Cream Cheese Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Light: The incorporation of cream cheese creates a soft, velvety texture that’s moist but not heavy.

• Versatile: You can customize it with different frostings, fresh fruits, or even make it a marble cake.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday or a casual afternoon tea, this cake fits the bill.

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, even beginners can master this cake.

Ingredients

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

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat and Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.

2. Cream Cheese and Butter: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

3. Add Sugar: Gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

4. Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with flour. Stir in vanilla.

7. Bake: Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. Prepare Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.

• Chocolate Frosting: Swap cream cheese frosting for chocolate cream cheese frosting.

• Marble Cake: Add cocoa powder to half the batter to make a marble effect.

• Bundt Cake: Prepare the recipe in a bundt pan for a different shape.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

• Reheating: If frozen, thaw the cake before serving. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better the next day and stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Why did my cake sink in the middle?

This can happen if the oven door is opened too soon or if the batter is overmixed.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted layers for up to 3 months.

Why is room temperature important for ingredients?

Room temperature ingredients blend better, resulting in a smoother batter and lighter cake.

Can I make this as cupcakes?

Yes, adjust the baking time to 18-20 minutes for cupcakes.

Why is my frosting lumpy?

Ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before mixing.

How do I store this cake?

Keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly different.

Why did my cake come out dense?

This could be due to undermixing the wet ingredients or overmixing the flour.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Cake is a beautifully simple yet elegant dessert that combines rich flavors and a tender texture. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to prepare and versatile, making it a wonderful addition to your recipe collection. Whether topped with frosting, fruits, or enjoyed plain, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.