Cream Cheese Sheet Cake: Rich, Moist, and Irresistibly Decadent

 The Ultimate Cream Cheese Sheet Cake: Rich, Moist, and Irresistibly Decadent

Welcome to your new go-to dessert—a rich, velvety Cream Cheese Sheet Cake that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. Whether you're baking for a birthday, potluck, holiday, or just a Tuesday night treat, this one-pan wonder is sure to steal the show. Every bite is moist, tangy, and ultra-creamy, thanks to the secret ingredient—cream cheese—both in the batter and the frosting.

If you've ever wished for a dessert that delivers both ease and elegance, this is it. With its luscious crumb and dreamy frosting, this cake is more than a recipe—it’s a keeper.

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🧁 Ingredients & Their Roles

For the Cake:

All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structural backbone of the cake, giving it form and chew without being too dense.

Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb by locking in moisture.

Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Gives the cake its rise and fluffiness.

Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the sour cream to enhance leavening and add tenderness.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and boosts all the flavors.

Eggs, room temperature (2): Provide structure and richness while aiding in emulsification.

Vegetable oil (3/4 cup): Keeps the cake incredibly moist, even after refrigeration.

Sour cream (1 cup): Adds richness and tang, while making the cake ultra-moist and soft.

Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, sweet undertones.

Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): Delivers an irresistible depth of flavor and richness right into the batter.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): The base of a decadent, tangy-sweet frosting.

Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds smoothness and structure to the frosting.

Powdered sugar (3–4 cups): Sweetens the frosting while creating a fluffy, spreadable texture.

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and complements the cream cheese beautifully.

Milk (1–2 tablespoons, optional): Adjusts the frosting to your desired consistency.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure an easy release.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

This dry mix will form the base of your batter.

3. Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat:

2 eggs

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and fully combined.

4. Add Cream Cheese

To the wet mixture, beat in 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until the batter becomes creamy and lump-free. This step ensures that every bite is rich and flavorful.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—do not overmix, or you’ll risk a dense cake.

6. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth out the top and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

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🎂 Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat Cream Cheese & Butter

In a clean mixing bowl, beat:

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)

Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

2. Add Powdered Sugar & Vanilla

Gradually mix in:

3–4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

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🧁 Frost, Slice & Serve

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top using a spatula. For a more polished look, chill the cake for 20–30 minutes before slicing.

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🌟 Why You'll Love This Recipe

One bowl simplicity: No complicated steps or fancy techniques.

Rich, moist texture: Thanks to the sour cream and cream cheese combo.

Ultra-creamy frosting: Like cheesecake on top of cake.

Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, holidays, and family dinners.

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🔥 Pro Tips for Success

Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly for a uniform batter and frosting.

Don’t overmix: Once the flour is added, stir just until combined to keep the cake tender.

Cool completely before frosting: Otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off.

Add zest: For a twist, a bit of lemon zest in the batter or frosting adds brightness.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve this cream cheese sheet cake with:

Fresh berries for a refreshing contrast

A drizzle of salted caramel or chocolate ganache

A cup of espresso or dessert wine to elevate the experience

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✅ Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Sheet Cake is proof that a humble pan of cake can deliver big flavor, stunning texture, and wow-worthy results. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging solo, its perfect balance of richness and sweetness makes it an absolute must-save recipe.

With straightforward ingredients and easy instructions, it's the kind of delicious, f

oolproof dessert you'll find yourself returning to again and again. Bookmark it. Share it. Bake it. Love it.

> ✨ Because every dessert table deserves a centerpiece this delicious.