If you’re looking for a dessert that combines creamy richness with a tender crumb and requires minimal fuss, look no further than The Easiest Cream Cheese Cake Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of smooth cream cheese, buttery goodness, and just the right touch of sweetness that creates an irresistibly soft and comforting cake every single time. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just want a foolproof recipe to impress friends, this cake is a shining star on any dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in making The Easiest Cream Cheese Cake Recipe an unforgettable delight. From the cream cheese that gives it its signature tang to the cake flour that results in a beautifully soft texture, every component is essential.
- Cream cheese: softened for that perfect creamy base that adds moisture and tang.
- Sour cream: helps keep the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
- Butter: softened to creamy richness, contributing to the cake’s texture and flavor.
- Sugar: the sweetener that balances the tangy dairy ingredients perfectly.
- Eggs: large and fresh, they bind everything together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract: a splash for subtle warmth and depth.
- Cake flour: sifted for a light, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
How to Make The Easiest Cream Cheese Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This relatively low temperature helps the cake bake evenly without cracking or browning too quickly. Next, grease and flour a 9-inch round or bundt pan. This step is vital so your cake slides out perfectly smooth after baking.
Step 2: Cream the Key Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and sugar. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat them together for about 7 minutes until you achieve a silky, smooth mixture. This is the foundation of your cake’s creamy texture, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to your creamy mixture, beating well after each addition. This ensures they’re fully incorporated, creating a light batter that’s easy to work with. Once all eggs are in, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic note that makes the cake even more inviting.
Step 4: Add the Flour Gradually
Slowly mix in your cake flour, allowing it to blend fully without overmixing. This gradual incorporation prevents gluten from developing too much, keeping the cake wonderfully tender. Aim for a batter that’s thick but smooth.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cake will develop a gentle golden hue and firm up beautifully. Use a toothpick to check doneness — it should come out clean when the cake’s ready.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cake sit in the pan for 10 minutes to settle. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step guarantees a clean release and helps preserve the cake’s delicate texture. Once cool, slice it up and get ready to enjoy a delicious slice of homemade comfort.
How to Serve The Easiest Cream Cheese Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries instantly elevates this cake. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of homemade fruit compote or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully, playing off the cream cheese’s tang.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside a cup of rich coffee or a soothing tea for a perfect afternoon treat. If you want to transform it into a dessert, seasonal fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can make it feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try layering slices with whipped cream and berries to make mini cakes in glasses. Or cut the cake into small squares and serve them with espresso shots for a delightful party bite. The soft texture and creamy flavor open the door to so many fun presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since this cake is rich in cream cheese and sour cream, refrigeration helps maintain freshness and prevents spoilage, usually lasting up to 4-5 days perfectly.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the cake later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. The Easiest Cream Cheese Cake Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Because of its creamy nature, this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently heat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep that luscious texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour, but the cake might be slightly denser. To mimic cake flour, try removing two tablespoons of flour per cup and replacing it with cornstarch for a tender crumb.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese and butter?
Yes, softening these ingredients ensures they blend smoothly without lumps, resulting in a silky batter and tender cake.
Can I use less sugar in The Easiest Cream Cheese Cake Recipe?
While you can reduce sugar slightly, it plays a big role in balancing the tang of the cream cheese and sour cream, so don’t reduce too much or the cake might taste less balanced.
Why bake at a low temperature like 300°F?
Baking at 300°F allows the cake to cook evenly, preventing cracks and over-browning on the outside while the inside remains perfectly soft.
How can I tell when the cake is done without a toothpick?
The cake will have a golden color and slightly pull away from the edges of the pan. It will also feel firm when you gently press the top.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, once you try The Easiest Cream Cheese Cake Recipe, it might just become one of your all-time favorites. Its creamy, rich texture combined with a tender crumb makes it comfort food at its finest, without any complicated steps. So go ahead, give it a whirl—your taste buds will thank you for it!
Print
The Easiest Cream Cheese Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This is a rich and creamy cake that is surprisingly easy to make, featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and butter, resulting in a moist, dense texture with a delicate vanilla flavor. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting dessert, it requires minimal preparation but a longer baking time at a low temperature to achieve its signature soft crumb.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 sticks (2 cups) butter, softened
- 3 cups sugar
- 7 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups cake flour
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake does not stick during baking.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and sugar. Continue mixing until the blend is smooth and well combined, which will take about 7 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Then stir in the vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Flour: Slowly add the cake flour to the wet mixture, mixing gradually on low speed or by hand until just combined, ensuring no flour pockets remain.
- Fill Pan and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cake is ready when it is golden on the outside, firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix after adding the flour to maintain cake tenderness.
- Baking at a low temperature for a longer time helps achieve a dense, creamy texture without cracking.
- Use a toothpick test to check doneness instead of relying solely on baking time.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
