Cream Cheese Pound Cake A rich and buttery pound cake with a tender crumb, enhanced by the smoothness of cream cheese and a hint of almond and vanilla. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, offering a classic and satisfying flavor profile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this pound cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess with a moist texture that melts in the mouth. The addition of cream cheese takes this classic dessert to another level, while the hints of vanilla and almond add depth to the flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for everything from family gatherings to simple indulgent moments.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Extracts:
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth and well combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fill the Pan:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Variations
Glaze it up: Add a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a sweet topping.
Zesty Twist: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the batter for a citrusy flair.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Chocolate Lovers: Add a swirl of melted chocolate into the batter before baking.
Storage/Reheating
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep the cake refrigerated for up to a week. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
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FAQs
How can I prevent my pound cake from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to grease and flour the bundt pan thoroughly, covering every crevice. You can also use a non-stick baking spray for added assurance.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Low-fat versions might result in a less rich cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake stores well. Bake it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Can I substitute almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, simply double the vanilla extract or try another flavor extract like lemon or coconut.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
I like serving it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, but it pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of glaze.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a timeless dessert that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether served with simple accompaniments or dressed up for a celebration, it never fails to impress. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat.
📖 Recipe:
PrintCream Cheese Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and buttery cream cheese pound cake with a tender crumb and a hint of vanilla and almond. Perfect for family gatherings or indulgent treats, this easy-to-make dessert is moist, flavorful, and versatile.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and almond extracts.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt. Mix until smooth, avoiding overmixing.
- Fill the Pan: Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
For a citrus twist, add lemon or orange zest.
Add a powdered sugar glaze or serve with fresh berries for an extra treat.
Use full-fat cream cheese for optimal texture and richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal