Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

When you crave a truly luscious dessert, this Cream Cheese Cake is my absolute go-to. It’s rich, velvety, and gently tangy thanks to a blend of cream cheese and butter, with a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just treating yourself on a cozy weekend, this simple yet elegant cake shines whether topped with fruit, a dusting of sugar, or nothing at all. If you’ve never tried baking a Cream Cheese Cake from scratch before, get ready for a new favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you know (but maybe not share your secret recipe!).

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cream Cheese Cake comes together with a short list of familiar ingredients that each play a unique role, from creating its moist, dense crumb to infusing delicate flavor. Quality, room-temperature ingredients are your golden ticket for the most tender texture and irresistible flavor.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it structure and that perfect tender bite.
• Baking powder: Gives your cake a gentle lift and just the right amount of fluffiness.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a creamy texture when whipped with the cream cheese.
• Cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient for richness, moisture, and that little hint of tang every Cream Cheese Cake needs.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps aerate the batter when beaten with butter and cream cheese.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a light, cohesive crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Provides warmth and roundness for that classic bakery aroma.
• Whole milk: Loosens the batter just enough, keeping the cake tender and perfectly moist after baking.

How to Make Cream Cheese Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Before diving in, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures your Cream Cheese Cake pops out effortlessly after baking, looking as good as it tastes.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This little step disperses the leavening evenly, so your cake bakes up with consistent texture in every bite.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until they’re smooth, creamy, and totally unified. This creates the lush foundation for your Cream Cheese Cake and guarantees a dreamy, tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Sugar and Eggs

Pour in the granulated sugar and beat for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that signature comforting aroma.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture in batches, alternating with the milk (start and end with the flour). Mix gently, just until no streaks remain. Overmixing can make your Cream Cheese Cake less tender, so keep it light!

Step 6: Bake

Pour the smooth batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 7: Cool and Release

Let your freshly baked cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently remove it and let it cool fully on a wire rack. This prevents any sogginess so every slice is bakery-worthy.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Cake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar gives your Cream Cheese Cake a classic, elegant finish. For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle on some fresh berries, or drizzle with a quick cream cheese glaze for even more richness. A few mint leaves or edible flowers turn it into a showstopper for any celebration.

Side Dishes

Balance out the creamy richness with a scoop of tangy lemon sorbet, a spoonful of macerated strawberries, or a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee. The cake also plays beautifully with lightly toasted nuts or a compote of seasonal fruit on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Cream Cheese Cake into petite squares and stacking them for a whimsical dessert tower, or use a round cutter for mini cake rounds topped with whipped cream and fruit. For gatherings, serve on a vintage cake stand surrounded by fresh berries, or layer with thinly sliced fruit for a modern, Instagram-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, cover your Cream Cheese Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It stays wonderfully moist at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five for maximum freshness.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without toppings) in a layer of plastic, then foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you love a warm piece of cake, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The cream cheese center stays delightfully creamy, and the cake tastes as good as fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for Cream Cheese Cake?

Full-fat cream cheese is best for a luxurious, dense texture and signature flavor, but you can use low-fat in a pinch. Keep in mind the cake may turn out a bit less rich and moist.

Why did my Cream Cheese Cake turn out dense or gummy?

Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients can cause the cake to be dense. For a tender crumb, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature and mix the batter just until smooth.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this cake?

Absolutely! Swirl in a bit of lemon zest, almond extract, or fold in blueberries, raspberries, or mini chocolate chips to customize your Cream Cheese Cake to your taste.

Do I need to refrigerate Cream Cheese Cake?

You don’t have to refrigerate it if you’ll eat it within two days, but for longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before serving for the softest texture.

Is this the same as a cheesecake?

Cream Cheese Cake is different from classic cheesecake – it’s a moist, fluffy cake with a buttery crumb, not a dense baked custard. It’s a lovely alternative if you want something lighter but just as satisfying.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s both crowd-pleasing and soul-soothing, you can’t go wrong with this Cream Cheese Cake. Every bite is simple, rich, and full of homemade love. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes the highlight of every gathering — or your own private tea-time treat!

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