Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, vegetable oil, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients: Gradually fold in the flour until the batter is smooth and uniform. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and tender.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy as is or dust with powdered sugar.
Serving and Storage Tips
