Light, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious, this cream cheese cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. The subtle tang of cream cheese, combined with a velvety frosting, creates a treat that’s both indulgent and elegant.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Balanced Flavor: A perfect harmony of creaminess and light sweetness.
- Soft Texture: Moist and airy, it melts in your mouth.
- Versatile: Great on its own or with added toppings like fruit or nuts.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk, at room temperature
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (for desired consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cake
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan, or line with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Cream Cheese
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, and cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Milk
- Gradually add the dry mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Bake
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla
- Gradually beat in powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract and thin the icing with milk to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Frost the Cake
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the icing evenly over the top.
