Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Creamiest Dream Cheesecake Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Whipping up a delectable cream cheese cake brings pure joy to any kitchen adventurer.

Soft, pillowy textures melt across your palate with each incredible bite.

Creamy layers promise decadent moments of pure bliss.

Sweet indulgence awaits those who dare to mix, blend, and bake.

Professional bakers and home cooks find magic in this simple yet elegant dessert.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and celebration.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible treat.

Cream Cheese Cake FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for this cream cheese cake?

The main ingredients include cream cheese, flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and butter. These create a rich, creamy texture and delightful flavor.

  • Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, full-fat cream cheese provides the best taste and most luxurious texture for the cake. Low-fat versions might result in a less rich dessert.

  • How do I know when the cream cheese cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The top should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.

  • Is this cake suitable for beginners?

Yes, this cream cheese cake recipe is relatively straightforward. Follow the steps carefully, measure ingredients precisely, and mix thoroughly. Even novice bakers can successfully create a delicious dessert.

Why Cream Cheese Cake Stands Out

  • This cream cheese cake comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • A classic dessert that brings smiles to family gatherings, potlucks, and casual weekend treats with its rich, creamy texture.
  • Easily dress up this cake with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch that transforms it from everyday to special occasion.
  • Uses basic pantry staples you likely already have on hand, saving you a trip to the grocery store and making last-minute baking a breeze.

What You’ll Need to Make Cream Cheese Cake

Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic bottom layer that provides a delicious crunchy foundation for the creamy cake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crumbs and creates a rich, golden base.
Cake Mixture:
  • Cream Cheese: Soft, full-fat variety ensures a smooth and creamy texture for the classic cheesecake flavor.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a balanced, rich dessert.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cake mixture together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake.
Topping:
  • Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and creates a silky, smooth top layer.
  • Powdered Sugar: Helps sweeten and stabilize the topping with a light, smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Complements the cream and adds a subtle aromatic flavor.

Baking Instructions for Cream Cheese Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Choose a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan. Thoroughly grease the pan and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine in a medium bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Sift these ingredients together to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar

Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese

Incorporate softened cream cheese into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until completely smooth with no visible cream cheese chunks.

Step 5: Blend Wet Ingredients

Add to the mixture:
  • Eggs (one at a time)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sour cream

Mix thoroughly after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even incorporation.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently to maintain the cake’s airiness and prevent overmixing.

Step 7: Pour and Smooth Batter

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly and tap the pan gently to release any air bubbles.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or add your favorite frosting before serving.

Tips to Keep Cream Cheese Cake Rich and Fluffy

  • Prep Pan Perfectly: Use parchment paper after greasing to ensure easy cake removal and flawless presentation.
  • Soften Cream Cheese Strategically: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve smooth, lump-free mixing.
  • Blend Batter Gently: Mix ingredients at low speed to prevent over-beating, which can cause cracks in the final cake texture.
  • Prevent Baking Disasters: Place a water bath underneath the cake pan to create consistent, moist heat and prevent surface burning.
  • Cool Carefully: Allow cake to cool completely in the pan before removing to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling.

How to Store and Serve Cream Cheese Cake

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Let cake cool completely before storing to maintain its soft texture and prevent condensation inside the container.
  • Place parchment paper between cake slices to prevent sticking and preserve individual piece quality.
  • Wrap individual slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a delicious treat is always ready.

Pairings That Work with Cream Cheese Cake

  • Select a light, vibrant red wine like Pinot Noir that complements the creamy cheesecake's richness without overpowering its delicate flavor.
  • Top the cheesecake with a homemade mixed berry sauce featuring strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries to add a tangy, sweet contrast to the rich cream cheese base.
  • The strong, bold coffee cuts through the cake's creamy texture, creating a perfect balance between the dessert's sweetness and the coffee's robust intensity.
  • Drizzle warm, golden caramel sauce over each slice to introduce a luxurious depth that elevates the cheesecake's smooth, velvety profile.

Flavor Ideas for Cream Cheese Cake Lovers

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure graham cracker crust uses gluten-free graham crackers for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining cake's creamy texture and flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese made from almonds or coconut, and replace butter with coconut oil to create a lactose-free version suitable for those with dairy restrictions.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap traditional sugar with erythritol, use almond flour instead of graham crackers, and incorporate additional cream cheese to increase fat content for ketogenic diet followers.
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Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Cream Cheese Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent cream cheese cake weaves magic from simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert that whispers comfort. Silky smooth layers melt perfectly, promising pure satisfaction with each heavenly bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Dairy Components:

  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk

Garnish and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 325F (165C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heat distribution.
  2. Thoroughly coat a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan with butter, then dust with flour, tapping out any excess to prevent sticking.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese until smooth and creamy, eliminating any potential lumps for a silky texture.
  4. Gradually incorporate sugar into the cream cheese, mixing consistently until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, fully integrating each before introducing the next, which helps maintain a uniform batter consistency.
  6. Pour in vanilla extract and mix gently, allowing the flavor to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
  7. Sift flour and salt together, then carefully fold into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
  8. Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and tap the pan gently to release any trapped air bubbles.
  9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before inverting onto a serving plate.
  11. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh berries before serving for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for at least an hour to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, most decadent texture and flavor in your cake.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing of the cake.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense, tough cake texture; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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