If you’re looking for a sweet and creamy dessert that will impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen, then this Cream Cheese Cake is the perfect recipe for you! With its rich and smooth texture, this cake is a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of cream cheese with a light, fluffy cake base. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet bite, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. Plus, it’s one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style—just like a classic cheesecake but with a unique twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why you should try this Cream Cheese Cake today:
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen! It’s an easy-to-make recipe that doesn’t require anything fancy.
- Quick and Easy: With just a 15-minute prep time and a 30-minute bake, you’ll have a delicious dessert in under an hour.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The cream cheese adds a luscious richness that makes this cake extra special. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, birthday, or just a Sunday treat, this cake fits every occasion.
- Flexible Recipe: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit dietary preferences, like making it dairy-free or gluten-free.
Ingredients Needed
For the perfect Cream Cheese Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Ingredient Alternatives:
- Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy cream cheese and substitute the milk with almond or oat milk.
- Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Cream Cheese Cake is a breeze! Follow these easy steps:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream the Cheese and Oil: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and vegetable oil until smooth and fluffy. This will help create the light texture of the cake.
- Add Sugar: Gradually mix in the sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes light and airy. This process is key to getting the cake’s soft and tender crumb.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully combined before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a delightful, aromatic flavor.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; don’t overbeat!
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- For a Smooth Texture: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before you start mixing. This will help prevent lumps in your batter.
- Add a Topping: While this cake is delicious on its own, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest for a fresh citrusy twist. Or, fold in some chocolate chips or crushed nuts to add texture and flavor.
- Make it a Cheesecake Hybrid: For a cheesecake-style flavor, add a layer of creamy cheesecake filling on top before baking, or drizzle with fruit preserves once baked.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storage: Store your Cream Cheese Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 1 week.
- Reheat: You can enjoy this cake cold, or gently reheat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore its soft texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.
2. Can I freeze this cake? Yes! You can freeze slices of the cake for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag.
3. Can I substitute the cream cheese for something else? If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, non-dairy cream cheese works great as a substitute. You can also use mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor.
4. Can I add fruit to this cake? Absolutely! Fresh or frozen berries, like raspberries or blueberries, can add a burst of flavor and color.
There you have it—your go-to Cream Cheese Cake recipe! This dessert is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake’s creamy texture and rich flavor will not disappoint. Give it a try and share your thoughts in the comments below, or tag us on social media with your baked creation! Don’t forget to follow for more easy and delicious recipes like this one.
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Cream Cheese Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cream Cheese Cake is the perfect blend of rich, tangy cream cheese and a light, fluffy cake. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s great for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. Its simplicity and delectable flavor will have your guests coming back for more. Whether you serve it as-is or with whipped cream or fresh fruit, this cake is a sure winner!
Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup milk
Ingredient Alternatives:
-
Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy cream cheese and almond or oat milk.
-
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
-
Low-Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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Mix the cream cheese and oil: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and vegetable oil until smooth and creamy.
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Add sugar: Gradually add the sugar to the cream cheese mixture and continue to beat until it becomes light and fluffy.
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Incorporate the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully combined before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
-
Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the cream cheese mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
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Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
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For a smoother texture: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
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Flavor Additions: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest, orange zest, or even chocolate chips for extra flavor.
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Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of the cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cream Cheese, Cake Dessert, Baking, Easy Recipe