Smearcase is a traditional cheesecake variety originating from Baltimore, Maryland. The base for the cake is usually made with a combination of flour, baking powder, sugar, oil, eggs, and salt; while the custardy filling is usually made with a combination of cream cheese, sugar, milk, flour, vanilla, and eggs.

As a final touch, smearcase is dusted with cinnamon before serving. When compared with standard American cheesecakes, smearcase should have a lighter and less sugary flavor, while the crust is more cake-like. It's usually cut into large rectangular pieces before serving.