Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly blends rich flavor and tender crumb, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe. It’s one of those timeless classics that feels like a warm hug in cake form, with a silky texture thanks to the cream cheese and a buttery depth that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, this pound cake promises to deliver slice after slice of pure joy.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together effortlessly but play a huge role in creating the magic of this cake. Each one brings a special touch—creaminess, sweetness, structure, and a hint of vanilla to brighten every bite.

• Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures a smooth, velvety texture throughout the cake.
• Cream cheese: This key ingredient adds moisture and richness, giving the cake its signature tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve that light, fluffy texture when properly creamed with the butter and cream cheese.
• Large eggs: They provide structure and help the cake rise beautifully while keeping it moist.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of this elevates the flavor profile with its warm, fragrant notes.
• All-purpose flour: The base dry ingredient that gives the cake body and stability.
• Baking soda: Just a pinch to gently lighten the texture without compromising the dense, luscious quality.
• Table salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors for a perfectly rounded taste.

How to Make Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 300F (150C) and generously greasing and flouring a 12-cup bundt pan. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure your gorgeous cake comes out cleanly, ready to impress.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Beat on high speed with an electric mixer until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. This blend is the powerhouse of moisture and richness in your cake.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Beat Until Fluffy

Scrape down the sides of your bowl, then add the sugar. Increase the mixer speed and beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this is where the texture magic begins.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs Gradually

With your mixer still running at high speed, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This method ensures a stable batter that will rise consistently in the oven.

Step 5: Stir in Vanilla Extract

Add the vanilla extract and mix briefly to infuse the batter with its sweet, aromatic flavor, which perfectly complements the creamy base.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients into your wet batter, stirring constantly to keep everything smooth. Then beat on medium speed for an extra minute to achieve a silky, light batter.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan and bake in the oven for about 1 hour and 35 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes. The cake will turn a beautiful golden brown, and a wooden skewer inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Remove from Pan

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack. This prevents any cracks or breaks while cooling completely.

Step 9: Ready to Enjoy

Once cooled, your Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe is ready to be savored. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up, it never fails to delight. Let’s talk about serving it next!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Garnishes

This cake is outstanding on its own, but you can dress it up beautifully with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or even a decadent chocolate ganache. Whipped cream and fresh berries also make an elegant, fresh finish.

Side Dishes

Serving your pound cake alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of fruit compote can take this dessert to another level. The contrasting textures and temperatures create a truly indulgent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the pound cake and layering it with berries and mascarpone for a quick trifle. Or, turn it into French toast the next day for a special breakfast treat that tastes like a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it fresh and moist.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Slice it beforehand for easier thawing, wrap in plastic wrap and foil, and stash it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy a warm slice, gently reheat it in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop it in a low oven (around 300F) wrapped in foil until warm. The warmth will bring out all the cake’s buttery goodness.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cream cheese with sour cream?

While sour cream will provide moisture, it won’t add the same dense, creamy texture that cream cheese brings. For the classic texture of this Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe, stick to cream cheese.

Why bake at a lower temperature for so long?

Baking at 300F helps this dense cake cook evenly without drying out or cracking. The slow bake develops that tender crumb and golden exterior perfectly.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

If using salted butter, reduce or omit the table salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cake. Unsalted butter offers better control over the flavor balance.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Look for a deep golden brown color and test with a wooden skewer inserted in the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs stuck to it.

Is this cake suitable for freezing after baking?

Absolutely! This pound cake freezes well and tastes just as delicious when thawed. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to protect from freezer burn.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe is such a joy to bake and share. Its tender crumb and rich, buttery flavor make every slice feel special, whether enjoyed with a simple cup of tea or dressed up for celebrations. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own favorite ways to enjoy it—you might just find it becomes your go-to cake for years to come!

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