Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist: The cream cheese in the batter keeps the cake soft and rich.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, making it easy to whip up.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with a glaze, or topped with fruit and whipped cream.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a dessert or even a sweet breakfast treat.
- Easy to Make: A straightforward recipe with minimal prep work.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, vegetable oil, and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve as is or with your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Variations
- Lemon Cream Cheese Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Swirl Cake: Mix in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder or swirl in melted chocolate before baking.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Glazed Version: Drizzle a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze over the top for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days for freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of melted butter for a richer flavor.
What size cake pan should I use?
An 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan works best for this recipe.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor.
How do I prevent my cake from being too dense?
Make sure to beat the cream cheese and sugar well and avoid overmixing the flour.
Can I add a frosting to this cake?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze pairs well with this cake.
What can I use instead of granulated sugar?
You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
It’s delicious on its own, but you can serve it with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Yes! Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture and rich flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether served plain or with a topping, it’s a treat that everyone will love. Enjoy!
Print
Cream Cheese Cake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cream Cheese Cake is rich, moist, and incredibly flavorful, thanks to the addition of cream cheese. It has a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh fruit for a delightful dessert or sweet breakfast option.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, vegetable oil, and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Lemon Variation: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Swirl: Mix in ¼ cup cocoa powder or swirl in melted chocolate before baking.
- Nutty Version: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Glazed Option: Drizzle with a vanilla or cream cheese glaze for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
