A perfectly soft, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese custard cake is one of the most elegant desserts you can prepare at home. The cake shown in the photo features a light golden crust, a silky white filling, and a beautiful dusting of powdered sugar that adds a classic bakery-style finish. This dessert is ideal for anyone who loves smooth, rich textures combined with a delicate, buttery cake layer. It is the kind of dessert that impresses guests effortlessly, yet remains simple enough for everyday baking. Its luscious cream filling contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp top, making each bite light but indulgent at the same time.
What makes this cake particularly special is the harmony between its layers. The base is sturdy enough to hold the creamy center, while still remaining soft and tender. The filling is incredibly silky, thanks to the combination of cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and a touch of cream that gives it a luxurious texture. The top crust is slightly cracked and dusted with powdered sugar, giving the cake a rustic, homemade look while still maintaining a refined presentation. When you slice into it, the cream filling stays firm yet creamy, holding its shape perfectly while melting on your tongue with every bite.
This type of custard cake is known for its balance of flavors. It’s not overwhelmingly sweet, which makes it suitable for different occasions, from afternoon tea to holiday celebrations. The creamy center brings the richness, while the outer cake layers provide structure and a gentle sweetness. It’s an excellent dessert to serve chilled, allowing the flavors to deepen and the texture to become even smoother. The beauty of this cake is that it tastes just as good the next day, if not better, which makes it a wonderful make-ahead dessert.
One of the reasons this cake has become so popular is that it uses simple ingredients that most home bakers already have in their kitchens. The filling requires basic items such as cream cheese, vanilla, cream, and sugar. The crust is made with flour, butter, eggs, and a bit of baking powder. These familiar components come together to create something that feels luxurious without being complicated. With a few easy steps, you can achieve the same creamy, cloud-like result as the cake in the picture.
Below you will find the full recipe with clear instructions so you can recreate this beautiful cream cheese custard cake at home.
Ingredients for the Cake Crust
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup sugar
120 g unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
A pinch of salt
Ingredients for the Cream Custard Filling
600 g cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Start by preparing your baking pan. Choose a round springform pan, ideally 24 cm (9 inches) wide, and grease it lightly with butter or line the bottom with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F), which is the ideal temperature to bake the crust evenly and allow the creamy filling to set without cracking.
To prepare the crust, combine softened butter and sugar in a bowl. Beat them together until creamy and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, add the vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add these dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Press two-thirds of this dough into the bottom of your springform pan, creating an even layer. This will form the base of your cake. You can use your fingertips or the back of a spoon to smooth it evenly. Keep the remaining dough aside — you will crumble it over the top later.
For the custard filling, place the cream cheese in a large bowl and beat it until smooth and lump-free. Add sugar and continue mixing until creamy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then sprinkle in the cornstarch. Beat everything together until the mixture becomes velvety and smooth. This filling should have a thick, creamy consistency.
Pour the cream custard filling over the crust in the baking pan. It should settle smoothly on its own, but you can gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Take the remaining cake dough and crumble it evenly over the top of the filling. These small pieces of dough will bake into a light, golden crust that beautifully contrasts with the creamy center.
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 55–70 minutes. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, but you will know the cake is ready when the top turns lightly golden and the edges appear set. The center will still look slightly jiggly — this is normal and will firm up as the cake cools. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause cracks and dryness.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. After it cools, refrigerate it for at least 3 hours or overnight. Chilling the cake helps the cream layer thicken, creating the perfect custard texture shown in the photo. When ready to serve, dust the top generously with powdered sugar to complete its elegant, snowy appearance.
This cream cheese custard cake is incredibly versatile. You can serve it plain, with a drizzle of honey, or with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for preparing in advance for guests or special occasions.
The final result is a beautifully creamy and delicate cake with a luxurious filling wrapped in a tender golden crust. Every slice is rich yet balanced, smooth yet structured, and always impressive. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply to enjoy a sweet treat at home, this recipe guarantees bakery-quality results with minimal effort.