Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a rich, dense, and buttery classic that’s perfect for any occasion. The addition of cream cheese gives this cake a moist, tender crumb with a subtle tang that perfectly complements the sweetness. This pound cake is easy to make and versatile enough to be served on its own, with fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan or tube pan.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating for 3-4 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt or tube pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Bake the Pound Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Serve
- Slice and serve the pound cake at room temperature. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients blend together smoothly for a better texture.
- Measuring Flour: To avoid a dense cake, lightly spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Do not pack the flour.
- Pan Preparation: Greasing and flouring the Bundt or tube pan is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also use a baking spray that contains flour.
Variations
- Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Almond Pound Cake: Substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty twist.
- Marble Pound Cake: Swirl in 1/2 cup of melted chocolate or cocoa powder to create a marble effect.
- Berry Topping: Add fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the batter before baking for a fruity variation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cream Cheese Pound Cake can be made a day or two ahead. Store it tightly wrapped at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
2. How Do I Store Leftover Pound Cake?
Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
3. Can I Use a Different Pan?
Yes, you can use two loaf pans instead of a Bundt or tube pan. The baking time may vary, so start checking for doneness around 1 hour.
4. Why Is My Pound Cake Dense?
Pound cake should have a dense texture, but if it’s overly dense, you may have overmixed the batter or used too much flour. Be sure to measure the flour correctly and mix only until combined.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries, sliced peaches, or a fruit compote for added flavor and texture.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the dense cake.
- Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top of the cake for added sweetness.
Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a classic dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration or just a cozy night at home. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious simplicity of a homemade pound cake that everyone will love!
