Cream cheese cake

Absolutely! Here’s a straightforward and delicious recipe for a classic cream cheese cake — rich, smooth, and ultra-satisfying. You can think of it as a simpler version of cheesecake, often without the need for a crust or water bath. Perfect for everyday indulgence.

🍰 Simple Cream Cheese Cake

(Soft, Rich & Creamy — No-Fuss)

🕒 Prep Time: 10 mins | Bake Time: 35–45 mins

Serves: 8–10

🧂 Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Optional: powdered sugar or a simple glaze for topping

🥣 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Grease and flour an 8-inch round or loaf pan, or line with parchment.

2. Cream the fats:
   In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

3. Add eggs and vanilla:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Mix until smooth.

4. Add dry ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
   Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined — don’t overmix.

5. Bake:
   Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool & serve:
   Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
   Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze (see below).

🍋 Optional Lemon Glaze:

Mix:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
  Drizzle over cooled cake.

🔄 Variations:

• Add lemon zest or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.

• Fold in berries or mini chocolate chips before baking.

• Want a crust? Line the bottom with crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter (pre-bake for 8 mins at 350°F).

🧊 Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day or refrigerate up to 5 days.

• Freezes well for up to a month.

Want a New York-style cheesecake, a no-bake version, or a Japanese-style cotton cheesecake? I can share those too!