Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk

For the Topping (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Chocolate drizzle or ganache
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Cheese:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Sugar:
   Gradually add the granulated sugar to the mixture and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
5. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:
   Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
7. Pour into Pan:
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool:
   Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve:
    Once cooled, you can serve it as is or top it with whipped cream, fresh berries, a chocolate drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Enjoy!

This Cream Cheese Cake is perfect for any occasion or simply as a delightful treat. Enjoy your baking!