Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan or tube pan (baking spray works great too!).

Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Gradually add the sugar and beat for another 3-4 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
2. Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Tips & Notes

• Room Temperature is Key: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for best results.
• Measure Flour Properly: Lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off – don’t pack it down!
• Proper Pan Prep: Greasing and flouring (or using baking spray) prevents sticking.

Variations

• Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice.
• Almond Pound Cake: Substitute half the vanilla with almond extract.
• Marble Pound Cake: Swirl in 1/2 cup melted chocolate or cocoa powder.
• Berrylicious: Add fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries) to the batter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Ahead?

Yes! Store tightly wrapped at room temperature (up to 2 days) or in the refrigerator (up to 1 week).

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature (up to 3 days) or in the refrigerator (up to 1 week). Freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I Use a Different Pan?

Yes, two loaf pans will work. Baking time may vary – start checking around 1 hour.

Why Is My Cake Dense?

Overmixing or too much flour can cause a dense cake. Measure flour accurately and mix only until combined.

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh fruit (berries, peaches)
• Whipped cream
• Ice cream
• A simple powdered sugar glaze

Enjoy this easy and crowd-pleasing Cream Cheese Pound Cake! It’s perfect for any occasion.