Heavenly Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
Are you looking for the perfect dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than this Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe. This classic Southern cake is the perfect balance of rich, moist, and buttery goodness, with a subtle hint of vanilla flavoring. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
I’ve been baking pound cakes for as long as I can remember, and this recipe is one of my all-time favorites. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the sugar perfectly. It’s the type of cake that’s perfect for any special occasion, but also great for snacking on during lazy afternoons.
You might be thinking “why do I need another pound cake recipe?” Well, let me tell you, this one is worth it. It’s my go-to recipe whenever I want a classic dessert that everyone will love. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients and some patience (the bake time is long but trust me it’s worth it), you’ll have a dessert that tastes like it was made from scratch at a fancy bakery.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you searching for a cake recipe that is perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this cream cheese pound cake recipe! It’s perfect for everything from brunch to dessert, from afternoon tea to midnight snacks.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few carefully-selected ingredients, you can create a cake that is moist, delicious and impressive. You won’t need any fancy equipment or exotic ingredients – just some basic kitchen staples and a little bit of time.
Another reason why you’ll love this cream cheese pound cake recipe is its versatility. You can tweak the recipe in a number of ways to suit your taste buds. For example, you can add some vanilla flavoring for that classic taste, or play around with different types of flour to change the texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try swapping out some of the sugar for honey, or adding some fresh fruit like strawberry or peach?
This cream cheese pound cake recipe also lends itself well to various serving options. You can serve it plain, with a dollop of whipped cream or with fresh fruit on top. Or slice the cake into small pieces and serve as finger sandwiches with your favorite tea blend during an afternoon tea session!
Lastly I must tell you this – with this cream cheese pound cake recipe in your arsenal, there will never be a dull moment. Be it birthdays, weddings or potluck parties, everybody will thank you for bringing such an amazing dessert!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients you need for this decadent Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
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3 cups of cake flour
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1/4 teaspoon of salt
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1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
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3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) of unsalted butter, room temperature
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8 oz package of cream cheese, room temperature
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3 cups granulated sugar
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6 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
For The Cream Cheese Mixture, You Will Need:
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8 oz package of cream cheese, room temperature
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1/2 cup (one stick) of salted butter, room temperature
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1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
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3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
Gather these items and let’s get started on making the perfect Cream Cheese Pound Cake.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time for the fun part, baking the Cream Cheese Pound Cake.
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, using butter, generously coat a 10-inch bundt pan and sprinkle cake flour over it. Make sure to tap out any excess flour. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Cream the butter and cream cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter and cream cheese. Beat them together until they are fully combined and creamy. This is an important step as it will give the cake a smooth texture.
Step 3: Mix in the sugar
Gradually add granulated sugar to the mixture while continuing to beat it until it is light and fluffy. Be careful not to add too much sugar at once as it can lead to a grainy texture.
Step 4: Add eggs, vanilla flavoring, and flour mixture
Beat in large eggs, one at a time until each egg is fully incorporated into the mixture. Then add vanilla flavoring to give the cake its distinctive flavor.
Next, in a separate bowl, sift together your cake flour, baking powder, and salted butter. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients until it is smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 5: Bake
Pour your batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth out any lumps or bubbles with a spatula. Pop your cake into your preheated oven and allow it to bake for anywhere between one hour 30 minutes to two hours. To check if your cake is done you can insert a toothpick into its center, if it comes back clean then you’re good to go!
Step 6: Cool and serve
Allow your freshly baked Cream Cheese Pound Cake to cool in the bundt pan for around 30 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to fully cool. This cake can be served as is or with a side of your choice, such as strawberries or whipped cream.
With these simple and straightforward steps, you will have a beautiful, delicious loaf of Cream Cheese Pound Cake that is perfect for any occasion from an afternoon snack to an impressive dessert at your next party!
Substitutions and Variations
As much as we love the classic cream cheese pound cake recipe, there are always ways to mix things up a bit. Below are some suggestions for substitutions and variations that can give your pound cake a unique twist.
– Fruit flavors: You can add various fruit flavors to your cream cheese pound cake recipe. Strawberry is a popular choice because it gives the cake a refreshing taste and adds visual appeal. You can also try adding orange or pineapple to give your pound cake a tropical flair. For a more decadent twist, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks to the batter.
– Flour substitutions: If you don’t have cake flour on hand, simply make your own by whisking together 3 cups of all-purpose flour and removing 6 tablespoons of it. Then add 6 tablespoons of cornstarch back in and whisk until well combined. This will give your pound cake a tender texture that’s similar to cake flour.
– Sugar: Traditionally, the cream cheese pound cake recipe calls for granulated sugar. However, you can experiment with using light or dark brown sugar instead. The darker sugar will give your pound cake a richer, deeper flavor.
– Cheese options: While this recipe uses regular cream cheese, you can try using Southern-style cream cheese for variation, which is milder and less tangy than regular cream cheese.
– Loaf pan option: If you’d like to add some visual interest to your cream cheese pound cake, consider baking it in a loaf pan instead of a bundt or tube pan. A simple change in shape can make all the difference in creating an eye-catching dessert.
No matter what variations and substitutions you make, remember to keep the basic ingredients in mind – eggs, butter, sugar, cream cheese – to ensure the best results for your cream cheese pound cake recipe. Happy baking!
Serving and Pairing
Welcome to the serving and pairing section of this cream cheese pound cake recipe. Congratulations on baking this mouth-watering dessert! Now comes the exciting part – serving and pairing it with your favorite side dishes.
Firstly, let me note that serving this cake is easy, since it comes with a rich and decadent flavor and needs no further toppings or frostings to enhance its taste. However, if you are feeling adventurous, go ahead and top it off with some fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Secondly, as for pairings, you can never go wrong with a hot cup of coffee. The combination of a warm cup of joe and the moist texture of this cake truly complements each other’s flavors.
Feeling like stepping it up a notch? Pair your pound cake with a refreshing scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The creamy goodness of ice cream goes perfectly well against the richness of the cream cheese pound cake.
For those who are fond of fruity flavors, serve your slice of pound cake with sliced pineapples or peaches to add more sweetness and tang that goes amazingly well against the creamy texture.
In conclusion, there is no one right way to serve or pair this masterpiece. The versatility of this cake leaves room for experimentation, which makes it all the more exciting. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Let’s face it – who doesn’t love having leftovers to enjoy for days after baking? Luckily, this Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and storing for later.
The cake can be made up to three days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This will not only save you time, but it also allows for the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious cake.
When it comes to reheating, there are a few options to choose from. The easiest method is to simply heat the cake in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warm. However, if you have the time, I highly recommend heating it up in the oven.
To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and wrap the cake tightly in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cake on a baking sheet and warm it up in the oven for 10-15 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cake is heated through.
Another great option is to lightly toast slices of pound cake on a griddle or in a buttered pan until slightly caramelized on each side. This creates a lovely texture contrast and warmed edges that melt in your mouth.
In summary, this Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe is perfect for make-ahead baking and easy reheating. Whether you’re tight on time or enjoying leftover treats, these tips ensure that your pound cake will always be moist and delicious, no matter how many days have passed!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let me share with you some tips to ensure that your Cream Cheese Pound Cake comes out absolutely perfect.
1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure that all your ingredients such as cream cheese, unsalted butter, and eggs are at room temperature. This will help them incorporate and mix well, giving you a uniform batter.
2. Don’t Overmix: When making the batter, be careful not to overmix it. Overmixing can cause your pound cake to become tough and dry.
3. Measuring Flour Correctly: The most common mistake when baking is using too much flour. Be sure to measure the flour correctly by scooping it gently into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
4. Use Cake Flour: It might be tempting to use all-purpose flour, but for this recipe, I recommend using cake flour for a lighter and softer texture.
5. Grease Your Loaf Pan: Greasing your loaf pan properly will prevent your pound cake from sticking to the pan after baking. You can use baking spray or butter to coat the bottom and sides of the pan.
6. Bake at the Right Temperature: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) before baking your pound cake. This takes longer than heating the oven to 350°F (177°C), but it helps ensure an even bake for the perfect pound cake texture.
7. Use Toothpick Test: To check if your pound cake is done, insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, then your cake is ready!
With these helpful tips in mind, you will surely be able to create a fluffy, moist Cream Cheese Pound Cake that will wow your family and guests. Happy baking!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions or concerns that come up while preparing the cream cheese pound cake. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers to help ensure your cake turns out perfectly. So, read on and get ready to bake a southern classic that will delight your taste buds with its rich, buttery and tangy flavor.
How do I make sure my pound cake is moist?
When it comes to making a delectable and moist pound cake, one of the tricks I use is to include milk, be it buttermilk, heavy whipping cream, or half n half, along with baking powder. This combination somehow works like magic to give my pound cake an incredibly velvet-like texture that is simply irresistible.
Why is my pound cake not moist?
Hey there! Sometimes, a cake can turn out dry and crumbly. It’s possible that it got overcooked, or you might have not used enough butter or sugar. It’s also possible that you added too much flour. To fix this, you can try taking the cake out of the oven a few minutes early, or you can reduce the temperature of the oven.
What makes a pound cake different from a regular cake?
Pound cake is a type of British dessert that has a dense texture as it doesn’t rise as much as the American-style butter cake. Due to its richness, pound cakes are usually made with light flavors and can be served plain or with a simple glaze. Typically, these cakes are baked in a loaf or Bundt pan.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious dessert that’s easy to make, super moist and has a delightful vanilla flavor. The perfect balance of cream cheese and butter makes the cake rich and decadent, while the cake flour creates a soft crumb that melts in your mouth. Adding in some fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream will elevate this classic recipe even further.
With the detailed instructions, tips and substitutions provided in this article, you’ll be able to make this Southern favorite with ease. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, the Cream Cheese Pound Cake will be an instant crowd-pleaser. So why not impress your friends and family with this mouth-watering recipe today?
Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups butter (softened)
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (softened)
- 3 cups sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups sifted cake flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- *note:Please do not be tempted to use low fat anything.
- The cake will fall and be very gummy.
- Cream butter and cream cheese for 5 minutes.
- Slowly add sugar and beat thoroughly.
- Add eggs one at a time beating well after each egg.
- Add flour and flavoring, Mix until well blended.
- Grease and lightly flour a 10" tube pan and pour batter into pan.
- Place cake in a cold oven.
- Bake for 1 1/2 hour at 285 degrees.
- No matter how tempted DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR WHILE BAKING!
- Cool for 20 minutes in pan after removing from oven.
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.