Philly Fluff

Philly Fluff is a classic, old-fashioned cake known for its moist texture and rich flavor, blending cream cheese and butter into a luxurious dessert. With its light crumb and delicate sweetness, this bundt-style cake is a favorite for gatherings, brunches, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Philly Fluff combines the tang of cream cheese with the richness of butter for an incredibly soft and fluffy crumb. It is easy to prepare, slices beautifully, and has a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or served plain, it is an elegant cake that delivers impressive results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Cake flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and generously grease and flour a bundt or tube pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Add lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist.
• Fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture.
• Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a subtle, nutty flavor.
• Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk instead of dusting.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
To serve warm, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

What is Philly Fluff cake?

Philly Fluff is a dense yet tender cake made with cream cheese and butter, typically baked in a bundt or tube pan.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, but for best results, substitute 1 cup cake flour with 1 cup all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons, then add 2 tablespoons cornstarch.

Why is my cake dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can dry out the cake. Be sure to measure carefully and check for doneness near the end of baking.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

It is not recommended, as full-fat cream cheese contributes to the cake’s richness and texture.

Is this cake good for layering?

This cake is best baked in a bundt or tube pan due to its dense texture, not recommended for layered versions.

Can I make Philly Fluff ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps well and the flavor often improves the next day. Store covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with Philly Fluff?

Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a fruit compote pair beautifully with this cake.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works well, though mixing times may be slightly longer.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Use a generous layer of butter and flour or a baking spray designed for bundt pans.

Can I omit the powdered sugar topping?

Certainly. The cake is flavorful on its own and can also be served with a glaze if preferred.

Conclusion

Philly Fluff is a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing cake that never goes out of style. Its moist, velvety texture and subtly sweet flavor make it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a dusting of sugar, or adorned with toppings, this cake is a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire.

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