There’s something timeless about a Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s elegant, soft, slightly tangy, and perfectly sweet — the kind of cake that feels just right for birthdays, Sunday dinners, or quiet afternoons with coffee.

Although cream cheese frosting is often associated with American bakeries, I remember my nonna using fresh mascarpone and soft cheeses to frost delicate sponge cakes. The balance of sweetness and tanginess always fascinated me. This recipe blends that old-world inspiration with a classic American vanilla base to create a truly irresistible cake with cream cheese frosting.

And trust me — this one is moist, fluffy, and stable enough for layering.

Why You’ll Love This Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ultra-moist vanilla crumb
Silky, stable cream cheese frosting
Perfect sweetness balance
Easy to decorate
Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or gatherings

If you love classic bakes, you might also enjoy:

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate

Ingredients for Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

For the Vanilla Cake:

2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
½ cup (120ml) sour cream

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

How to Make Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Baking powder
Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer:

Beat butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
Gradually add sugar.
Beat until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).

This step creates the fluffy texture your cake with cream cheese frosting needs.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add vanilla extract.

Scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry

Alternate adding:

Dry mixture
Milk + sour cream

Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake

Divide batter evenly between pans.

Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

The secret to a smooth cake with cream cheese frosting is temperature control.

Step 1: Beat Butter First

Beat butter alone until creamy (1–2 minutes).

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese

Add cream cheese and beat until completely smooth.

Do NOT overbeat — this can make frosting runny.

Step 3: Add Sugar & Vanilla

Gradually add sifted powdered sugar.

Mix on low, then increase speed briefly until fluffy.

Add vanilla and salt.

If frosting feels too soft, refrigerate 20–30 minutes before using.

How to Assemble the Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Place first cake layer on serving plate.
Spread 1 cup frosting evenly.
Add second layer.
Apply crumb coat (thin layer).
Chill 20 minutes.
Finish frosting smoothly.

For clean edges, use an offset spatula and cake scraper.

Pro Tips for the Best Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

✔ Use room-temperature ingredients
✔ Do not overmix the batter
✔ Chill frosting if too soft
✔ Refrigerate cake before slicing for clean cuts
✔ Use full-fat cream cheese (never spreadable tub versions)

Variations

Lemon Twist

Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to batter.

Berry Filling

Add fresh raspberry filling between layers.

Coconut Version

Add ½ cup shredded coconut to batter.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate up to 4 days
Bring to room temperature before serving
Freeze unfrosted layers up to 2 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake layers 1–2 days in advance and wrap tightly.

Why is my cream cheese frosting runny?

Either overmixed or ingredients were too warm.

Can I make cupcakes instead?

Yes! Bake 18–22 minutes.

Final Thoughts

A truly great cake with cream cheese frosting is about balance — moist vanilla crumb, smooth tangy frosting, and just enough sweetness to keep you coming back for another slice.

It’s classic. It’s comforting. It’s bakery-worthy.

If you try this cake with cream cheese frosting, tell me in the comments how you made it your own. Did you add berries? Citrus? A family twist?

I would love to hear 💛

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Meta Title:

Easy Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (12 Slices)

Meta Description:

Moist vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting! A bakery-style cake with cream cheese frosting perfect for any celebration.

Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (Moist & Bakery-Style)