Irresistible Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
Hello there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I am excited to share with you my latest recipe creation: a crusty cream cheese pound cake. This recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion or simply to enjoy as a sweet treat.
I’ve always been a sucker for a classic pound cake, and this version takes it up a notch with its rich and tangy cream cheese flavor. The combination of soft and smooth crumb with the crispy crust on top will leave your taste buds wanting more.
But don’t just take my word for it. This cake tribute to Ms. Paula Deen, is a nod to Southern cooking and has been lauded by dessert lovers across the country. I’ve added my own twist to this recipe to make it even better.
This crusty cream cheese pound cake is a versatile dessert that can be served with fresh berries, whipped cream or plain, and still taste just as good. It’s perfect for a bake sale, potluck, picnic, or as an after-dinner treat.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for the perfect dessert to impress your friends and family? Look no further than this Crusty Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe. This cake is so delicious, you’ll be dreaming of it for weeks after you try it.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is that it has a perfect balance between sweetness and creaminess. With three cups of sugar, a package of cream cheese, and three sticks of butter, this cake has a rich and satisfying flavor that will melt in your mouth. The crusty exterior combined with the moist and fluffy interior make every bite a delight.
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is the ease with which it can be prepared. With simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, cream cheese, and butter, you can create a dessert masterpiece that will rival anything you can buy from a bakery. Plus, most of the ingredients are kitchen staples that you probably already have on hand.
Additionally, this recipe is versatile and lends itself well to substitutions and variations. You could add some lemon zest or swap out some ingredients for different flavors. The possibilities are endless!
In conclusion, this Crusty Cream Cheese Pound Cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With its creamy texture and perfect level of sweetness, it’s hard not to love it. And with its ease of preparation and versatility, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your household. So go ahead and give it a try – we guarantee you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Before starting with the recipe, make sure you have all the ingredients listed below at hand. Measuring each component carefully to create a perfectly balanced crusty cream cheese pound cake.
Cake Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups vegetable shortening
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Crunchy Top Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Southern-style cream
Prepare the ingredients by measuring out the exact amount specified for each ingredient in the list. With proper measurement comes the perfect cake!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start making our Crusty Cream Cheese Pound Cake. Follow these simple steps and get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven.
Preparation
Step 1: Grease and Flour the Cake Pan
Use unsalted butter or vegetable shortening to grease the Bundt pan, and then dust flour on it to help prevent the pound cake from sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C), so that by the time you complete preparing your batter, it’ll be all set for baking.
Making the Batter
Step 3: Cream butter and cream cheese
In an electric mixer, beat together 3 sticks of softened butter and 8 oz (226g) room temperature cream cheese until they’re combined and fluffy. Add in 3 cups (600g) of granulated sugar gradually and continue mixing until everything is incorporated, scrape down the sides of bowl a few times along the way.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Next, add in 6 large eggs one at a time, beating each egg/egg white into the mixture on medium speed before placing another egg.
Step 5: Add dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, sifted once before measuring, with 1/2 tsp. salt. Gradually fold this mixture with an electric mixer on low speed into the creamed mixture just until everything is combined.
Step 6: Add Shortening
Add in 2 cups (400g) white shortening^1 or vegetable shortening and fold thoroughly into the mixture.
Step 7: Add Vanilla Extract
Finally, add in a generous tablespoon of vanilla extract^2 (use real vanilla extract since it’s more aromatic) and continue mixing.
Baking the Cake
Step 8: Pour the Batter into a Prepared Bundt pan
Pour the mixture into the greased and floured Bundt pan.
Step 9: Bake at 325°F
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, then start checking cake with a fork or toothpick to make sure it comes out clean. To prevent further browning but still get a crunchy top you can place a piece of aluminum foil on top of the cake. Bake for an additional 15-25 minutes until your pound cake is beautifully golden brown.
Step 10: Remove, cool, serve
Remove the cake^3 from the oven and let it cool for about 30 minutes before removing it from the pan. Once you remove it, let it cool completely on a wire rack. Serve or store it in an airtight container.
^1 In Paula Deen’s recipe that inspired this cake tribute, she uses Crisco ^2
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I understand that sometimes you might not have all the ingredients required for a recipe. Worry not! Here are some substitutions and variations you can use to make this crusty cream cheese pound cake recipe uniquely yours.
Firstly, if you’re out of cream cheese or simply want to try a different flavor, you can substitute it with lemon cream cheese or any other flavored cream cheese available. You can also try adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the cake batter instead to give it a tangy kick.
Likewise, if you prefer a lighter texture, you can swap up to 1/3 of the flour quantity with cake flour or substitute sour cream for some of the cream cheese. However, keep in mind that doing so might also affect the taste and consistency of the final product.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, feel free to experiment by substituting some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup. In fact, using Southern Living’s tip of replacing half of the butter with vegetable shortening will help you achieve a moist pound cake that is not as heavy in saturated fats.
Finally, why stick to just one type of bundt cake when you could create multiple variations? You could add your favorite fruit flavors (such as blueberry or peach) to the batter or even create a chocolate version by adding cocoa powder!
Ultimately, these substitutions and variations bring both fun and creativity to your baking experience. Therefore, don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
Once your crusty cream cheese pound cake is baked to golden perfection, it’s time to treat your taste buds to a slice of heaven. The rich cream cheese and vanilla flavors make this cake a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent afternoon snack, or go all out with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also serve it with fresh fruits such as strawberries or raspberries to add a bit of tartness to the flavor profile.
For those looking for a more decadent pairing, try serving the cake with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top – it takes this creamy treat to another level altogether!
With its buttery goodness and dense texture, the crusty cream cheese pound cake is also perfect as part of a dessert spread at holidays or special occasions. Pair slices with other bite-sized treats such as macarons, cupcakes or petit fours for an impressive display that will tantalize the taste buds of your guests.
No matter how you decide to serve it, the crusty cream cheese pound cake will leave everyone wanting more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this crusty cream cheese pound cake recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time and stored for later. In fact, I highly recommend making this cake a day in advance to allow it to cool completely before serving. Simply follow the recipe instructions, let the cake cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
If you need to store the cake for longer than a day, you can freeze it for up to three months. To freeze the cake, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to serve the cake, just thaw it at room temperature for several hours before reheating.
To reheat the crusty cream cheese pound cake, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and then place the unwrapped cake on a baking sheet. Bake the cake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through and has regained its crispy crust.
Alternatively, you can also reheat individual slices of cake in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds each. Just be careful not to overheat them or they can become tough and dry.
Remember that refrigerating pound cake can result in it becoming dry so try wrapping it well if you plan on placing it inside a fridge.
By following these tips for storing and reheating your crusty cream cheese pound cake, you’ll be able to enjoy its delicious flavors and textures long after you first baked it.
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing a crusty cream cheese pound cake is not rocket science, but it requires some craftsmanship if you want to achieve perfect results. Here are some tips that will help:
1. Cream the butter and cream cheese properly.
This step is crucial as it will determine whether your cake will be smooth or lumpy. To ensure that it’s smooth, make sure both the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before using them. Also, beat them together until they are light and fluffy.
2. Use high-quality ingredients.
The quality of your ingredients greatly affects the outcome of your cake. For instance, avoid using low-quality flour as it makes your cake dense and heavy. Instead, use cake flour, which produces a lighter and fluffier cake.
3. Grease and flour the pan properly.
Before pouring in your batter, make sure to grease the pan thoroughly with shortening or unsalted butter to prevent sticking. Then dust it with flour evenly to ensure that every corner is covered.
4. Bake for the correct amount of time.
Baking time may vary depending on the oven used, so it’s best to check the cake regularly once you hit the recommended time frame.
5. Let it cool before serving.
Don’t rush in releasing your cake from its pan because its crusty texture needs to cool down properly before slicing into it. Give it at least 10 minutes on a wire rack before cutting and serving.
By following these tips above, you can ensure that your crusty cream cheese pound cake yields perfect results, satisfying both your cravings and creativity in baking!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Crusty Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe is a fantastic dessert that you won’t regret making. The cheesecake filling and the crunchy top of the cake make for a delightful texture pairing. I cannot emphasize enough how perfect this cake is for any occasion, from casual brunches to formal dinner parties. The simple ingredients used in this cake recipe are household staples that make it easy to whip up at a moment’s notice.
I highly recommend trying out this recipe, and once you do, you’ll understand why it’s such a classic. Sweet, creamy, and buttery is what makes this recipe so timeless. You can serve it alongside your favorite tea or coffee, or even with an assortment of berries for a refreshingly tart contrast.
Overall, this Crusty Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe is easy to make and hard to resist. Although it may not be the healthiest treat out there, we all deserve to indulge a little and enjoy delectable desserts like this one every once in a while. So don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven and create some culinary magic with this delicious crusty cream cheese pound cake recipe today!
Crusty Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
- 3 cups sugar
- 6 eggs
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Butter and flour one Bundt pan. Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Cream together butter, cream cheese, and shortening.
- Add sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Alternately add flour and eggs beginning and ending with flour. Make sure to beat well after each egg.
- Stir in vanilla and pour into prepared bundt pan.
- Cook for 1 hour and 15-20 minutes or until tester comes out clean.
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.