Cream Cheese Sheet Cake

Cream Cheese Sheet Cake

There’s something so comforting about a homemade cake, and that’s exactly what I think of when I bake a Cream Cheese Sheet Cake. It takes me back to family gatherings where the scent of sweet, buttery cake wafted through the air, bringing everyone together. This cake, with its luscious layers of cream cheese and a rich chocolate icing, feels like a hug from the inside out. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll get why it’s a family favorite. It’s moist, delicious, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want a sweet treat to enjoy during your afternoon coffee break.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
350 kcal
Protein:
5 g
Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
Fat:
17 g
Tools Used:
15Ă—10-inch Sheet Pan, Electric Mixer

Why This Cream Cheese Sheet Cake Is So Good

Unmatched Flavor

The Cream Cheese Sheet Cake boasts a flavor profile that’s truly unique. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a rich, moist cake that melts in your mouth. It’s sweet but not overly so, making it perfect for anyone who appreciates a balanced dessert.

Simple Ingredients

With just a handful of simple ingredients, this cake proves that you don’t need complex recipes for extraordinary results. You probably have most of these items in your pantry already. Plus, the ingredient list is straightforward enough for novice bakers to follow.

Versatile Treat

This cake can be dressed up or down. You can serve it plain or add a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles to give it a festive touch. It’s perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or just as a delightful dessert after dinner.

Easy to Make

Don’t you love recipes that don’t require a ton of effort for incredible results? The Cream Cheese Sheet Cake is straightforward and perfect for busy days. You can whip it up in no time and be left with a stunning dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

A Crowd-Pleaser

Every time I serve this cake, it disappears before I can even get a slice! It’s an instant favorite among friends and family, proving that it’s not just me who loves it. The combination of the rich cake and chocolate icing gets everyone excited.

Stays Fresh

This cake holds up well over time. You can store leftovers in the fridge, and it still tastes fantastic days after baking. It’s perfect for making ahead, so you can enjoy an amazing dessert whenever the craving strikes.

What You’ll Need for Cream Cheese Sheet Cake

Cream Cheese Sheet Cake

For a truly delightful dessert, the ingredients in this Cream Cheese Sheet Cake come together beautifully. The star players are the rich cream cheese and butter, which create a moist, flavorful cake that everyone will love. The granulated sugar adds the perfect sweetness, while eggs help bind everything together. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups cake flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • sprinkles

Recipe Steps for Cream Cheese Sheet Cake

Cream Cheese Sheet Cake

Making this Cream Cheese Sheet Cake is a wonderful experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. I’ll guide you through each step so you feel confident while baking. Let’s get started!

  1. Begin by spraying a 15x10x1-inch sheet pan with baking spray to ensure your cake doesn’t stick. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. This is an important step, as it sets the stage for even baking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process will take about 2 to 3 minutes. The fluffiness indicates that you’re incorporating air into the mixture, which will give your cake a lovely rise.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure that everything is evenly mixed. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
  4. Mix in vanilla extract until well combined. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor and adds a hint of warmth to the cake.
  5. Gradually add the cake flour and beat until blended. You’ll want to mix until you see no dry flour peeking through, but be careful not to over-mix, as this can toughen the cake.
  6. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula to ensure even cooking. It should reach the corners of the pan.
  7. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake; it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden.
  8. Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps it set properly and makes it easier to frost.
  9. For the icing, combine granulated sugar and evaporated milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Be cautious not to let it boil over!
  10. Cover the saucepan and turn the heat down slightly. Let it simmer with the lid on for about 2 minutes. This step helps to blend the flavors.
  11. Remove the saucepan from heat, and add cubed butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until everything is melted and smooth. Let the icing cool slightly before pouring it over the cake.
  12. Finally, pour the icing evenly over the cooled cake and top with sprinkles if desired. This adds a fun touch and makes the cake visually appealing.

Things Worth Knowing

  • Be Gentle When Mixing: Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and cream cheese ensures a smoother batter.
  • Cooling Time: Make sure the cake is completely cool before icing to prevent the icing from melting.
  • Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check the center of the cake for doneness.

Making Adjustments

Cream Cheese Sheet Cake

Feeling adventurous? Here are some tips to help you customize your Cream Cheese Sheet Cake and make it truly yours.

  • Storage: To store leftovers, cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the cake, wrapped tightly in plastic, for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
  • Pairing: This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s great for afternoon gatherings or as a dessert after dinner.
  • Variations: Try adding different flavored extracts or spices, such as almond or cinnamon, to the batter for a unique twist.
  • Icing Options: If chocolate isn’t your style, consider using a simple cream cheese frosting or even a fruity glaze.

What Complements This Cream Cheese Sheet Cake

The Cream Cheese Sheet Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes and drinks. Here are some ideas:

  • Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
  • Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream goes perfectly with a slice of this cake.
  • Tea Parties: This cake is an ideal feature for tea parties, making it a charming choice for gatherings.
  • Holidays: It’s a delightful option for holiday parties, birthdays, or any celebration.
  • Storage Tips: If you need to store the cake, keep it in the fridge. It stays delicious for several days!

FAQ

The Cream Cheese Sheet Cake stands out due to its rich cream cheese flavor, which adds moisture and a unique tang compared to regular cakes. This ingredient helps create a tender crumb and a denser texture, making it a delightful choice for dessert lovers. The chocolate icing pairs perfectly with the cream cheese, creating a balanced sweetness that pleases the palate. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that you won’t find in a standard cake recipe.

Absolutely! The Cream Cheese Sheet Cake can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy schedules. Once baked, let the cake cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week in an airtight container. For the best texture and flavor, frost the cake just before serving, especially if you’re using chocolate icing. This way, the cake remains fresh and the icing doesn’t lose its delightful consistency.

This cake is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. You can serve your Cream Cheese Sheet Cake with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience. It’s also great alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The cake’s sweet and rich flavor balance perfectly with the tartness of berries or the creaminess of ice cream, making it a delightful treat any time of day.

To keep your Cream Cheese Sheet Cake fresh, store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Simply cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can stay good for about a week, although it’s hard to resist finishing it sooner! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving, and it will taste just as delicious.

Conclusion

The Cream Cheese Sheet Cake is truly special because it combines rich flavors with a moist, tender texture that everyone loves. It’s an easy recipe that can be made for any occasion and is sure to please a crowd. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the delightful experience it brings to your kitchen. Your family and friends will be so grateful you did!

Cream Cheese Sheet Cake

Cream Cheese Sheet Cake

This Cream Cheese Sheet Cake is a delightful blend of rich cream cheese and soft cake, topped with luscious chocolate icing. It's perfect for any occasion and incredibly easy to make. Treat yourself and your loved ones tonight!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons Salted Butter softened
  • 6 ounces Cream Cheese softened
  • 2 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 6 large Eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 1/4 cups Cake Flour
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/3 cup Evaporated Milk
  • 1/2 cup Salted Butter cubed
  • 1/2 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 1 cup Sprinkles

Equipment

  • 15Ă—10-inch Sheet Pan
  • Electric Mixer

Method
 

  1. Spray a 15x10x1-inch sheet pan with baking spray. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
  4. Beat in vanilla.
  5. Add flour and beat until blended.
  6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool.
  8. To make icing, stir together sugar and evaporated milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  9. Cover and turn heat down slightly. Let simmer with lid on for 2 minutes.
  10. Remove from heat and add butter and chocolate chips. Stir until melted.
  11. Let icing cool slightly and then pour evenly over cake. Sprinkle with sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

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