Mile-High Cream Cheese Cake

Mile-High Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Indulging in a decadent slice of cake is one of life’s simplest pleasures. The Mile-High Cream Cheese Cake stands tall as a dessert that’s as impressive in height as it is in flavor.

With its rich, moist, and slightly tangy cream cheese filling paired with the tender, buttery cake, it’s no surprise this dessert is a crowd-pleaser at any event. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake will not disappoint.

This recipe offers layers of fluffy cake combined with a luscious, creamy filling, creating an irresistible dessert experience. Here’s everything you need to know to make your own Mile-High Cream Cheese Cake at home.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour: The flour acts as the base for the cake, providing structure and texture. It forms the foundation that holds all the other ingredients together.

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: This ingredient helps the cake rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.

½ teaspoon baking soda: Working with the baking powder, baking soda contributes to the tenderness of the cake by reacting with the other ingredients to create a softer crumb.

½ teaspoon salt: The salt balances the sweetness of the cake, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.

½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds moisture to the cake and gives it a rich, buttery flavor that contributes to its tender texture.

2 cups granulated sugar: The sugar sweetens the cake and helps achieve a golden, light texture that is characteristic of a well-baked cake.

2 large eggs: Eggs are crucial in providing structure to the cake. They help bind the ingredients together and give the cake richness and depth.

1 cup sour cream: Sour cream introduces moisture to the cake, which makes it exceptionally tender. The slight tanginess from the sour cream balances the sweetness, giving the cake a unique flavor profile.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cake, giving it a warm, inviting aroma that complements the other ingredients.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

2 packages (16 oz) cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese filling is the star of this dessert. It’s smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy, perfectly contrasting with the sweetness of the cake layers.

½ cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling and helps achieve a smooth texture.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling, adding subtle complexity to its sweetness.

For Topping (Optional but Recommended):

Powdered sugar, for dusting: Adds a delicate, sweet finishing touch to the cake.

Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries: Fresh berries not only add vibrant color but also provide a burst of fresh flavor that balances the richness of the cake.

Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, fluffy touch to the cake, enhancing its decadence and providing a luxurious texture.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This will help the cake layers come out cleanly after baking.

Make the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

This can take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Once combined, stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.

Bake the Cake Layers:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the filling is smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. The filling should be thick but spreadable.

Assemble the Cake:
Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top of this first layer. Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the filling. Press gently to ensure the layers stick together.

Add Toppings:
Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet finish. If desired, top with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for added texture and flavor.

Chill and Serve:
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set, making the cake easier to slice.

Tips for Success:

Softened Butter and Cream Cheese: For the best texture, ensure both the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before using them. This will help them blend smoothly into the batter and filling without lumps.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can cause the cake to become dense. Mix until just combined to maintain the cake’s light texture.

Chill Before Serving: Chilling the cake before serving gives the cream cheese filling time to firm up, making it easier to slice and more enjoyable to eat.

Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different extracts, such as almond or lemon, to add a unique twist to the flavor profile. A little lemon zest added to the cream cheese filling can give a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.

Avoid Over-Baking: Keep an eye on the cakes as they bake to ensure they don’t dry out. Check with a toothpick around the 30-minute mark to avoid over-baking.

Storage:

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a day or two, you can store it covered at room temperature. However, this is only recommended if your kitchen is cool.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. The cake will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing: You can freeze the Mile-High Cream Cheese Cake for up to 1-2 months. To freeze, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight before assembling and adding toppings.

Serving Suggestions:

With Fresh Berries: A side of fresh berries complements the rich cake perfectly. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries add a burst of color and freshness to each bite.

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The sweetness of the cake is balanced by the bitterness of the drink, creating a perfect contrast.

As Part of a Celebration: The towering height and luscious layers of this cake make it ideal for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings. It’s a showstopper that will impress your guests both visually and gastronomically.

Conclusion:

The Mile-High Cream Cheese Cake is the epitome of indulgence. Its layers of soft, buttery cake paired with a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling create a deliciously balanced dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a personal treat, this cake is a versatile and satisfying option. With a few tips and careful preparation, you’ll be able to recreate this stunning dessert in your own kitchen. Happy baking!