Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert—this cream cheese cake is a slice of heaven! It’s rich, creamy, and has a texture that just melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made this cake for a family gathering; everyone was raving about it! Just watching their faces light up with that first bite was the best feeling ever. The smooth cream cheese filling combined with the buttery graham cracker crust is a match made in dessert heaven. And you know what? It’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because! Trust me, once you try this cream cheese cake, you’ll be hooked, too!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this dreamy cream cheese cake! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making it rich and delicious.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature for that smooth consistency
- 1 cup granulated sugar, to sweeten things up just right
- 3 large eggs, room temperature for better blending
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, because we all love that warm flavor
- 1 cup sour cream, adding creaminess and a slight tang
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, just a little to help bind everything together
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs, for a delightful crust that complements the filling perfectly
Make sure you gather everything before you start, and trust me, it’ll all come together beautifully!
How to Prepare the Cream Cheese Cake
Alright, let’s dive into making this scrumptious cream cheese cake! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and the results are so worth it.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While the oven is warming up, grab your springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper, then sprinkle those graham cracker crumbs evenly across the bottom. This will create that lovely crust we all adore!
Mixing the Ingredients
Now, let’s get mixing! In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy—this part is so satisfying! Next, add in your eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. You want that batter to be perfectly silky and lump-free. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream for that extra richness. Finally, gently fold in the flour, just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that lovely airy texture!
Baking Instructions
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges look set and the center has a slight jiggle—don’t worry, it will firm up as it cools! Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Then, pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can wait!) to let those flavors meld beautifully. Trust me, this chilling time makes all the difference!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cream cheese cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use room temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese and eggs. This helps everything blend together smoothly, creating that dreamy texture we love. Second, don’t rush the mixing process—take your time to beat the cream cheese and sugar until it’s silky. If you see any lumps, just keep going! Also, be gentle when folding in the flour; overmixing can lead to a denser cake, and we want it light and airy. Lastly, let your cake cool completely before refrigerating. This helps it set properly and enhances the flavors. Trust me, these little tricks will take your cream cheese cake from good to absolutely phenomenal!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this delicious cream cheese cake! Each slice packs a rich flavor, and here’s the estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 22g
Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients and may vary slightly depending on what you use. But honestly, with a dessert this dreamy, it’s totally worth it!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about making this cream cheese cake, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Can I substitute the cream cheese? Absolutely! You can use mascarpone for a slightly different flavor and texture, or even a vegan cream cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
How do I store leftovers? If you have any slices left (which is rare!), simply cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What’s the best way to serve it? I love topping mine with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for that extra touch! You can also serve it plain—it’s rich enough to stand on its own!
Feel free to get creative with your toppings; the possibilities are endless!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cream cheese cake is truly a dessert lover’s dream, and here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Rich Flavor: The creamy filling and buttery crust create a delightful combination that’s hard to resist.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, or dress it up with your favorite toppings like fruit, chocolate, or whipped cream!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings and special occasions, this cake will impress everyone at the table.
Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious cream cheese cake fresh, store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Just cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It’ll stay tasty for about a week—if it even lasts that long! If you want to savor it later, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat; this cake is delightful served chilled, straight from the fridge!
Imprimer
Cream cheese cake: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave This Delight
- Temps Total: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A rich and creamy dessert with a smooth texture.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Gradually add flour and mix until combined.
- Pour the mixture into a springform pan lined with graham cracker crumbs.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until set.
- Cool and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for best results.
- Top with fruit or chocolate if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 60 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 22g
- De Sodium: 230mg
- La graisse: 22g
- Graisses Saturées: 12g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 90mg
Mots-clés: cream cheese cake, dessert, cheesecake
