A pound cake is a timeless dessert, and the addition of cream cheese elevates this classic treat into something extraordinary. Cream Cheese Pound Cake has a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, offering the perfect balance between sweetness and buttery flavor. This cake is an ideal choice for any occasion, from a casual afternoon tea to a special celebration. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. The cake is moist, tender, and truly irresistible, making it a beloved favorite for many.
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of unsalted butter, softened, 8 ounces of cream cheese, also softened, and 3 cups of granulated sugar. You’ll also require 6 large eggs, 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These ingredients come together to create a cake that is rich, moist, and beautifully flavored.
Instructions:
To start, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 10-inch tube pan. Once the oven is ready, begin by creaming the butter and cream cheese together in a large mixing bowl. The mixture should be light and fluffy, so take your time with this step. Gradually add the sugar, ensuring it’s well combined before moving on to the eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until everything is well combined. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Next, pour the batter into the prepared tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the cake set and ensures it doesn’t fall apart.
Tips:
To achieve the best results with this pound cake, be sure to use room temperature butter and cream cheese. This helps them incorporate smoothly into the batter, giving your cake the perfect texture. It’s also important to measure your flour correctly, as too much flour can result in a dense cake. If you want to add extra flavor to the cake, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the batter for a unique twist. Lastly, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mixing too much can cause the cake to become dense instead of light and airy.
Serving Suggestions:
Cream Cheese Pound Cake can be enjoyed on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, make a lovely addition to the cake, adding a burst of color and flavor. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider drizzling the cake with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a simple yet elegant finish.
Storage:
Store any leftover Cream Cheese Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the cake at room temperature for a few hours. If you’ve already sliced the cake, you can wrap individual pieces and freeze them separately for a quick treat later on.
FAQ:
Can I make this cake in a different pan?
Yes, you can use other types of pans, such as a Bundt pan or a loaf pan. However, baking times may vary, so keep an eye on the cake and test for doneness with a toothpick.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
While it’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the cake, you can substitute salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to omit the additional salt in the recipe.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans would make great additions to this cake. Simply fold them into the batter before baking.
Conclusion:
Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a classic recipe that never goes out of style. Its rich, dense texture and buttery flavor make it a favorite among cake lovers. Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with fresh fruit, or dressed up with whipped cream, this cake is sure to be a hit at any occasion. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, it’s a recipe that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this delicious cake—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Description
A timeless, rich, and moist pound cake made with cream cheese for an extra touch of flavor and tenderness.
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 10-inch tube pan.
2️⃣ Cream the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
3️⃣ Gradually add sugar, then eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4️⃣ Gradually add flour and salt, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
5️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour 20 minutes.
6️⃣ Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.