Cream Cheese Pound Cake

If you’re craving a cake that’s rich, buttery, and perfectly tender, Cream Cheese Pound Cake is your answer. This cake is a true classic, known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep, buttery flavor. With the addition of cream cheese, this cake takes things to the next level, offering a creamy richness that makes every slice feel indulgent. Whether you enjoy it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or just on its own, this pound cake will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Pound Cake

• Buttery and Rich: The combination of butter and cream cheese gives this cake a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the cream cheese, this pound cake stays moist for days, so it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Made with just a few pantry staples, this cake lets the natural flavors shine through.
• Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, or dress it up with fresh fruit, a drizzle of chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

This cake is made with basic ingredients, but it’s the combination that makes it extraordinary:

• Butter: Unsalted butter provides the rich, classic flavor that makes pound cake so irresistible.
• Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient! It adds creaminess and moisture while enhancing the cake’s tenderness.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and contributes to its soft texture.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and create the fluffy, airy texture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cake structure and helps it rise beautifully.
• Baking Powder: A little leavening agent helps the cake rise and become light.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that complements the richness of the butter and cream cheese.
• Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this beautifully rich and moist cream cheese pound cake:

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan (or you can use a 9×5-inch loaf pan if you prefer). This step is essential for ensuring that your cake doesn’t stick while baking!

2. Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar:

In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. The texture should be smooth, and the color will lighten as air is incorporated into the mixture.

3. Add Eggs:

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter without overworking it.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help evenly distribute the dry ingredients throughout the batter.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the vanilla extract, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to a denser cake.

6. Bake:

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt or loaf pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake for 60-70 minutes (for a bundt pan) or 50-60 minutes (for a loaf pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool:

Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. The cake should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Once cooled, slice up the cake and serve as-is, or dress it up with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. You’ll find it’s the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or an afternoon tea.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes

How to Serve Cream Cheese Pound Cake

• With Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh berries, like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, for a burst of flavor and color.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the rich, dense texture of the cake perfectly.
• With Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream or a fruit sorbet can take your pound cake to the next level, making it an irresistible dessert.
• As a Breakfast Treat: Who says cake can’t be breakfast? Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea for a decadent start to the day.

Additional Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend more easily into the batter.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, and we want it to be light and airy!
• Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the type of pan you use. Make sure to check your cake with a toothpick around the 60-minute mark, and keep baking until it comes out clean.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake in a different pan?
A1: Absolutely! You can make this cake in a 9×5-inch loaf pan or even individual mini loaf pans. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q2: Can I freeze the cake?
A2: Yes! This cake freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q3: Can I add flavor variations to this pound cake?
A3: Yes, you can easily switch up the flavor! Try adding lemon zest for a citrusy twist, or swirl in some cinnamon and nutmeg for a spiced version.

Q4: What’s the best way to store leftover cake?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend freshness, but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Q5: Can I use light cream cheese?
A5: While light cream cheese can be substituted, the texture and flavor may be slightly different. For the best results, I recommend using full-fat cream cheese.

This Cream Cheese Pound Cake is as comforting as it is delicious, and I promise it will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re enjoying it on a special occasion or just because, this cake is a true treat!

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