cream cheese cake

1. Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper, to ensure your cake doesn’t stick.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.

In a separate, larger mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg, and mix until everything is well combined. If you’re using sour cream, add it now for extra richness and tang.

4. Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Next, carefully spoon the cream cheese filling over the top of the cake batter. You can use a spatula to smooth the filling, but it’s okay if it doesn’t cover the entire surface. The filling will naturally spread out as the cake bakes.

5. Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cream cheese filling should set and become slightly golden at the edges.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s fully cooled, you can top the cake with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra decoration.

7. Enjoy!

Slice your cream cheese cake and enjoy! This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, or even as a special treat after a hearty meal.

Tips and Variations

• Flavor Variations: You can add zest of lemon, orange, or lime to the batter or cream cheese filling for a citrusy twist. For a richer flavor, try incorporating a teaspoon of almond or hazelnut extract.
• Toppings: Fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries make a beautiful and flavorful topping. If you want to add some extra texture, try sprinkling chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) on top.
• Make it Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, simply swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Add Chocolate: For a chocolate version, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cake batter and swirl some melted chocolate into the cream cheese filling for an added touch of indulgence.

Conclusion

This cream cheese cake is an easy-to-make, yet indulgent dessert that’s sure to delight anyone who tries it. With its light, fluffy cake base and creamy, tangy cream cheese filling, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s versatile—whether you prefer it plain or topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream, it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth every time.

So, the next time you want to bake something that’s a little different from your usual cake, try this cream cheese cake recipe. It’s simple, but oh-so-delicious, and bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!