If you are searching for a truly unforgettable dessert to wow your family and friends, look no further than this Cream Cheese Pound Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This tender, moist pound cake is the perfect balance between rich cream cheese and buttery goodness, delivering a texture so divine you’ll savor each bite. Whether it’s a celebration or a cozy afternoon treat, this cake feels like a warm hug from the inside out, making it a staple that you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to create a masterpiece. Each element plays its part in crafting the flavor, tenderness, and beautiful golden crust that make this cake irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1 1/2 cups / 3 sticks): Softened butter provides a rich, moist crumb and buttery flavor essential for pound cake.
- Cream cheese (8 oz): This adds tenderness and a subtle tang that perfectly complements the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (3 cups): Sweetness that creates that classic pound cake flavor and helps with a light, fluffy texture.
- Large eggs (6, room temperature): Eggs bind the batter and give structure while adding moisture, making the cake dense yet soft.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): A warm aroma and flavor enhancer that deepens every bite.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation of the cake, giving structure without being too heavy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
How to Make Cream Cheese Pound Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, set your oven to 325°F to preheat. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan thoroughly—this ensures your cake will release easily after baking, preserving its stunning shape.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until you have a luscious, smooth, and creamy mixture. This step is crucial because it creates the base that gives the pound cake its signature moist texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Sugar
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese and butter mix, beating continuously for about 5 minutes until the batter becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is key for a tender crumb in your pound cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs One by One
Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully beaten in before adding the next. This slow incorporation helps maintain the batter’s lightness and ensures even texture throughout.
Step 5: Stir in Vanilla Extract
Pour in that fragrant vanilla extract to enrich the flavor — it really brings the cake to life with a comforting warmth.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients Gently
Now, gradually add your mixture of all-purpose flour and salt to the wet batter. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the flour which could make the cake tough. The perfect batter should feel thick but smooth.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 75 to 85 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This longer bake time at a lower temperature helps the cake cook evenly and develop a tender crust.
Step 8: Cool and Unmold
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Patience here ensures the cake holds its shape beautifully.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Pound Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
This cake truly shines on its own, but adding a dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream elevates every bite with fresh, bright flavors and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
If you want to build a more elaborate dessert experience, serve slices with fresh fruit compote, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These sides complement the moist richness of the pound cake perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, slice the pound cake into bite-sized cubes and layer them with fruit and cream in pretty glass parfaits. Or try skewering small cubes with fresh berries for a charming party appetizer. This cake’s versatility truly makes it the star of any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will maintain its moist texture and flavor for up to 4 days at room temperature, perfect for prepping ahead.
Freezing
This Cream Cheese Pound Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It keeps for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy it anytime you want a slice of bliss.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste, slice the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven for 10-15 minutes. This helps revive the cake’s tender crumb and ethereal warmth.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While low-fat cream cheese might reduce the richness slightly, it can still work. Expect a marginally less moist and creamy texture, but the cake will still be delicious.
What’s the best pan to use for this pound cake?
A 10-inch bundt or tube pan is ideal because it helps the cake bake evenly, maintains a beautiful shape, and allows heat to circulate through the center for perfect doneness.
Can I add flavor variations to this recipe?
Absolutely! Almond extract, lemon zest, or even orange zest can be wonderful additions to this recipe, enhancing the flavor and adding a personalized touch to your cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If batter sticks to it, give the cake more time to bake.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Definitely! This Cream Cheese Pound Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is elegant and moist enough to impress at birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want to feel like a baking superstar.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly rewarding about pulling a beautifully golden slice of this Cream Cheese Pound Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe out of the oven and sharing it with loved ones. Its moist texture, tender crumb, and rich flavor make it a true classic that will swiftly become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire. Don’t hesitate to try it today—you’ll find it’s as comforting to make as it is delightful to eat!
Print
Cream Cheese Pound Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cream Cheese Pound Cake is the ultimate classic dessert, rich and moist with the perfect balance of cream cheese and butter. Ideal for holiday baking or any special occasion, it yields a tender crumb with a slight tang from the cream cheese. Enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or accompanied by fresh berries and whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until the batter becomes light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation and a smooth texture.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the pure vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the cake.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing which could toughen the cake.
- Pour Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured bundt pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 75 to 85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the cake is done.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, invert the pan onto a wire rack to let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an extra layer of flavor, add 1 teaspoon of almond extract or the zest of 1 lemon to the batter before baking.
- This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
- Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with fresh berries and whipped cream for a delightful presentation.
