Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Pound cake is a beloved dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. Known for its dense and buttery texture, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. The addition of cream cheese elevates this traditional recipe, creating a moist, rich flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special event, or simply craving something sweet, this Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Why Choose Cream Cheese Pound Cake?

Cream cheese is the secret ingredient that makes this pound cake stand out. While traditional pound cakes use just butter, the cream cheese adds a rich, velvety texture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. This cake is incredibly versatile, perfect for serving plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Benefits of Cream Cheese Pound Cake:

• Rich and Moist: The cream cheese creates a tender crumb that’s both light and moist, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Simple Ingredients: This cake requires basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it easy to whip up whenever a craving strikes.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite add-ins, such as lemon zest, vanilla extract, or even chocolate chips, for a personalized twist on the classic.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Pound Cake

To make this simple yet decadent cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions for Making Cream Cheese Pound Cake

this recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Sugar and Eggs Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three portions, mixing after each addition until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 20 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Cool the Cake Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Perfect Cream Cheese Pound Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth batter and helps the ingredients combine properly.
• Don’t Overmix: While it’s important to mix the ingredients until smooth, avoid overmixing the batter once you’ve added the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
• Add Flavor Variations: You can easily customize this recipe by adding flavors like lemon zest, almond extract, or even a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.

Serving Ideas

This Cream Cheese Pound Cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries are perfect for adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances the creamy texture.
• Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the cake for a decadent treat.
• Glaze: For an extra touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. With its rich flavor and tender crumb, it’s the perfect cake for any celebration or as an everyday treat. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up with your favorite toppings, this cake will surely become a go-to recipe for your baking repertoire. Enjoy a slice of comfort today!

Serving and Storage Tips for Cream Cheese Pound Cake

To get the most out of your Cream Cheese Pound Cake, here are some helpful serving and storage tips:

Serving Tips

1. Room Temperature is Best: For the best flavor and texture, serve the pound cake at room temperature. Allow it to sit out for about 15-20 minutes after removing it from the refrigerator.
2. Pair with Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries are perfect accompaniments. Their light, tart flavor complements the richness of the cake beautifully.
3. Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the cake’s dense, moist texture. Try a flavored whipped cream (like vanilla or lemon) to enhance the overall taste.
4. Add a Glaze or Sauce: A simple powdered sugar glaze or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can elevate the dessert even further, adding extra sweetness and visual appeal.
5. Make it Festive: Serve the cake on a decorative platter for special occasions. Top it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves for a touch of elegance.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to eat the cake within 3-4 days, you can store it at room temperature. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure the cake is fully cooled before wrapping it.
2. Refrigeration for Longer Freshness: If you need to store the cake for a longer period (up to 1 week), refrigerate it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out, and place it in an airtight container or resealable bag.
3. Freezing for Future Enjoyment: Pound cake freezes well! To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. For added protection, place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
4. Slice Before Storing: For convenience, consider slicing the cake before storing. This way, you can easily grab individual slices without needing to thaw the entire cake. You can also freeze slices separately for quick enjoyment later.

Reheating Tips

If you prefer your pound cake warm:

• Microwave: Place a slice of cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 10-15 seconds, or until warm.
• Oven: Wrap the cake loosely in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

With these serving and storage tips, your Cream Cheese Pound Cake will stay fresh and delicious, ready to enjoy whenever you like!

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture and richness of the cake may change slightly. Full-fat cream cheese provides a richer, denser texture, which is what makes this pound cake so delicious. If you use low-fat cream cheese, the cake may be a bit lighter in texture but still tasty.

2. How do I know when my Cream Cheese Pound Cake is done baking?
To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. If the batter sticks to the toothpick, continue baking for 5-10 minutes longer, checking for doneness every few minutes.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, Cream Cheese Pound Cake can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, many people say it tastes even better after it sits for a day, as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you need it to last longer.

4. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit to the batter?
Absolutely! This pound cake is versatile, and you can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even small pieces of fruit. If you add fruit, make sure to gently fold it into the batter to avoid too much moisture, which could affect the texture. For best results, coat any added chocolate chips or fruit lightly with flour before folding them in.

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