Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

The Fluffiest Cream Cheese Cake Recipe: Sweet Slice of Heaven

Decadent and silky, this cream cheese cake recipe promises pure indulgence with every creamy bite.

Bakers adore this classic dessert that melts in your mouth like a sweet dream.

The secret lies in perfectly blended ingredients that create a luxurious texture.

Rich cream cheese forms the heart of this irresistible treat, delivering a velvety smoothness that tantalizes taste buds.

Each slice offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Smooth and elegant, this cake turns any ordinary moment into a celebration of flavor.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable crumb.

Cream Cheese Cake That Always Delivers Comfort

  • Customize Chocolate Delight: Create a versatile dessert topping that transforms any sweet treat with rich, decadent chocolate flavor.
  • Master Texture Control: Easily adjust the whipped cream's consistency from soft, gentle peaks to firm, structured peaks perfect for different dessert applications.
  • Quick Chocolate Magic: Prepare a luxurious chocolate cream in minutes with simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it ideal for spontaneous dessert upgrades.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Enhancer: Elevate cakes, pies, cupcakes, and pastries with a homemade chocolate cream that impresses family and guests alike.

Ingredients For a Rich Cream Cheese Cake

Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth and rich dairy product that forms the foundation of this cake.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a tender texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cake.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the cake's structure and provides substance.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Optional Additions and Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk or Cream: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for topping the cake.
  • Chopped Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Fresh or Frozen Berries: Optional mix-ins that add extra flavor and texture.

Cream Cheese Cake Instructions Step-By-Step

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch springform pan and give it a quick spray or butter coating, then dust with a light layer of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Smooth Out the Cream Cheese

Grab a big mixing bowl and start whipping the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth. Slowly sprinkle in the sugar while continuing to beat until everything blends into a creamy dream.

Step 3: Introduce Eggs and Vanilla

Crack eggs into the mixture one by one, beating thoroughly after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and give it a gentle stir to distribute the flavor evenly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Make sure these dry ingredients are well mixed and free of any lumps.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the cream cheese base.

Use a gentle touch to combine – you want everything just mixed without overworking the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared springform pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Rest

Let the cake cool completely inside the pan, sitting on a wire rack. This helps it set and makes removing the pan sides easier.

Step 8: Optional Glaze Magic

Whisk together powdered sugar and milk or cream until you’ve got a smooth, drizzle-worthy glaze. Once the cake is totally cool, pour that sweet goodness over the top.

Pro Tips:
  • Full-fat cream cheese delivers maximum creaminess
  • Toss in extras like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or berries for a flavor explosion
  • For a no-bake version, chill in the refrigerator for 4+ hours until set

Bonus Hack: Want to mix things up? Experiment with different mix-ins or try a chocolate variation by adding cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.

Notes to Remember for Cream Cheese Cake Success

  • Select room-temperature, full-fat cream cheese for maximum smoothness and rich flavor.
  • Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain cake's light, tender texture and avoid dense results.
  • Check cake doneness by inserting wooden skewer – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs for ideal consistency.
  • Experiment with mix-ins like toasted nuts, dark chocolate chips, or seasonal berries to create exciting variations.
  • When short on time, try no-bake option by refrigerating cake for minimum 4 hours to achieve delightful, creamy texture.

Fun Ways to Mix Up Cream Cheese Cake

  • Citrus Zest Cream Cheese Cake: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, tangy flavor profile that enhances the creamy base.
  • Chocolate Marble Cream Cheese Cake: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the batter before baking, creating a beautiful marbled effect and rich chocolate undertones.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute traditional sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetes-friendly and lower-calorie dessert option.

Sips and Bites to Enjoy With Cream Cheese Cake

  • Sip Complementary Coffee Pairings: Match the creamy cake with a bold espresso or smooth cappuccino to enhance the dessert's rich, velvety texture and balance its sweetness.
  • Harmonize with Dessert Wines: Select a sweet Moscato or late-harvest Riesling that provides a delicate counterpoint to the cake's dense cream cheese profile, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Create Berry Contrast: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a tangy, bright note that cuts through the cake's richness and introduces a refreshing palate cleanser.
  • Elevate with Sparkling Companions: Pair with a light prosecco or champagne to introduce effervescence that lifts the cake's creamy density and adds a celebratory touch to the dessert.

Best Tips for Cream Cheese Cake Storage

  • Store the cream cheese cake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut the cake into individual portions before storing to make reheating and serving easier.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power, or let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

FAQs

  • Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, the cake might not be as rich and creamy. Full-fat cream cheese provides better texture and flavor.

  • How do I prevent my cream cheese cake from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the batter and bake the cake in a water bath. Also, let the cake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes.

  • What are some common mistakes to avoid when making cream cheese cake?

Don’t overmix the batter, ensure cream cheese is at room temperature, and avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking. These steps help maintain the cake’s smooth texture and prevent cracking.

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Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Cream Cheese Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy, dreamy cream cheese cake whispers indulgence with each silky slice. Delightful layers of richness promise sweet comfort that draws friends and family together for memorable moments.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Dairy and Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and meticulously coat a 9-inch springform pan with grease and flour to ensure smooth cake release.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until achieving a silky, uniform consistency using an electric mixer.
  3. Gradually incorporate sugar into the cream cheese, continuously beating until the mixture becomes completely homogeneous and velvety.
  4. Introduce eggs individually into the mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
  5. Gently fold in vanilla extract, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
  6. In a separate bowl, delicately sift together flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate potential lumps.
  7. Merge dry ingredients into the cream cheese mixture with gentle, minimal stirring to prevent overmixing, which could compromise the cake’s delicate structure.
  8. Transfer the batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a wooden skewer emerges clean when inserted into the center, indicating perfect doneness.
  10. Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan atop a wire rack, permitting it to set and stabilize.
  11. For an optional luxurious finish, whisk powdered sugar with milk or cream until achieving a silky, pourable glaze.
  12. Elegantly drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, creating an enticing visual and flavor enhancement.
  13. For maximum indulgence, consider incorporating chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh berries into the batter before baking.
  14. Alternatively, transform this into a no-bake dessert by chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours until perfectly set.

Notes

  • Opt for room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and a silky texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense, tough cake by incorporating too much air and developing gluten.
  • Enhance flavor profiles by adding zest from lemons, oranges, or using different extracts like almond or coconut for unique variations.
  • Accommodate dietary needs by substituting gluten-free flour, using low-fat cream cheese, or creating a vegan version with plant-based alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 323 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 164 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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