Introduction:
A Cream Cheese Cake is a rich, velvety dessert that combines the smooth, tangy flavor of cream cheese with a light, airy cake texture.
Whether enjoyed as a simple treat or as the centerpiece of a celebration, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds with every bite.
Its luxurious cream cheese filling is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, complemented by a soft and moist cake base.
Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
½ cup milk
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
2 cups cream cheese (room temperature)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or springform pan.
Prepare the cake batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy and light in texture, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth, being careful not to overmix.
Prepare the cream cheese filling:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
If you prefer a thicker filling, add the 2 tablespoons of flour and mix until smooth.
Assemble the cake:
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Gently spoon the cream cheese filling on top of the cake batter. Do not stir; let it sit on top.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake (not the cream cheese filling) comes out clean. The top should be slightly golden.
Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Description:
The Cream Cheese Cake is a decadent dessert that marries the flavors of a traditional cake with the richness of cream cheese.
The smooth cream cheese filling rests on top of a soft, moist cake base, creating a delightful texture contrast. As it bakes, the filling slightly sinks into the cake, creating a marbled effect that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
Perfect for afternoon tea, birthday celebrations, or whenever you’re craving something sweet yet sophisticated.
Tips:
Room Temperature Ingredients:
Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before using them. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter and filling.
Check Doneness:
The center of the cake might appear slightly jiggly due to the cream cheese filling. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into the cake portion (not the filling). If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Chill for Best Flavor:
Let the cake cool completely, and even refrigerate it for a few hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
Storage: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered to maintain freshness.
Variations:
Fruit Topping:
Add fresh berries or fruit preserves on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cake: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the cake batter for a chocolatey twist.
Citrus Zest:
Add lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrusy punch.
Gluten-Free:
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of the cake.
Corrections:
If you accidentally overmix the cake batter, it may result in a dense texture. To avoid this, mix the ingredients until just combined.
If the cream cheese filling becomes too runny, consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour to thicken it, but don’t overdo it, as too much flour can alter the texture.
Enjoy:
Indulge in a slice of this rich, creamy dessert with a cup of coffee or tea, and savor the balanced flavors and textures that make this cake a crowd-pleaser!