Velvety Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Dreamy Velvety Cream Cheese Cake Recipe That Melts Hearts

Sweet dreams come alive with this decadent cream cheese cake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Bakers seeking the ultimate creamy cream cheese cake delight will fall head over heels for this irresistible dessert.

Each silky slice delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that celebrates rich, smooth textures.

The combination of classic ingredients creates a luxurious treat that feels both comforting and elegant.

Perfectly balanced and wonderfully tender, this cake transforms simple moments into extraordinary memories.

Layers of creamy goodness await those ready to embark on a delightful baking adventure.

Prepare to savor every single blissful bite of this heavenly dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 8

Cream Cheese Cake Ingredient List

For Cake Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a buttery, crisp foundation that adds delightful texture and classic cheesecake character.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a golden, rich binding agent that helps crumbs hold together perfectly.
For Creamy Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers the signature smooth, tangy essence that defines this classic dessert.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the cream cheese's tanginess and adds gentle sweetness.
  • Large Eggs: Ensure rich, silky structure and help bind the cheesecake's delicate texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes subtle tang and incredible moisture to create a luxurious, velvety consistency.
For Topping Options:
  • Fresh Berries: Bright, juicy complement that cuts through the cake's richness.
  • Whipped Cream: Light, airy garnish that adds elegant finish and cool contrast.
  • Powdered Sugar: Delicate dusting that provides subtle sweetness and professional presentation.

Tools That Help Bake Cream Cheese Cake Just Right

  • 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan: Essential for baking the cake, ensuring a perfect shape and easy release.
  • Electric mixer: Crucial for blending cream cheese, sugar, and other ingredients smoothly and creating a creamy texture.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining ingredients and mixing the cake batter thoroughly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements to guarantee recipe success.
  • Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down bowl sides and fold ingredients evenly without overmixing.
  • Cooling rack: Allows cake to cool properly after baking, preventing soggy bottom and maintaining texture.
  • Parchment paper (optional): Can help prevent sticking and make cake removal easier.

Step-by-Step Cream Cheese Cake Recipe Guide

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven dial to a toasty 325°F, letting it heat up while you prepare your delicious creation.

  • Prepare the Baking Vessel

Lovingly coat your cake pan with a generous layer of butter, then dust it with a soft blanket of flour, ensuring your cake will glide out smoothly.

  • Blend the Magic Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together cream cheese, sugar, and eggs until they transform into a silky, dreamy mixture that promises pure deliciousness.

  • Introduce the Flour Power

Gently fold in flour, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, stirring with care to create a smooth, velvety batter that hints at the heavenly cake to come.

  • Pour and Settle

Gracefully pour the creamy mixture into your prepared pan, giving it a gentle tap to release any sneaky air bubbles.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden top and a slight jiggle in the center.

  • Cool and Celebrate

Once done, carefully remove the cake and let it cool completely. The anticipation will make the first bite even more magical.

Tips for Moist & Creamy Cream Cheese Cake

  • Silky Smooth Texture Secret: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and create a luxuriously creamy cake.
  • Moisture Magic: Add a small pan of water to the oven while baking to keep the cake extra moist and prevent cracking on the surface.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: This cake tastes even better the next day, so prepare it in advance for gatherings or special occasions.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Flavor Boosters: Experiment with mix-ins like lemon zest, vanilla bean, or a swirl of fruit preserves to personalize your cream cheese cake and make it uniquely yours.

Serving Cream Cheese Cake in Style

  • Delightful Dessert Companions: Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add a burst of color and tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the rich cream cheese cake.
  • Elegant Plating Suggestion: Dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with a mint leaf for a sophisticated presentation that elevates the dessert's visual appeal.
  • Tasty Topping Delight: Drizzle warm caramel sauce or chocolate ganache over each slice to create an indulgent extra layer of flavor that will make guests swoon with delight.
  • Beverage Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or a smooth earl grey tea to balance the cake's creamy texture and enhance the overall tasting experience.

How to Store a Cream Cheese Cake Perfectly

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store your cream cheese cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and delicious.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later with minimal effort.
  • Room Temperature Tips: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its soft, creamy texture and bring out the rich flavors.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the cake 1-2 days before your event and store it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for an even more delectable dessert experience.
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Velvety Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Velvety Cream Cheese Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Silky cream cheese cake emerges as a luxurious dessert from classic American baking traditions. Rich layers of smooth cream cheese and delicate crumb promise delightful indulgence for sweet enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml) milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325F (165C) with the rack positioned centrally for uniform heating, and meticulously prepare the cake pan by generously buttering and flouring to prevent adherence.
  2. Cream Cheese Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, transform cream cheese into a velvety smooth consistency, eliminating any potential lumps, then gradually integrate sugar until the mixture becomes airy and voluminous.
  3. Egg Integration: Methodically incorporate eggs, one at a time, ensuring complete blending after each addition to maintain a harmonious batter texture, then gently introduce vanilla extract for aromatic depth.
  4. Batter Refinement: Delicately sift flour and salt, then tenderly fold into the wet ingredients with minimal stirring to preserve the cake’s delicate crumb structure, transferring the silky batter into the prepared pan.
  5. Baking Process: Carefully position the pan in the preheated oven, baking for 50-60 minutes until the center sets firmly and a toothpick emerges pristine when inserted, signaling the cake’s perfect doneness.
  6. Cooling and Presentation: Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan before gracefully inverting onto a serving plate, optionally embellishing with a dusting of powdered sugar or an artistic arrangement of fresh berries for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Cream Cheese Softening: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free incorporation and easier blending.
  • Gentle Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter, which can cause the cake to become dense and tough; mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender, light texture.
  • Moisture Prevention: Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack while baking to create humidity, preventing the cake from cracking and maintaining a moist, creamy consistency.
  • Temperature Check: Use an instant-read thermometer to verify the cake’s doneness; the internal temperature should reach 150-155F for a perfectly set, creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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