Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of Cream Cheese Cake—its smooth, velvety texture melting in your mouth, the buttery graham cracker crust adding just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this classic dessert never fails to impress.
If you’ve been searching for the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet, you’re in the right place. This homemade Cream Cheese Cake is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers bakery-quality results every time. Plus, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from ingredients to expert tips—so you can bake with confidence.
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Cake
✔ Simple Ingredients: You only need basic kitchen staples to make this rich, creamy dessert.
✔ Smooth & Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese, eggs, and heavy cream makes for an ultra-smooth filling.
✔ Perfectly Balanced Flavor: Sweet, slightly tangy, and buttery with a hint of vanilla.
✔ Customizable: Add toppings like fresh fruit, caramel drizzle, or a crunchy caramelized top for a gourmet touch.
✔ Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or weekend treat, this cheesecake is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Cake
This recipe makes one 9-inch cheesecake. You can scale up for larger batches using the table below.
Crust Ingredients
| Ingredient | 1x | 2x | 3x |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed graham crackers | 2 cups | 4 cups | 6 cups |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 6 tbsp | 12 tbsp | 18 tbsp |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | 6 tbsp |
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
| Ingredient | 1x | 2x | 3x |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 16 oz (2 packages) | 32 oz | 48 oz |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | 1 ½ cups | 2 ¼ cups |
| Large eggs (room temperature) | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | 3 tsp |
| Heavy cream | ¼ cup | ½ cup | ¾ cup |
Optional Caramelized Top
| Ingredient | 1x | 2x | 3x |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | 6 tbsp |
How to Make Cream Cheese Cake
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, forming an even crust.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream until fully incorporated.
3. Assemble & Bake
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cake inside for 30 minutes with the door slightly open.
4. Cool & Chill
- Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) for the best texture.
5. Optional Caramelized Top
- Sprinkle 2 tbsp of sugar over the chilled cheesecake.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating a crispy, brûlée-style topping.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice and serve your Cream Cheese Cake plain or with toppings like berries, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect Cream Cheese Cake
✔ Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This prevents lumps in your batter, ensuring a silky texture.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Eggs: Overbeating can cause cracks in your cheesecake.
✔ Bake in a Water Bath (Optional): Place the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to create a steamy environment, reducing cracks.
✔ Chill Overnight for Best Results: The flavors deepen, and the texture becomes even creamier.
✔ Use a Sharp Knife for Slicing: Wipe the knife clean between cuts for perfect slices.
Delicious Variations
1. Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake
- Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the batter for a rich, chocolatey twist.
2. Lemon Cream Cheese Cake
- Mix in 1 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice for a bright citrus flavor.
3. Caramel Swirl Cheesecake
- Swirl ¼ cup caramel sauce into the batter before baking for a decadent treat.
4. Strawberry Topped Cheesecake
- Top with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Sodium | 210mg |
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Cream Cheese Cake
1. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing, don’t overbake, and cool gradually by leaving the cake in the oven after baking.
2. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! Cheesecake tastes better the next day, so making it a day ahead is ideal.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
4. Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Absolutely! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
5. What’s the best way to caramelize the top without a torch?
Place the cheesecake under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
Final Thoughts – Try This Cream Cheese Cake Today!
This Cream Cheese Cake is the ultimate creamy, rich, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smooth texture, buttery crust, and customizable toppings, it’s a treat that will impress everyone.
So, grab your ingredients, follow this easy step-by-step guide, and bake the best cheesecake of your life today! 🍰✨