Traditional Cream Cheese Cake

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Traditional Cream Cheese Cake: A Delicious Dessert You’ll Love

Nothing compares to the irresistible flavor and texture of a Traditional Cream Cheese Cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, this creamy, decadent cake is sure to be a hit. With its moist, flavorful base and smooth cream cheese icing, this dessert strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to make the perfect Traditional Cream Cheese Cake from scratch. From gathering your ingredients to frosting the cake, we’ll cover every detail to ensure your cake is a crowd-pleaser.

Key Ingredients for Traditional Cream Cheese Cake

To create the perfect cream cheese cake, you need the right combination of ingredients. Below is a breakdown of the ingredients needed for both the cake and the icing.

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: Flour is the base of the cake batter, providing structure and texture.
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the cake and contributes to its moisture.
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder: Baking powder helps the cake rise, giving it a light, airy texture.
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: A little baking soda ensures the cake has a soft crumb and helps balance the acidity of the sour cream.
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the cake and helps balance the sweetness.
  • 2 eggs (room temperature): Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil: Oil adds moisture to the cake, making it soft and tender.
  • 3/4 cup sour cream: Sour cream provides a slight tang and moisture, making the cake rich and creamy.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the cake’s flavor, adding a warm, aromatic touch.
  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese: The cream cheese helps create a moist and dense cake with a subtle tangy flavor.

Icing Ingredients

  • 4 ounces softened cream cheese: Cream cheese is the key ingredient for a smooth, rich icing.
  • 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter: Butter adds creaminess and richness to the icing.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the icing and gives it a smooth texture.
  • 1 teaspoon milk: Milk thins the icing slightly to create the desired consistency.
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the icing, balancing the richness of the cream cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Traditional Cream Cheese Cake

Follow these detailed instructions for a flawless Traditional Cream Cheese Cake.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when your cake goes in. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it with oil and lightly dusting it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. This preparation will help the cake come out easily once it’s done baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 cups of granulated sugar, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the baking powder and soda. This will help the cake rise evenly during baking.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, 3/4 cup of vegetable oil, 3/4 cup of sour cream, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add richness and moisture to the cake, while the cream cheese helps create a soft, dense texture.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently as you go. Mix just until the batter is incorporated, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so aim for a smooth batter with no visible dry ingredients.

5. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. To test if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

6. Prepare the Icing

While the cake is cooling, make the cream cheese icing. In a mixing bowl, beat together the 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the icing is light and fluffy. If the icing is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk to reach the desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner icing, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.

7. Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top. Use a spatula to smooth it out, making sure the icing covers the entire surface. You can even swirl the icing for a decorative effect.

8. Slice and Serve

After the cake is frosted, slice it into squares or rectangles. Serve the cake on a platter, and enjoy the deliciously creamy and tangy dessert. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as an indulgent treat, this Traditional Cream Cheese Cake will delight your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love Traditional Cream Cheese Cake

This cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a comforting, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Here are some reasons why you’ll love this cake:

  • Moist and Tender: Thanks to the cream cheese and sour cream, this cake has a soft, moist crumb that melts in your mouth.
  • Rich Flavor: The cream cheese in both the cake and the frosting adds a rich, tangy flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness.
  • Versatile: While the traditional cream cheese frosting is a favorite, you can also experiment with different flavorings, such as adding lemon zest to the frosting or mixing in chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is easy to prepare, even for beginners.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Although Traditional Cream Cheese Cake is delicious on its own, here are a few ideas to customize or enhance the cake:

  • Fruit Topping: Add fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, on top of the frosted cake for added flavor and color.
  • Chocolate Version: Stir in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips into the cake batter for a chocolate version of this cream cheese cake.
  • Citrus Twist: Add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the batter or frosting for a refreshing citrus flavor.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will keep for up to 3-4 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

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