Homemade Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Dreamy Homemade Cream Cheese Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Crafting a delectable cream cheese cake brings pure joy to home bakers seeking decadent dessert perfection.

This creamy sensation promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that awakens every sweet craving.

Smooth textures and rich flavors combine in a magical culinary creation that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple.

Professional pastry techniques meet casual kitchen creativity in this delightful recipe.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and celebration, whisking you into a world of delectable memories.

Gentle mixing and careful baking unlock the secrets of a truly remarkable dessert.

You’ll want to gather your ingredients and embark on this delicious adventure right now.

Homemade Cream Cheese Cake That’s Rich and Classic

  • This cream cheese cake recipe is a baking dream come true.
  • With just a few simple steps, you'll create a stunning dessert that looks and tastes professionally crafted.
  • The recipe requires less than an hour from start to finish, making it perfect for busy home bakers who want a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Its straightforward ingredients and simple technique mean everyone from novice bakers to seasoned pros can successfully create this mouthwatering cake that will impress family and friends.

Ingredients for This Smooth, Dense Cheesecake

Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth and rich base that provides creamy texture and tangy flavor to the cake.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb with golden brown surface.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness to the cake.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient that creates cake's structure and provides soft texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and creates light, airy consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Flavor and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor that complements cream cheese perfectly.
  • Sour Cream, Buttermilk: Adds moisture and creates tender, soft cake texture with slight tanginess.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a moist, soft crumb.

How to Bake Cream Cheese Cake Without Cracks

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Pan

Warm your oven to 325°F (160°C). Thoroughly coat a 10-inch Bundt pan with butter and dust with flour, or line a loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine in a medium bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This process should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Add softened cream cheese to the butter mixture. Beat until smooth and fully integrated, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 5: Add Eggs And Vanilla

Introduce eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend until the mixture looks silky and consistent.

Step 6: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix which can make the cake tough.

Step 7: Pour And Smooth Batter

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and tap the pan gently to release any air bubbles.

Step 8: Bake The Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool And Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Carefully turn out onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Helpful Tips for That Silky Finish

  • Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free batter and easy blending.
  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, most luxurious texture and flavor in your cake.
  • Prevent Cake Cracking: Avoid overmixing the batter and bake in a water bath to create a moist, crack-free cake with a silky smooth surface.
  • Master the Gentle Bake: Lower oven temperature helps the cake cook evenly, preventing dry edges and ensuring a creamy, tender center.
  • Cool Strategically: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing to maintain its delicate structure and prevent falling apart.

How to Store Cheesecake and Keep It Firm

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Move frozen cake to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to defrost gradually and maintain its delicate texture.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best taste and softness.

What Goes Well with Cream Cheese-Based Cakes

  • Pair this creamy cake with a chilled raspberry or strawberry compote, adding a tangy burst that complements the rich cream cheese flavor.
  • Enjoy a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a smooth cappuccino alongside the cake, balancing its creamy texture with warm, aromatic notes.
  • Select a light, sweet white wine like Moscato or Riesling to create a delightful dessert experience that highlights the cake's subtle sweetness.
  • Top the cake with fresh mint leaves or toasted almond slivers to add a refreshing crunch and elevate the overall presentation and taste.

Cheesecake Twists to Add More Flavor

  • Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Cake: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's rich texture.
  • Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative: Swap dairy cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew-based cream cheese and use egg replacer to develop a plant-based rendition that satisfies vegan dietary needs.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the cake's classic creamy flavor profile.
  • Lemon Zest Infusion: Add fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to introduce a bright, citrusy note that enhances the cream cheese cake's traditional taste.
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Homemade Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Homemade Cream Cheese Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky cream cheese cake brings Mediterranean dessert magic to your kitchen with minimal effort. Creamy layers melt on your palate, promising pure indulgence that transports you to sweet culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 ½ cups (500 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients (Optional):

  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk or cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 325F (160C) and readying a 10-inch Bundt pan with a light butter coating and flour dusting, or alternatively, line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the cream cheese with sugar, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency without any lumps.
  3. Incorporate eggs into the cream cheese mixture one at a time, gently folding each egg to maintain a silky texture and prevent overmixing.
  4. Carefully add vanilla extract and sour cream to the batter, stirring with gentle circular motions to create a harmonious and well-integrated base.
  5. Gradually fold in flour and salt, mixing with delicate strokes until the ingredients are just combined, avoiding excessive stirring that could create a dense texture.
  6. Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and tap the pan gently to release any potential air bubbles.
  7. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the cake develops a golden surface and a subtle crack appears.
  8. Verify the cake’s doneness by inserting a thin skewer or toothpick into the center, which should emerge with minimal, if any, moist crumbs.
  9. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely within the pan, then carefully invert onto a serving plate for presentation.

Notes

  • Achieve the perfect texture by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, which helps create a smoother, more uniform batter.
  • Prevent cracking by avoiding overmixing the batter and baking the cake in a water bath to maintain even moisture and temperature.
  • Customize the flavor profile by adding lemon zest, vanilla bean, or swirling in fruit preserves for a personalized touch that elevates the classic cream cheese cake.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify over time.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 421
  • Sugar: 33 g
  • Sodium: 175 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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