Instructions

Make the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Cream Cheese
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and softened cream cheese together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Add Dry Ingredients and Milk
   Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Icing

1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
   In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla
   Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, and thin the icing with 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach your desired consistency.
3. Frost the Cake
   Once the cake is completely cool, spread the icing evenly over the top.

Customization Ideas

• Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cake batter for a fresh flavor.
• Berry Compote: Serve with a side of berry compote or fresh strawberries for a tangy contrast.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the frosting for added texture.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature ingredients ensures a smooth, well-mixed batter and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense instead of fluffy, so mix until ingredients are just combined.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, let the cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the icing.

Perfect Pairings

• Tea or Coffee: A hot beverage complements the creamy texture of this cake.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced fresh berries or a fruit salad for a lighter pairing.

Conclusion

This Traditional Cream Cheese Cake is an irresistible dessert with its fluffy texture, deliciously creamy flavor, and smooth, sweet icing. Simple to make and wonderfully versatile, it’s a classic cake you’ll want to enjoy again and again.