Ultra-Moist Cream Cheese Cake (Soft, Buttery & Bakery-Style)

Thank you so much for stopping by today — truly. I’m extra excited to share this Ultra-Moist Cream Cheese Cake with you because it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Every time I make it, I think of the Sunday afternoons in my childhood home when my nonna would whip up “company cake” — soft, simple, but unforgettable.

This cream cheese cake is rich, tender, perfectly dense, and beautifully moist, with that irresistible buttery tang only cream cheese can bring. The crumb is plush, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth good — the kind of texture you can’t fake.

If you love desserts that feel nostalgic, cozy, and made with love, go ahead and subscribe by email so you never miss another kitchen moment with me. 💛

What This Cream Cheese Cake Is All About

Cream cheese cake is a simple yet luxurious dessert — the sweet spot between a pound cake and a soft bakery-style loaf. The cream cheese brings richness, moisture, and an unforgettable texture.

It’s the perfect “anytime cake”:

• Afternoon coffee companion
• Tea-time treat
• Celebration-ready
• Quick brunch dessert
• A beautiful base for berries or frosting

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Super moist from cream cheese + oil
• Tender crumb that stays soft for days
• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor
• No mixer drama — comes together easily
• Perfect for beginners
• Smells heavenly (seriously!)

What It Tastes Like

Imagine a soft, velvety vanilla cake… but richer. Butterier. Creamier. The cream cheese brings a gentle tang, like the whisper of a cheesecake baked inside a loaf cake. The outside bakes to a golden edge, while the inside stays plush and cloud-like.

Serve it warm? Heaven. Serve it cold? Cheesecake-adjacent perfection.

Nutritional or Seasonal Benefits

While this is definitely a treat, it pairs beautifully with seasonal fruit:

• Strawberries in spring
• Blueberries in summer
• Apples and cinnamon in fall
• Cranberries and orange zest in winter

It’s a year-round dessert that adapts beautifully.

Full Ingredient List

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For the Cake

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt (recommended for flavor)
• Optional:
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Optional Glaze (Highly Recommended!)

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• 9×5 loaf pan or 8-inch round cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Suggested Substitutions & Add-Ins

Substitutions

• Vegetable oil → melted butter (richer flavor)
• Vanilla → almond extract, lemon extract, or both
• All-purpose flour → cake flour (for extra soft crumb)

Flavor Add-Ins

• 1 cup blueberries
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• Lemon zest + lemon glaze
• Cinnamon + nutmeg for a fall vibe
• Raspberry swirl

How to Make This Ultra-Moist Cream Cheese Cake

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Let’s make this beauty together — you’re going to feel the coziness as it bakes.

Step 1: Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line your cake pan with parchment.

Step 2: Beat the Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
This step builds the velvety texture we love.

Step 3: Add the Oil and Sugar

Pour in the oil, then add the sugar.
Beat until light and creamy — you’ll see the mixture turn pale and silky.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
The mixture will become glossy and rich.

Step 5: Add Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract.
(Almond extract lovers, now’s your moment.)

Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients

Whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Add to the wet ingredients and gently fold with a spatula.
Don’t overmix — a few tiny lumps are okay.

Step 7: Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Your kitchen will smell like a bakery mixed with cheesecake… it’s intoxicating.

Step 8: Cool

Let cool 10 minutes in the pan, then move to a rack.
Glaze while warm for that dreamy drip.

What to Serve With Cream Cheese Cake

This cake is unbelievably versatile.

Pair it with:

• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Hot tea or coffee
• Ice cream
• Fruit compote
• A dusting of powdered sugar

For brunch, I love serving it with:

• Scrambled eggs
• Fresh fruit bowl
• A berry yogurt parfait

Tips for Perfect Results

• Use softened cream cheese — cold cream cheese leads to lumps.
• Don’t skip the salt — it boosts flavor immensely.
• Don’t overmix the flour or the crumb becomes dense.
• Room-temperature eggs blend better.
• Use parchment for easy removal.
• For extra moisture, store overnight before slicing.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Covered for 2 days
• Refrigerator: Up to 6 days
• Freezer: Slice + freeze up to 3 months

Thaw slices at room temp for 20–30 minutes or warm lightly in the microwave.

General Information

Cream cheese cakes became popular in the mid-20th century as home bakers discovered how cream cheese transforms simple loaves. It adds moisture without heaviness, making it a beloved American comfort cake.

This recipe honors that heritage — simple, nostalgic, and endlessly adaptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Not recommended — texture won’t be as creamy.

2. Can I make this without oil?
You can use melted butter, but oil keeps it softer for longer.

3. Can I add fruit?
Absolutely — blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries work great.

4. Why did my cake sink?
It may need more baking time or was mixed too aggressively.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — bake in a bundt pan for 55–65 minutes.

Conclusion

I hope this Ultra-Moist Cream Cheese Cake becomes one of your household staples. It’s simple, rich, tender, and full of that nostalgic warmth we all crave from homemade baking.

If you love this recipe, check out these delicious dessert-friendly recipes from my site:

• Protein Cookie Dough

Thank you so much for baking with me today. You make this space feel like home.

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Interactive Elements

I’d LOVE to see your cake!
Share it on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Tag @poulefrecipe for a chance to be featured!

And don’t forget — leave a comment or rating so more bakers can discover this cozy recipe.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice, 12 slices)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	260
Protein	4g
Carbs	28g
Fat	15g
Sugar	18g
Sodium	160mg

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