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CREAM CHEESE CAKE: EASY FAMILY COMFORT DESSERT

Cream Cheese Cake

A moist, tender cream cheese cake with a rich vanilla flavor, topped with classic cream cheese frosting. Simple, nostalgic, and best served chilled.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 510
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Cake
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
  • Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4–5 cups powdered sugar, adjusted for consistency

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in vegetable oil and granulated sugar until fully combined.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
  5. Stir in buttermilk until the batter is smooth, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.
  8. For the frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until thick and spreadable.
  9. Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

This cake is best served chilled. Add lemon zest or almond extract for a flavor twist. Keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days.