Cream Cheese Cake
Cream Cheese Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, creamy taste of cream cheese with a light and fluffy cake texture. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to casual family gatherings. If you love the smoothness of cream cheese and want a cake that stands out, this recipe is for you!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Cream Cheese Cake. Firstly, it’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Secondly, the cake is versatile; you can enjoy it plain or dress it up with a glaze. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Your family and friends are sure to love its unique flavor and moist texture.
How to Make Cream Cheese Cake
Making Cream Cheese Cake is straightforward and fun. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious cake ready to enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until fully combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix.
- 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.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before removing the sides of the pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk or cream until smooth for the glaze (if using).
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake (if using).
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cake
You can serve Cream Cheese Cake plain or topped with a sweet glaze for added flavor. Slice it into wedges and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. It also goes well with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a more festive touch.
How to Store Cream Cheese Cake
To keep your Cream Cheese Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you need to store it for even longer, consider freezing slices of the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Tips to Make Cream Cheese Cake
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to mix smoothly.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding lemon zest or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Experiment with different glazes or toppings to match your taste.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, try adding different flavors like almond extract instead of vanilla or mixing in some berries for a fruity twist. You can also make mini cream cheese cakes using muffin tins for individual servings.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
A sinking cake could be due to overmixing the batter or not baking it long enough. Make sure to check for doneness with a skewer.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add any glaze right before serving for the best results.