Cream Cheese Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cream Cheese Cake is the perfect balance of sweet and creamy. The cream cheese adds richness and depth to the cake, making it moist and flavorful without being too heavy. The texture is light and airy, while the optional glaze adds a touch of sweetness and elegance. It’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with fresh fruit or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

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
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be lightly golden on top.
7. Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze (Optional):

1. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or cream) until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
2. Glaze the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for an elegant finish.

Serve:

1. Slice and enjoy: Slice the cake into wedges and serve. This cake is delicious on its own or can be paired with fresh fruit or whipped cream for extra flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Total time: 45-50 minutes (including cooling and glazing time)

Variations

• Fruit toppings: Add fresh berries, sliced strawberries, or a fruit compote on top for added sweetness and freshness.
• Flavored glaze: For a different twist, add a bit of lemon juice or almond extract to the glaze for a unique flavor profile.
• Chocolate chips: Fold in some chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey addition to the cake.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer the cake warm.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly different, and the cake might be a bit less rich.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. Add the glaze just before serving to keep it fresh.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, sunflower oil, or any mild-flavored oil of your choice.

Can I use a different size cake pan?

Yes, you can adjust the baking time if you’re using a different pan size. If using a larger pan, the cake may bake faster, while a smaller pan may require a bit more time.

How can I make this cake more flavorful?

You can add lemon zest, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the batter for added flavor, or use flavored extracts like almond or coconut.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Cake is a light, tender dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, it’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own or customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you top it with the optional glaze or add fresh fruit, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings!

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