Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.
- Moist and Creamy Texture: The cream cheese adds richness and ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cake.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as is, add mix-ins like chocolate chips or berries, or top it with a glaze for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze (optional):
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until fully combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before removing the sides of the pan.
- Make the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk or cream until smooth.
- Glaze the Cake (Optional): Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- For a Richer Flavor: Use full-fat cream cheese for an even creamier texture.
- Add-Ins: Stir in 1 cup of chopped nuts, ½ cup of chocolate chips, or 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a fresh, zesty touch.
- No-Bake Option: Skip the baking step and chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer a warm cake, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of melted butter for a richer flavor.
2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes a binder like xanthan gum.
3. What can I serve with this cake?
It pairs well with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
4. Can I bake this cake in a different pan?
Yes, you can use an 8-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
5. How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
6. Can I add frosting instead of glaze?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or a light buttercream would work well.
7. Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
8. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
9. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor.
10. How do I get a perfectly smooth glaze?
Sift the powdered sugar before mixing it with the milk or cream to prevent lumps.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and versatility, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy it plain, glazed, or topped with your favorite add-ins, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking collection. Enjoy every creamy, moist bite!
Cream Cheese Cake
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cream Cheese Cake is a soft, moist, and incredibly simple dessert made with rich cream cheese and a hint of vanilla. Topped with a sweet glaze or served plain, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture will make it a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze (optional):
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and beat until combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and milk/cream until smooth.
- Glaze the Cake (Optional): Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese.
- Add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or berries can be added to the batter.
- For a citrus twist, add lemon or orange zest to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
