If you have been searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in cake form, this Cream Cheese Cake Recipe is the answer. It combines velvety cream cheese with a tender, lightly sweet vanilla batter to create a moist, dense cake that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something indulgent at home, this cake is simple to make but delivers luxurious flavor and texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s a delicious way to elevate your dessert game with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for crafting the perfect balance of creaminess and softness in your cake. From the richness of cream cheese and butter to the subtle vanilla and a touch of milk, each adds to the final taste, texture, and inviting color of the cake.

1½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for a tender crumb without weighing the cake down.
1½ teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises nicely and stays light.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moistness to the batter.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient that brings tangy creaminess and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1¼ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering.
3 large eggs: Bind everything together and add to the cake’s tenderness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor with warm, inviting notes.
½ cup whole milk: Moistens the batter, contributing to the cake’s softness.

How to Make Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch round or loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure an easy release once baking is done. This simple step lays the foundation for a perfect cake.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the rising agent and seasoning are evenly distributed, which helps your cake rise smoothly and have consistent flavor throughout.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and fluffy. This process is key because it traps air that will give your cake its tender texture and rich flavor balance.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and cohesive. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a warm note that perfectly complements the tang of the cream cheese.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. This careful blending avoids overmixing, which could toughen the cake, ensuring it remains soft and moist.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top to an even layer. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling allows the cake to set and develop its full flavor.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Garnishes

This cake shines beautifully on its own, but adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries immediately adds color and a delightful tartness that balances the creamy richness. For an extra touch, a simple cream cheese glaze or a drizzle of lemon icing intensifies the flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with freshly brewed coffee or a smooth cup of tea to complement its richness. Light fruit salads or lemon sorbet also work wonderfully as sides, offering a refreshing contrast that wakes up the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, slice the cake into neat squares or elegant wedges and serve on a pretty cake stand or rustic wooden platter. Try layering slices between fresh berries and whipped cream to create a trifle-inspired dessert. You can also top each slice with a dollop of mascarpone for an ultra-luxe finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra cake, store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cake moist and fresh for up to five days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing any flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this cream cheese cake for longer storage. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. When wrapped well, it can last up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

For the best experience, serve the cake chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating as it might alter the cake’s creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute low-fat cream cheese in this Cream Cheese Cake Recipe?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, keep in mind that it will affect the richness and texture slightly. The cake might be less creamy and a bit drier, so full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best indulgent results.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as is. To make a gluten-free version, try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I make this cake without a mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand or hand mixer makes the process easier, you can cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar by hand using a sturdy wooden spoon or whisk. Just be prepared for a bit more arm work and take your time to get that light, fluffy texture.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

The most reliable test is inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, your cake is perfectly baked.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this Cream Cheese Cake Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add lemon zest for a citrus twist, or fold in blueberries or chopped nuts for extra texture. Just be sure to not overload the batter, so the cake still bakes evenly and holds its shape.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Cake Recipe is one of those treasured sweets that feel both comforting and special. Its tender crumb and luscious cream cheese flavor make it incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family dessert or a centerpiece at your next celebration. I genuinely encourage you to try it yourself and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cake that’s truly unforgettable.

Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

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4.3 from 83 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and creamy cream cheese cake that combines a soft vanilla cake base with the smoothness of cream cheese. This dense yet tender dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed plain or topped with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1¼ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk

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Instructions

Prepare Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, softened cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for the cake.
Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain a well-emulsified batter.
Stir in Vanilla Extract: Add the vanilla extract to the batter to infuse a sweet aromatic flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps it set and prevents sogginess.

Notes

This cake is delicious on its own or topped with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
For added richness, drizzle with a simple cream cheese glaze or lemon icing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American