  • Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holidays, brunch, or as an everyday treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk

Optional Glaze or Topping:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp milk or lemon juice
  • Fresh berries or whipped cream

Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan or bundt pan.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cream the Butter & Cream Cheese

  • In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
  • Add sugar and beat for 2 minutes until light.

4. Add the Eggs & Vanilla

  • Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
  • Stir in vanilla extract.

5. Combine Everything

  • Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined.

6. Bake Until Golden

  • Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool & Serve

  • Let cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  • Drizzle with glaze or top with berries and whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8-10
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

  • Lemon Cream Cheese Cake – Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and swap vanilla for lemon extract.
  • Chocolate Swirl – Swirl in melted chocolate before baking.
  • Nutty Crunch – Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Twist – Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
  • Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze slices for up to 2 months (wrap tightly).
  • Reheating: Microwave for 15 seconds for a warm treat.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat gives the best texture and richness.

What’s the best pan for this cake?

A 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan works best.

Can I use a cake mix?

Yes! Add cream cheese to a yellow cake mix for a richer texture.

How do I make it fluffier?

Beat butter and sugar well to incorporate air.

Can I add fruit inside the cake?

Yes! Fold in ½ cup chopped strawberries or blueberries.

Can I use almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk?

Yes! Any milk works, but full-fat dairy keeps it moist.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?

Yes! Bake in lined muffin tins at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking?

Grease and flour the pan well, or use parchment paper.

Can I make a cream cheese frosting instead of glaze?

Absolutely! Mix 4 oz cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 2 tbsp milk.

What pairs well with this cake?

Try it with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit for a balanced treat.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Cake is soft, rich, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain, glazed, or topped with fruit, it’s a simple yet indulgent treat that’s sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a slice of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

Print
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Cream Cheese Cake

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 1012 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cream Cheese Cake is ultra-moist, rich, and velvety, with a smooth, slightly tangy flavor thanks to cream cheese baked right into the batter. It’s perfect on its own, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk

For the Topping (Optional):

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a bundt pan.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Make the Batter

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  3. Mix in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
  4. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, mixing until just combined.

4. Bake the Cake

  1. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  2. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Serve & Enjoy

  • Dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream or fresh berries.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, replace ½ cup of milk with sour cream.
  • Make it citrusy: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest for a fresh twist.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

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