Are you craving a decadent dessert but short on time and baking skills? This Cream Cheese Cake recipe using cake mix is your answer! It's surprisingly easy, incredibly delicious, and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight treats or impressive gatherings. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy baking times; this recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and delightful cake with minimal fuss. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Optional: Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layer:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan. This ensures your cake releases easily once baked.
Step 2: Combine Cake Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, sour cream, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. The batter should be smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Overbaking can dry the cake, so keep an eye on it.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, beating until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cool, frost it generously with the cream cheese frosting. A spatula or offset knife works best for smooth frosting.
Step 6: Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh berries before serving for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smoother batter and frosting.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling Time is Key: Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a rich chocolate cream cheese cake.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with different frostings, such as whipped cream or a chocolate ganache.
- Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit into the cake batter for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This easy cream cheese cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of the moist cake and the luscious cream cheese frosting makes for a truly delightful dessert. Enjoy this simple yet delicious homemade treat!