Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dessert that’s rich, buttery, and unfailingly comforting, Cream Cheese Pound Cake will steal your heart and taste buds all at once. Each slice strikes a perfect harmony of dense crumb and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth softness—the kind of classic treat that feels equally at home with a cup of coffee or as the showstopper at a special gathering. With a golden crust and creamy center, this recipe makes the most of simple ingredients, transforming them into an unforgettable favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you know.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient for this Cream Cheese Pound Cake serves a delicious purpose, combining to create that signature dense-yet-velvety texture. With only a handful of staples and a generous dose of cream cheese, you’ll see how each component brings its own magic to the cake.

• Unsalted Butter (1 ½ cups, softened): Provides a rich foundation and unbeatable moisture, so your cake never turns out dry.
• Cream Cheese (1 8-ounce package, softened): The secret to the irresistibly creamy crumb—don’t skimp on this ingredient!
• Granulated Sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and also helps aerate the batter for a lighter texture.
• Large Eggs (6): Bind everything together and add structure, ensuring the cake holds its shape but still feels tender.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the flavors and gives the cake its classic, fragrant aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): Lends body and substance, creating a firm but delicate crumb.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and deepens all the other flavors.

How to Make Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C), giving it plenty of time to come to temperature for an evenly baked cake. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan thoroughly—this step helps release every glorious curve of the cake later on and prevents sticking disasters.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is completely smooth and unified. This is where the Cream Cheese Pound Cake gets its signature texture, so take your time and make sure no lumps remain.

Step 3: Beat in the Sugar

Gradually add the granulated sugar to your creamed mixture. Beat on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and almost mousse-like. This step is essential for incorporating air, which gives your cake that beautiful lift.

Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time

With the mixer running on low, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This helps maintain the batter’s smooth consistency—don’t rush, as patience here leads to a consistently tender crumb.

Step 5: Stir in the Vanilla

Once all the eggs are incorporated, add the vanilla extract. This may seem like a small step, but the warmth and aroma vanilla brings to Cream Cheese Pound Cake are truly worth savoring.

Step 6: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour and salt gradually, mixing on low speed or by hand just until everything comes together. Be gentle and avoid over-mixing, which can toughen the cake. You’ll end up with a thick, velvety batter that promises decadent results.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top for an even bake. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cake and let it cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before carefully turning it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step locks in all that moisture while the cake sets up beautifully.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, while fresh berries or a dollop of softly whipped cream take it to another level of decadence. For something a little extra, try a drizzle of lemon glaze or a sprig of mint—each accent brings out the rich, buttery notes in every slice.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Cream Cheese Pound Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of stewed fruit turns dessert into a real event. Even a cup of strong coffee or sweet tea alongside highlights the cake’s delicate flavors and makes for a truly nostalgic experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Cream Cheese Pound Cake into a showstopping trifle by layering cubes of cake with berries and whipped cream in a glass bowl. For individual servings, cut thick slices and grill them lightly before topping with citrus compote or chocolate sauce—this cake loves a little creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cream Cheese Pound Cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge—just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled cake, or individual slices, tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. To defrost, place in the refrigerator overnight or let sit on the counter until thawed.

Reheating

If you prefer your pound cake a little warm, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds, or heat gently in a low oven for a few minutes. A touch of heat revives that freshly baked aroma and turns every bite extra luscious.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

While you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, full-fat is highly recommended for that classic richness and moistness that sets Cream Cheese Pound Cake apart. Low-fat versions may produce a slightly lighter, less indulgent crumb.

Why do I need to use room temperature ingredients?

Using room temperature butter, cream cheese, and eggs ensures everything blends smoothly and helps trap air in the batter, resulting in the best texture for your pound cake—no lumps, just lusciousness!

What kind of pan works best for Cream Cheese Pound Cake?

A 10-inch Bundt or tube pan is ideal, as it provides even heat and creates that signature golden crust. Be sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly so the cake releases effortlessly and maintains its beautiful shape.

How do I prevent my cake from becoming dry?

Avoid over-baking and keep an eye on your oven, checking for doneness around the 1 hour 15 minute mark with a toothpick test. Correctly measuring your flour and not over-mixing the batter helps ensure a moist, tender result every time.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?

Absolutely! Lemon or almond extract, citrus zest, or even swirling in a ribbon of fruit jam can add a unique twist to your Cream Cheese Pound Cake. Just keep additions moderate to preserve the cake’s classic texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of cutting into a freshly baked Cream Cheese Pound Cake and sharing it with the people you love. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself with a new go-to dessert that’s as deliciously simple as it is unforgettable!

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