There’s something special about the moment you crack open a package of cream cheese, its creamy texture promising sweet indulgence. The idea for this Cream Cheese Cake first came to life during a cozy weekend spent experimenting in my kitchen, trying to escape the monotony of fast food. What I unearthed was a luscious dessert that seamlessly balances rich creaminess with a delicate sweetness—perfect for any occasion.
Imagine serving a slice at your next gathering, the smooth frosting inviting your friends to dig in, or savoring it alone with a steaming cup of coffee. The joy of creating this delightful cake is not just in the taste; it’s in the process of making something homemade, crafted with love. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy, allowing even novice bakers to impress friends and family without breaking a sweat.
Ready to bring a slice of happiness into your home? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is Cream Cheese Cake a Must-Try?
Decadent, Creamy Delight: This Cream Cheese Cake is a rich, indulgent treat that’s perfectly balanced with sweetness. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it an unforgettable dessert experience.
Easy to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. It’s all about whipping up simple ingredients into something magical!
Versatile Flavor Pairings: Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cake pairs beautifully with fruits, coffee, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Perfect for Sharing: Cut generous slices for friends or family. Trust me, it’s bound to become a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the cake in advance and frost it just before serving. The chilling time enhances the flavors, ensuring every slice is a refreshing delight!
Cream Cheese Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• 8 oz cream cheese – Soften for a smooth blend, creating a velvety texture.
• ¾ cup vegetable oil – Helps keep the cake moist and delicious.
• 2 cups granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and enhances the cake’s flavor.
• 3 large eggs – Provide structure and richness to the batter.
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Infuses the cake with delightful warmth.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of your cake, offering stability.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder – Ensures your cake rises to fluffy perfection.
• 1½ teaspoons salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1¼ cups buttermilk – Adds moisture and a tender crumb.
For the Frosting
• 8 oz cream cheese – Provides rich creaminess, perfect for frosting.
• 1 cup unsalted butter – Creamy base for your frosting, enhancing texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds extra flavor to your frosting mix.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness in the frosting.
• 4 – 5 cups powdered sugar – Adjust to achieve your desired frosting thickness.
Indulge in this Cream Cheese Cake that’s not only easy to make but incredibly rewarding!
How to Make Cream Cheese Cake
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Preheat the oven to 325°F. Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish ensures that your cake won’t stick, making for an easy removal later.
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Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Then, mix in the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until well combined. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Your batter will start to feel richer and more inviting!
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Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Aim for a smooth batter to achieve that perfect texture.
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Stir in the buttermilk until the batter is completely smooth. The buttermilk adds that moistness and delicious tang—just what you want in a cake!
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Pour the batter into the greased baking dish. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before going to the next step.
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For the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until you achieve a thick and spreadable consistency.
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Frost the cooled cake generously with the cream cheese frosting. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time enhances the flavors, making each bite even more delightful!
Optional: Top with fresh berries for an added burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Cake?
This delightful cake pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and beverages that will elevate your dessert experience.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries enhances the creaminess of the cake, bringing a refreshing contrast. They add vibrant color and a burst of flavor on each bite!
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds lightness and a touch of sweetness that complements the rich cream cheese frosting perfectly. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints.
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee harmonizes beautifully with dessert, its rich, bold flavors balancing the sweet creaminess of the cake. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a cozy evening treat!
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cake adds an indulgent layer, merging the flavors of chocolate and cream cheese into a decadent delight. Who could resist that?
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold ice cream serves as an ideal pairing, providing an enticing contrast in temperature and texture. It’s like a hug for your taste buds!
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds a sweet depth to the cake, enhancing its flavors with a buttery warmth. Perfect for those who love a sweet surprise!
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Fruit Compote: A homemade fruit compote adds a tangy note and a touch of sweetness, elevating each slice to new heights with its luscious, syrupy goodness.
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Sparkling Water: For a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, sparkling water with a splash of lemon complements the sweet richness of the cake, cleansing the palate beautifully.
Pairing these delightful extras with your Cream Cheese Cake transforms a simple dessert into an extraordinary treat for any occasion!
How to Store and Freeze Cream Cheese Cake
Room Temperature: Store leftover cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Fridge: For longer storage, refrigerate the Cream Cheese Cake for up to 1 week. Make sure it’s well-wrapped or in a sealed container so it doesn’t absorb any odors.
Freezer: Freeze individual slices or the entire cake for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag for easy access.
Reheating: To enjoy slices after freezing, thaw overnight in the fridge. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for a cozy treat.
Make Ahead Options
These Cream Cheese Cake options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you’re ready, and it will taste just as delicious as if you made it the same day. Additionally, the cake itself can be baked and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before frosting. Just ensure it’s completely cooled and wrapped tightly to maintain its moisture. When it’s time to serve, beat the frosting and apply it to the cake for that fresh, creamy finish that will impress everyone at the table!
Expert Tips for Cream Cheese Cake
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Use Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth batter and even texture. Cold cream cheese can cause lumps.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing leads to a dense cake instead of the light and fluffy result you desire in your Cream Cheese Cake.
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Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready! This ensures that it doesn’t overbake.
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Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the frosting to set and flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.
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Adjust Frosting Thickness: Feel free to adjust the powdered sugar in your frosting to achieve your preferred thickness. A thicker frosting holds better on the cake while being perfectly spreadable.
Cream Cheese Cake Variations
Dive into the world of delightful twists and personal touches! Customizing your cake will make every slice uniquely yours.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious alternative everyone can enjoy. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly.
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Add Citrus: Zest a lemon or orange into the batter for a bright, fresh note that brightens the whole cake. The citrus aroma will invigorate your senses with each bite!
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Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Fold in chocolate chips or cocoa powder for an indulgent chocolate version. The cocoa adds a rich depth, making it a true treat for chocoholics!
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the cake. Each bite will have a surprise element that celebrates wholesome goodness.
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Fruit Fusion: Incorporate fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries into the batter. Their sweet bursts will create a lovely harmony with the rich creaminess of the cake.
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Spiced Up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall gatherings. Just a dash can create a wonderful aromatic experience.
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Caramel Drizzle: Top your frosted cake with a homemade caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence. The contrast of sweet creaminess and buttery caramel will make this cake utterly irresistible!
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Dairy-Free: Replace cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives, such as coconut cream and vegan margarine, for a deliciously creamy yet dairy-free delight. Your friends won’t believe it’s dairy-free!
Cream Cheese Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of cream cheese should I use?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using full-fat cream cheese, as it lends a richer flavor and creamier texture to your Cream Cheese Cake. Look for blocks of cream cheese rather than spreads, as they provide more stability in the batter and frosting.
How should I store leftover cream cheese cake?
You can store leftover cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, but for extended freshness, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure it’s covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any other flavors from the fridge.
Can I freeze cream cheese cake?
Definitely! You can freeze individual slices or the entire cake for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or warm up slightly in the microwave for a comforting treat.
What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
If your cake sinks, it might be due to overmixing or improper measuring of ingredients. To prevent this, be sure to measure your flour accurately, and mix the batter just until combined. Ensure your oven is preheated and the temperature is accurate—an oven thermometer can be a great tool for this!
Is this recipe safe for people with dairy allergies?
Unfortunately, this Cream Cheese Cake contains dairy ingredients like cream cheese and butter, which may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies. However, you could explore using non-dairy cream cheese alternatives and dairy-free buttermilk substitutions (like almond or coconut milk mixed with vinegar) to make a version for those with such dietary restrictions. Always check labels for any potential allergens!
Deliciously Creamy Cream Cheese Cake Recipe to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl and gradually mix into the wet mixture.
- Stir in the buttermilk until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the greased baking dish. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar.
- Frost the cooled cake generously with the cream cheese frosting and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
