Description

This isn’t your fussy, crack-prone cheesecake. This is a dense, moist, and tender cake with all the rich, tangy flavor of cheesecake, made simple with a humble box of yellow cake mix. With cream cheese, sour cream, and a few clever tricks, this dessert is a happy little accident that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box yellow cake mix (regular, no pudding-in-the-mix)
2 large eggs, room temperature
3–4 tbsp sour cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt)
½ block (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
2–4 tbsp water or buttermilk (to adjust batter consistency)

Optional Add-ins & Toppings:

Fresh berries or fruit preserves
Whipped cream
Powdered sugar or vanilla glaze
Chocolate chips
Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest

Instructions

1. Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or standard cake pan (line with parchment for easy removal).

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together eggs, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth.

3. Add Cake Mix

Add the yellow cake mix to the bowl. Beat on medium speed until combined. Batter will be thick—small lumps of cream cheese are okay.

4. Adjust Consistency

Add water or buttermilk 1 tbsp at a time, mixing gently, until the batter is thick but pourable.

5. Pour & Smooth

Transfer batter to the prepared pan. Spread evenly, and tap gently to release air bubbles.

6. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 30 minutes.

7. Cool & Serve

Cool for at least 20–30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. Add whipped cream, fresh berries, or a simple glaze if desired.

Notes

Lumpy batter? Cream cheese may not have been fully softened. Mix a bit longer; small lumps will bake in beautifully.
Can this be cupcakes? Yes! Line a muffin tin, fill ⅔ full, bake 18–22 minutes.
Sinking middle? Common for dense cakes with high moisture—perfect for holding toppings like whipped cream.
Storage: Cover tightly; keeps 2 days at room temperature, 5 days refrigerated. Delicious cold!

Nutrition

Calories: 240 Cal Per Serving
Sugar: 15g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g