Easy and Delicious Philadelphia Fluff Cake Recipe

Discover the irresistible charm of Philadelphia Fluff Cake, a moist and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Despite its name, this cake isn’t particularly fluffy, but it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth with its rich flavor and tender crumb.
The Story Behind Philly Fluff Cake
Originating from Long Island, this unique cake has captivated dessert lovers with its intriguing blend of flavors and textures. The name “Philly” likely refers to the cream cheese in the recipe, which lends a subtle tanginess and contributes to the cake’s incredibly moist texture.
While the origins of the “fluff” in its name remain a mystery, one bite of this delectable treat will make you forget all about the misnomer. The combination of cream cheese, butter, and shortening creates a cake that’s both rich and light, with a delightfully crispy brown crust.
What Makes Philly Fluff Cake Special?
This cake stands out for several reasons:
- The cream cheese adds a unique flavor profile and keeps the cake moist.
- A touch of shortening contributes to the cake’s irresistible texture.
- The chocolate swirl adds depth and visual appeal.
- It’s perfect for serving a crowd or freezing for later enjoyment.
Philly Fluff Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 12-cup Bundt or tube pan by greasing and flouring it thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, and shortening. Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream these ingredients together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed ingredients, mixing on low speed until just blended. The batter will be quite thick at this stage.
- Gradually incorporate 1 cup of sugar and the eggs, adding them one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and the remaining 1 cup of sugar, continuing to beat until the batter is smooth. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice during this process.
- Transfer half of the batter into your prepared pan. Drizzle the melted chocolate over this layer, then use a knife to create elegant swirls throughout the batter. Top with the remaining batter.
- Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving platter. Let it cool completely before serving.
- Just before serving, dust the cake generously with confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Baking Tips
For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. This will help create a smoother batter and more even baking. Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can lead to a tougher cake.
Serving and Storage
This Philly Fluff Cake is perfect for serving at gatherings or as a special treat for your family. Its large size makes it ideal for potlucks or dinner parties. If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a slice.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
411 | Calories |
25g | Fat |
41g | Carbs |
6g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 16 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 411 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 25g | 32% |
Saturated Fat 13g | 66% |
Cholesterol 107mg | 36% |
Sodium 279mg | 12% |
Total Carbohydrate 41g | 15% |
Dietary Fiber 2g | 7% |
Total Sugars 26g | |
Protein 6g | |
Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
Calcium 75mg | 6% |
Iron 3mg | 15% |
Potassium 142mg | 3% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |