Cream Cheese Cake

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Moist, rich, and packed with creamy goodness, this Cream Cheese Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. The velvety batter, made with cream cheese and sour cream, bakes into a soft, flavorful cake that’s topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Simple to make and impossible to resist, it’s the ideal treat for birthdays, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Ultra-moist texture from sour cream and cream cheese

• Velvety homemade frosting that rivals any bakery

• Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or casual baking days

• Uses common pantry ingredients with premium results

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour (2 cups) – Forms the structure of the cake, giving it a soft yet stable crumb.

• Granulated sugar (1½ cups) – Adds sweetness and moisture to balance the tangy cream cheese.

• Baking powder (1½ tsp) & Baking soda (½ tsp) – Help the cake rise evenly and achieve a light, fluffy texture.

• Salt (¼ tsp) – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

• Eggs (2, room temperature) – Bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s richness.

• Vegetable oil (¾ cup) – Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.

• Sour cream (1 cup) – Adds moisture, richness, and a slight tang for depth of flavor.

• Vanilla extract (2 tsp) – Boosts the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.

• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened) – Blends into the batter for a smooth, creamy texture and added flavor.

For the Frosting:

• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened) – The star of the frosting, offering a tangy, creamy base.

• Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, softened) – Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.

• Powdered sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens the frosting and creates a soft, spreadable texture.

• Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the flavor with a hint of warmth.

• Milk (1 tbsp, or as needed) – Adjusts the consistency of the frosting to make it perfect for spreading.

Tips and Tricks:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temp for a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can cause a dense cake texture.

• Frosting Too Thick? Add milk 1 tsp at a time to reach the desired consistency.

Variations and Customizations:

• Lemon Zest: Add zest for a citrusy twist.

• Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for added richness.

• Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting for crunch.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Beverages: Serve with hot coffee, chai tea, or a vanilla latte.

• Toppings: Fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel, or crushed graham crackers.

• Occasions: Ideal for birthdays, bridal showers, church potlucks, or after-dinner dessert.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

• Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and frost the next day for best results.

Popular Questions:

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can, but full-fat cream cheese delivers a better texture and flavor.

Can I make this as cupcakes?

Yes! Pour batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

How do I know the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! It adds similar moisture and tang.

Cream Cheese Cake

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Ultra-moist, rich, and tangy-sweet, this velvety cake is loaded with cream cheese and sour cream, then topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion—irresistibly decadent!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ¾ cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon milk (or as needed)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 ½ cups sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, beat together:

• 2 eggs

• ¾ cup oil

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 8 oz softened cream cheese

Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Blend and Bake:

• Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients.

• Stir until just combined (do not overmix).

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

• Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

5. Cool:

Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Beat 4 oz softened cream cheese and 4 tbsp butter until smooth.

• Gradually mix in 2 cups powdered sugar.

• Add 1 tsp vanilla and 1 tbsp milk (adjust consistency as needed).

• Spread evenly over the cooled cake

Notes

For a festive twist, top with fruit preserves or swirl into the batter before baking

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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