Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Buttery Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe: A Slice of Heaven

Sweet memories swirl around this delightful cream cheese pound cake that promises pure comfort in every slice.

Generations of bakers have perfected this classic dessert with simple ingredients and love.

Creamy texture meets buttery richness, creating a tender crumb that melts softly on your tongue.

Elegant yet unpretentious, this cake works perfectly for afternoon tea or special celebrations.

Warm kitchen aromas will beckon everyone to gather around the table and anticipate a delectable treat.

Soft, dense, and incredibly moist, the cake stands as a testament to timeless baking traditions.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and savoring each delightful bite.

Why Cream Cheese Pound Cake Is Always a Hit

Why Cream Cheese Pound Cake Is Always a Hit
  • Savor Rich Simplicity: This cream cheese pound cake delivers luxurious flavor with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile recipe works beautifully for family gatherings, potlucks, afternoon tea, or casual weekend treats that everyone will adore.
  • Master Foolproof Technique: Step-by-step instructions guarantee a tender, moist cake with consistently smooth texture, making success achievable for novice and experienced bakers alike.
  • Customize with Ease: Simple base allows endless variations like adding lemon zest, drizzling glaze, or serving with fresh berries to match personal taste preferences.

What You’ll Need for Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: The primary fat source that provides richness and tender crumb to the pound cake.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds moisture, tanginess, and contributes to the cake's dense and smooth texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light, airy structure during mixing.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure and richness to the pound cake.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that gives the cake its structure and volume.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a lighter, more tender crumb.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, warm flavor that complements the rich ingredients in the cake.
  • Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting the cake, adding a delicate, sweet finish and elegant appearance.

How to Make Cream Cheese Pound Cake Like a Baker

How to Make Cream Cheese Pound Cake Like a Baker

Step 1: Prepare Baking Zone

Get your oven warmed up to 325°F and lovingly coat a bundt pan with butter or cooking spray, making sure every nook and cranny is covered.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter and cream cheese together until they transform into a cloud-like, smooth mixture. This should take about 3-4 minutes of passionate mixing.

Step 3: Sweeten the Deal

Gradually shower granulated sugar into the butter mixture, beating continuously until the batter becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a delightful dream.

Step 4: Egg Magic

Crack eggs one by one into the mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps create a silky, luxurious batter that promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Step 5: Dry Ingredient Dance

In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Sift them together to banish any potential lumps and ensure a perfectly smooth cake.

Step 6: Gentle Mixing

Tenderly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until combined – don’t go overboard with the stirring.

Step 7: Vanilla Whisper

Add vanilla extract and stir gently to spread its magical flavor throughout the batter.

Step 8: Pan Preparation

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create a beautiful, even surface.

Step 9: Baking Bliss

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cooling Countdown

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Finishing Touch

Once cooled, dust the top with a gentle snowfall of powdered sugar for an elegant, Instagram-worthy presentation.

Step 12: Slice and Enjoy

Cut into generous slices and savor the rich, dense texture of this classic pound cake at room temperature. Pure bliss awaits!

Cream Cheese Pound Cake Tips That Impress

  • Prevent Sticking Perfectly: Thoroughly grease the bundt pan with butter or baking spray, using a pastry brush to reach every crevice and corner for easy cake removal.
  • Achieve Fluffy Texture: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing to create a smooth, light batter without lumps or dense spots.
  • Mixing Master Technique: Beat ingredients gradually and avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough – mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
  • Moisture Magic Trick: Add a tablespoon of sour cream or greek yogurt to enhance the cake's moisture and create an even more luxurious texture.
  • Serving Sophistication: Let the cake cool completely before slicing, and use a serrated knife for clean, perfect cuts that showcase the cake's beautiful dense structure.

Fun Flavor Ideas for Cream Cheese Pound Cake

  • Citrus Burst Pound Cake: Zest lemon, orange, or lime into the batter for a bright, tangy flavor profile that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese.
  • Berry Swirl Variation: Gently fold fresh or frozen berries into the batter before baking, creating pockets of fruity goodness throughout the cake.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter, or sprinkle them on top before baking for added texture and depth.
  • Chocolate Marble Spin: Divide the batter, mix cocoa powder into half, and create a marbled effect by swirling the chocolate and vanilla batters together in the pan.

What to Serve with Cream Cheese Pound Cake

  • Pair with Tangy Berry Compote: Whip up a quick mixed berry sauce using raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries to cut through the cake's richness and add bright, fresh flavor.
  • Complement with Chai Latte: Brew a warm, spicy chai tea that enhances the cake's creamy texture and provides a delightful aromatic counterpoint to the sweet dessert.
  • Match with Caramel Drizzle: Create a silky caramel sauce to pour over each slice, adding depth and a luxurious golden note that elevates the pound cake's classic profile.
  • Serve with Whipped Mascarpone: Prepare a light, creamy mascarpone topping sprinkled with cinnamon to introduce a subtle complexity that harmonizes with the cake's dense structure.

Store Cream Cheese Pound Cake to Keep It Buttery Soft

  • Keep the pound cake wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its moisture and soft texture.
  • Store the cake in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week, ensuring it's tightly covered to prevent drying out or absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, preserving freshness for up to 2-3 months for long-term enjoyment.
  • Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it defrost naturally at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator to maintain its original texture and flavor.

Questions About Cream Cheese Pound Cake? We’ve Got You

  • What makes cream cheese different in this pound cake?

Cream cheese adds extra moisture and a subtle tangy flavor, creating a richer and more tender texture compared to traditional pound cakes.

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

No, full-fat cream cheese is recommended because it provides the necessary fat content and ensures the cake’s rich, dense consistency and proper structure.

  • How do I know if I've mixed the batter correctly?

The batter should look smooth and light, with no visible butter or cream cheese lumps. Mix until ingredients are just combined to prevent overworking the batter, which can lead to a tough cake.

  • Why is sifting dry ingredients important in this recipe?

Sifting helps break up flour clumps, ensures even distribution of baking powder and salt, and prevents potential dry spots in the cake, resulting in a more uniform and tender crumb.

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Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 80-90 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent cream cheese pound cake promises a silky, rich experience that elevates classic dessert traditions. Sweet southern charm meets culinary perfection, delivering a moist, tender slice that will transport taste buds to comforting kitchen memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs

Leavening and Flavoring:

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and thoroughly grease a 9-inch bundt pan, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream together softened butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar into the butter mixture, beating continuously until the texture becomes light and airy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent, silky batter.
  5. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
  6. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using a spatula to blend until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  7. Stir in vanilla extract, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  8. Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack.
  11. Once completely cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
  12. Slice and serve at room temperature, enjoying the rich, dense texture of this classic pound cake.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and optimal texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough, dense cake with a rubbery consistency.
  • Generously grease the bundt pan with butter and flour, or use a non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Check cake doneness early by inserting a toothpick at 55 minutes to prevent overbaking and dryness.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Add lemon zest or almond extract for a subtle flavor variation that enhances the cake’s richness.
  • Cool cake completely before slicing to maintain its delicate structure and prevent crumbling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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