Cream sheet cake is the perfect dessert canvas, ready to be adorned with your favorite flavors and toppings. Its soft, tender crumb and light sweetness make it an ideal base for all kinds of frostings, fruits, nuts, and decorations. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating a delicious cream sheet cake that’s not only a delightful treat on its own but also a versatile platform for your culinary creativity.
Ingredients:
For the Cream Sheet Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Sheet Cake Frosting (Optional):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry mixture.
- Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 6: Frost the Cake (Optional)
- If you’d like to frost your cream sheet cake, prepare the frosting by creaming together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
Step 7: Decorate (Optional)
- Get creative with toppings! Consider adding fresh berries, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate chips to your cream sheet cake to suit your taste.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Cut the cake into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Serve your cream sheet cake squares on plates, and enjoy this versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Cream sheet cake is a delightful dessert that serves as a canvas for your sweet imagination. Whether you choose to frost it, decorate it, or simply enjoy its tender crumb on its own, this versatile treat is sure to please. So, bake a batch, get creative with toppings, and savor the sweetness of a cream sheet cake that’s as delicious as it is customizable.