Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about Cream Cheese Cake. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Rich and Creamy : The cream cheese adds a luxurious texture and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
- Easy to Make : No water bath or fancy techniques required—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Versatile : Top with fresh fruit, caramel, chocolate, or whipped cream to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing : Whether you’re feeding kids, adults, or guests, everyone will love this velvety treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion : Ideal for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or even a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this cake lies in its simple yet indulgent ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or buttermilk works best)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to whip up this rich, velvety dessert? Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Dollop the cream cheese filling over the batter and gently spread it into an even layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Spoon the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer and spread it gently to cover completely.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (some cream cheese filling may stick, but that’s okay). If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar, add fresh berries, or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy the creamy, dreamy goodness!