Cream Cheese Pound Cake: A Decadent Dessert Delight
Are you hungry for something sweet and decadent? Look no further than my perfected recipe for Cream Cheese Pound Cake.
This Southern-inspired classic will have your taste buds dancing with delight. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness to the cake, while the pound cake base provides the perfect texture and structure.
But not all pound cakes are created equal. Too often, they can be dry, bland, or lacking in flavor. That’s where my recipe comes in – I’ve spent countless hours testing and tweaking until I’ve achieved the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
And don’t worry if you’re new to baking – this recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a moist, delicious cake that’s sure to impress.
So let’s get started on making the perfect Cream Cheese Pound Cake. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of moist, delicious and easy-to-make cakes? If so, then let me introduce to you one of my favorite cake recipes – the Cream Cheese Pound Cake. This pound cake is not your ordinary dessert. It has a unique twist that combines buttery and dense pound cake with rich cream cheese flavor. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked for life.
But what makes this Cream Cheese Pound Cake so special?
Firstly, it’s incredibly moist and flavorful. Thanks to the addition of cream cheese to the batter, this cake is incredibly rich and creamy with an irresistibly tender crumb. Plus, the cream cheese also helps to keep the texture of the cake from becoming dry or crumbly. You will absolutely fall in love with its delightful texture.
Secondly, it’s very easy to make! Even if you’re not an expert baker, this is a recipe that anyone can make successfully. The ingredients are simple and straightforward – butter, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, flour and vanilla extract – everything you need to make an amazing cake that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery.
Lastly, this Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe lends itself well to customization with different variations of toppings, frosting or mix-ins such as lemon or strawberry cream cheese frosting or chocolate chips added into the batter. You can add whatever your heart desires and create a unique taste sensation.
In conclusion, this delicious Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe is a must-have in every baker’s repertoire. Whether indulging in it alone or pairing it with fresh whipped cream and berries for a fancier presentation, this delightful dessert will make you feel like royalty at every bite. Try this recipe once and I guarantee that you’ll want to bake it again and again!
Ingredient List
Before I explain to you how to make this delicious Cream Cheese Pound Cake, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need:
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 oz package cream cheese, room temperature
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Make sure you have all these ingredients before starting the recipe. It’s important that the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature so that they blend well with the other ingredients. Also, don’t forget to preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) before beginning.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s get to the fun part: making the cream cheese pound cake! Follow the steps below and I promise you’ll have a moist delicious dessert in no time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Take out your ingredients and make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. Cream cheese can be difficult to beat if it’s too cold, so this step is important.
Then, sift 3 cups of cake flour into a clean bowl of at least 4-qt capacity. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk the ingredients together for a minute to make sure everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together 3 sticks of unsalted butter (1 1/2 cups) and 8 ounces of cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in 3 cups of granulated sugar, beating continuously until fluffy. Then add 6 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding another.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add about one-third of the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Pour in 1/2 cup of whole milk followed by another third of the dry ingredients. Shake in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract before adding the remaining third of the dry mixture.
Note: Be careful not to overmix at this point as it can toughen the cake.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Grease a loaf pan or Bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter. Pour in your batter and smooth it out evenly throughout the pan.
Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes at 325°F (165°C). After the first hour, loosely cover the pan with foil to prevent the cake from browning too much.
Use a toothpick to test if your cake is done. Remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing it to finish cooling on a wire rack.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Once completely cooled, slice your Southern cream cheese pound cake and savor each and every bite. If desired, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh fruit. You won’t regret making this classic recipe on any occasion!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to add a personal touch to this classic cream cheese pound cake recipe, there are several substitutions and variations you can try out.
Firstly, if you prefer a denser cake, you can substitute half of the cake flour with all-purpose flour. This will give your cake a more substantial texture while still maintaining its moistness.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try using sour cream in place of some of the cream cheese. Sour cream adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture that complements the sweetness of the cake. You can also add grated lemon zest to your batter to enhance the cake’s tanginess and create a refreshing citrus burst.
For those who are gluten-free or are trying to cut back on carbs, you can use almond or coconut flour instead of cake flour. However, be wary that these flours have different properties from wheat flour and may result in a denser or crumblier cake.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or coconut sugar, to give your cream cheese pound cake a subtle caramel flavor.
Finally, for an extra twist on your classic cream cheese pound cake recipe, try adding chopped nuts, fruits or chocolate chips to your batter. Pecans, almonds, cranberries and blueberries go particularly well with this recipe!
Your options for substitutions and variations are endless – let your imagination run wild!
Serving and Pairing
One of the best things about this cream cheese pound cake is that it can be served in many ways. Perfect for any time of the day, you can enjoy this cake with a fresh hot cup of coffee in the morning, or as a sweet treat after dinner.
To enjoy it even more, try serving it with whipped cream and fresh berries. The sweetness of the cake pairs perfectly with the tartness of berries, and the fluffy whipped cream adds extra texture to your slice.
If you’re looking for something more decadent, why not try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? The coolness and smoothness of the ice cream complement the dense and moist texture of the pound cake.
You can also accompany this recipe with hot tea or a glass of milk. This will help to balance out the sweetness and density of the cake.
This dessert is also perfect for special occasions such as birthdays or holidays. Slice it up into thin slivers and serve with an espresso shot, for a satisfying after-dinner treat.
In summary, this versatile cream cheese pound cake can be paired with many different beverages and enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own, or incorporating it into a larger dessert spread, you’ll love its moist deliciousness.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Cream Cheese Pound Cake Perfected Recipe is a dessert that can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. This pound cake will remain moist and delicious for up to a week if stored properly at room temperature.
To make the cake ahead of time, it’s best to bake it the day before you plan to serve it. Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it away. When it’s time to serve, simply slice and serve at room temperature.
If you need to store this pound cake for longer than a week, you can freeze it by wrapping it with several layers of plastic wrap and then placing it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating this cake is simple too. You can microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds each, or you can warm up an entire cake by placing it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Be sure not to overheat as the pound cake could become dry and lose its moistness.
Overall, this Cream Cheese Pound Cake Perfected Recipe is a great dessert that can be made ahead of time and stored without compromising its taste or texture. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this melt-in-your-mouth pound cake will definitely hit the spot!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you’re looking to make the best cream cheese pound cake, here are some tips that will help you achieve perfect results every time. First and foremost, it is essential to use all of the ingredients at room temperature. This step is crucial because it allows the ingredients to emulsify correctly, leading to a moist and delicious cake texture.
Another essential consideration when making this recipe is using cake flour instead of regular all-purpose flour. Cake flour has less gluten than all-purpose flour, leading to a tender and more delicate crumb.
When it comes to mixing the ingredients, use your stand mixer or hand mixer on medium-low speed. Overmixing can lead to a dry and tough cake texture. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, and there are no lumps in the batter.
Additionally, be sure not to overbake the cake as it can cause it to fall or become dry. To ensure you get a perfectly cooked cake, I recommend investing in an oven thermometer for accuracy when baking.
Finally, let the cake cool for at least ten minutes before removing it from the pan. This step will prevent the cake from sticking or falling apart.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a perfect cream cheese pound cake every time. Don’t forget to enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for a delightful treat that everyone will love!
FAQ
As you start to experiment with this Cream Cheese Pound Cake Perfected Recipe, you might have some questions about the ingredients, baking tips, or serving ideas. In this section, we’ll try to answer some of the most commonly asked questions that bakers tend to have about this delicious cake recipe. So, let’s dive in and find out more about creating the best cream cheese pound cake every time you bake!
Why does my cream cheese pound cake fall?
When baking a cake, it’s crucial to ensure that the ingredients are measured accurately to avoid any potential mishaps. Using too much sugar or leavening agent can cause the cake to collapse, while adding too much flour can result in a dry texture. Additionally, it’s recommended to use an oven thermometer to confirm the temperature of the oven in order to achieve optimal results.
How do I make sure my pound cake is moist?
Achieving a moist and tender pound cake can be a challenge, yet there’s a secret ingredient that will make a world of difference – milk. Incorporating milk, along with baking powder, buttermilk, heavy whipping cream or half n half, elevates your pound cake to a new level of softness, like magic in your kitchen!
What is Elvis Presley pound cake?
When it came to pound cake for Elvis, the king of rock and roll, he had a special recipe in mind. It was said that his childhood friend, Janelle McComb, would bake two loaves of this cake every year for Christmas and bring them to Graceland. The Sterns, who received the recipe from McComb in 1987, have kept the tradition alive in honor of The King’s legacy.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, my Cream Cheese Pound Cake Perfected Recipe is the epitome of moist deliciousness. This recipe offers a perfect blend of cream cheese and pound cake, making it a must-try for everyone who loves the combination of cheese and cake. With careful execution and precision application of the ingredients, you can make an incredible tasting dessert that will leave everyone asking for more.
This recipe is designed to provide a perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that will keep your taste buds satisfied. The recipe is easy to follow, and with a little bit of practice, you’ll quickly become an expert. Once you get the hang of it, feel free to jazz up the recipe with variations like toppings or fancy presentation.
This cream cheese pound cake recipe is ideal for all kinds of events from birthdays to holidays or any day in between. Furthermore, it’s versatile because this treat can serve as breakfast, lunch dessert or even a snack. Imagine enjoying a slice dipped in your morning coffee for breakfast or pairing it with after-dinner coffee on date night!
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious cake recipe that’s simple yet elegant, then my Cream Cheese Pound Cake Perfected Recipe is perfect for you! I hope this article helps put baking back on your culinary radar and inspires you to venture into baking territory. Happy Baking!
Cream Cheese Pound Cake Perfected Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cake flour (12 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 300 degrees. Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan.
- Combine flour and salt in bowl. Whisk eggs and yolks, milk and vanilla together in a 2 cup liquid measuring cup.
- Using stand mixer fitted with paddle, beat sugar, butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low and very slowly add egg mixture until incorporated (batter may be slightly curdled).
- Add flour mixture in 3 additions, scraping down bowl as needed. Give batter final stir by hand.
- Scrape batter into prepared pan and gently tap pan on counter to release air bubbles. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 80 to 90 minutes, rotating pan halfway through baking.
- Cool cake pan on wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove cake from pan and cool completely, about 2 hours. Serve.
- Cake can be wrapped in plastic wrap and held at room temperature for 3 days.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.