Indulge in a delightful dessert that combines the smooth, rich texture of cream cheese with the soft, tender crumb of a homemade cake. This Cream Cheese Cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. The cream cheese base adds a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the light, airy cake. Whether you choose to glaze it or serve it plain, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
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
For the Glaze (optional):
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan to ensure that your cake doesn’t stick during baking.
Beat the Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This will provide the base for your cake’s luscious texture.
Add the Sugar:
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese and continue beating until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensures a fluffy texture.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to become dense.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden and firm to the touch.
Cool the Cake:
Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial to help the cake set and maintain its shape when you remove it from the pan.
Make the Glaze (Optional):
If you want to add a little sweetness and shine, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk or cream in a small bowl. The glaze should be smooth and pourable.
Glaze the Cake (Optional):
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finishing touch. You can also serve it without the glaze if you prefer a more subtle flavor.
Tips & Variations:
For a Richer Flavor:
Use full-fat cream cheese for an even creamier, richer texture. This will give the cake a more indulgent mouthfeel.
Add-Ins:
For added flavor and texture, mix in your favorite additions. Try 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, or 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries.
No-Bake Option:
If you prefer not to bake the cake, you can make a no-bake version by omitting the baking step. Instead, refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or until it sets completely. This will give the cake a creamy, cheesecake-like texture without using the oven.
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving):
Calories: 290 kcal
Servings: 8
Conclusion:
This Cream Cheese Cake is a simple yet decadent dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth. With its rich, creamy texture and light cake crumb, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you add a glaze or enjoy it as-is, this cake is versatile and always a hit. You can also customize it with various add-ins like berries, chocolate chips, or nuts to make it your own. Enjoy this indulgent dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests!