Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Perfectly Moist Cream Cheese Pound Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cream cheese pound cake is a timeless dessert that embodies the essence of indulgence. Its rich, dense texture and subtle tang from the cream cheese make it a favorite for many. This recipe guarantees a perfectly moist and tender cake every time, baked low and slow for the best results. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this guide will walk you through the process of creating this delightful treat. And with a how-to video included, you’ll have all the visual cues you need to succeed.

Ingredients and Equipment

Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients and equipment you’ll need. Here’s what you’ll need for this cream cheese pound cake:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon table salt

Recommended Equipment:

• Bundt pan or tube pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This lower baking temperature is crucial for ensuring a moist and tender pound cake. Thoroughly grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan, tapping out any excess flour. Set the prepared pan aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer (or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment), beat the mixture on high speed until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is vital for creating the cake’s signature dense yet airy texture.
3. Incorporate the Sugar: Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well mixed. Add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process can take a few minutes, but it’s essential for achieving the right consistency.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: With the mixer on high speed, add one egg at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. After each egg, beat the mixture on medium-high speed for an additional 30 seconds. Once all the eggs are added, stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and table salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense and tough cake. Once combined, beat the batter on medium speed for another minute to ensure it’s smooth, silky, and light.
6. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. The cake should be golden brown, and a wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before serving. This pound cake is delightful on its own but can also be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vanilla glaze or chocolate ganache, or served with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter, cream cheese, and eggs, are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly and evenly, resulting in a better texture.
• Properly Grease the Pan: Take the time to thoroughly grease and flour your bundt pan. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking and ensures a beautiful, intact cake when you invert it.
• Low and Slow Baking: Baking at a lower temperature helps prevent the cake from drying out and allows it to bake evenly. It’s worth the extra time for the perfect texture.

Storage and Freezing

Storing: To keep your pound cake fresh, wrap it tightly and store it at room temperature for up to 5 days. This cake retains its moisture well, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.

Freezing: Cream cheese pound cake also freezes beautifully. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for extra protection. You can freeze the cake whole or slice it into individual portions. To thaw, slowly defrost the wrapped cake overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown for this cream cheese pound cake:

• Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 16 servings)
• Calories: 407 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 106 mg
• Sodium: 233 mg
• Potassium: 72 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 38 g
• Vitamin A: 634 IU
• Calcium: 30 mg
• Iron: 1 mg

Variations and Serving Suggestions

While this cream cheese pound cake is exquisite on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or the occasion. Here are a few ideas:

• Glazes and Toppings:
  • Vanilla Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a bit of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
  • Chocolate Ganache: Combine heavy cream and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Pour over the cake for a decadent finish.
  • Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream: Serve slices of the pound cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a handful of fresh berries for a refreshing touch.
• Flavor Additions:
  • Lemon or Orange Zest: Add a tablespoon of zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
  • Almond Extract: Substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.

Why Cream Cheese Pound Cake Stands Out

Cream cheese pound cake is a beloved dessert for many reasons. Its rich, velvety texture and slight tang from the cream cheese set it apart from other pound cakes. The combination of butter and cream cheese creates a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. This cake’s versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties.

The Science Behind the Perfect Pound Cake

Understanding the role of each ingredient helps in appreciating the science behind this classic cake. Here’s a closer look at how the ingredients contribute to the cake’s success:

• Butter and Cream Cheese: Both of these fats provide moisture and flavor. Cream cheese adds a slight tang and creaminess, enhancing the cake’s richness.
• Sugar: Beyond sweetness, sugar aerates the batter when creamed with butter and cream cheese, contributing to the cake’s light and fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure, moisture, and richness. Adding them one at a time ensures they are well incorporated, which is crucial for a smooth batter.
• Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm, sweet aroma and flavor, complementing the richness of the butter and cream cheese.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and stability to the cake. All-purpose flour gives a denser texture compared to cake flour, which suits this recipe perfectly.
• Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise and ensuring it doesn’t become too dense.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

The Importance of Technique

Baking is as much about technique as it is about ingredients. Here are some key techniques to ensure your cream cheese pound cake turns out perfectly:

• Creaming Butter and Cream Cheese: Beating these ingredients until smooth and creamy ensures they are well mixed, which helps incorporate air into the batter for a lighter texture.
• Gradual Addition of Eggs: Adding eggs one at a time and beating well after each addition ensures they are fully incorporated, preventing a curdled batter and promoting a smooth, cohesive mixture.
• Gradual Mixing of Dry Ingredients: Slowly incorporating the dry ingredients prevents overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake. Gentle mixing helps maintain a tender crumb.
• Low and Slow Baking: Baking at 300°F (150°C) allows the cake to cook evenly and prevents the exterior from becoming too brown while the interior remains undercooked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the best results, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. Cold ingredients do not mix well and can result in a lumpy batter.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough and dense cake. Mix until just combined.
• Incorrect Pan Preparation: Failing to properly grease and flour the pan can result in the cake sticking, making it difficult to remove and potentially ruining its appearance.
• Opening the Oven Door: Resist the temptation to open the oven door frequently. This can cause the temperature to drop and may result in an unevenly baked cake.

Creative Serving Ideas

This cream cheese pound cake is a canvas for creativity. Here are a few serving ideas to inspire you:

• Breakfast Treat: Serve slices of the pound cake with a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a decadent breakfast treat.
• Layered Dessert: Use slices of pound cake as layers in a trifle, alternating with whipped cream, fruit, and custard for a stunning dessert.
• Toasted Delicacy: Lightly toast slices of pound cake and serve with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

Conclusion

A perfectly baked cream cheese pound cake is a testament to the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients and careful baking techniques. This cake’s rich flavor and moist, tender crumb make it a favorite for any occasion. By following this detailed guide and watching the accompanying video, you’ll have all the tools you need to create a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress.

Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with toppings, this cream cheese pound cake will undoubtedly become a beloved recipe in your collection. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the delightful aroma of this classic cake!