Classic Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe 🍰
Rich, buttery, and wonderfully dense, this Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
The addition of cream cheese adds a smooth, tangy richness that takes this cake to the next level, making each slice incredibly moist and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it plain, with fresh berries, or topped with a glaze, this classic cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients
1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 cups granulated sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and generously grease and flour a bundt or tube pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add in the sugar, beating well until light and airy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Slowly incorporate the sifted flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for about an hour and fifteen minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make Cream Cheese Pound Cake
This cake is all about the creaming method. Start by whipping the butter and cream cheese until they’re light and fluffy, then gradually add sugar to build volume and sweetness. Eggs go in one by one to keep the batter smooth, followed by vanilla for flavor. Fold in sifted flour and salt to finish the batter. Pour it into a well-greased bundt pan and bake low and slow until golden and set. The result is a dense, rich cake with a velvety crumb.
Variations
You can switch up the flavor by adding almond extract or lemon zest to the batter. For a fun twist, fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or swirl in some fruit preserves. Top with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish. This cake also pairs beautifully with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Tips
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter. Don’t overmix once the flour is added to keep the texture tender. Sift your flour to avoid lumps and achieve a finer crumb. For even baking, use a light-colored pan and avoid opening the oven door too early. Let the cake cool before slicing to help it set properly.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that brings comfort and elegance to any table. Its rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a favorite for holidays, celebrations, or just a sweet moment of joy with a cup of coffee. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s a beloved classic in so many kitchens.
