I-45 Min. Cream Cheese Cake
A rich and creamy cream cheese cake with a buttery yellow cake base, perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy smooth textures and sweet, tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine melted butter, beaten egg, and yellow cake mix; spread the mixture in a 9x13-inch pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese, eggs, brown sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake mixture in the pan.
- Bake in a preheated 325°F oven for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool, then cut into small squares and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. If you want a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy blending, and you can always add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cream cheese cake warm or chilled, dusted with additional powdered sugar for a sweet touch. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or alongside Savory Popcorn for an unexpected twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cream cheese cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of I-45 Min. Cream Cheese Cake contains roughly 335 calories, with 4g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different cake mix flavors such as chocolate or lemon. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall flavor profile of the cake, but it could lead to deliciously unique variations.
What can I do if the top of my cake isn't browning?
If the top isn't browning as desired, you can try increasing the oven temperature by 25°F for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning, and consider rotating the pan for even browning.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cream cheese cake can be made a day in advance. Just allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).