Discover A simple and delicious easy cream cheese pound cake recipe that is perfect for any occasion.
Indulge in an Easy Cream Cheese Pound Cake
This easy cream cheese pound cake recipe offers a moist and tender texture. It’s remarkably simple to make and delivers a classic flavor. This cake is great for both beginners and experienced bakers. The use of cream cheese adds a lovely tang and richness. This makes it stand out from traditional pound cakes. It’s a delightful treat everyone will enjoy. In addition, it’s extremely versatile, and it can be served plain or with your favorite toppings.
The Magic of Cream Cheese in Pound Cake
The key to this recipe’s success is the cream cheese. Cream cheese makes the cake incredibly moist. It also gives the cake a slightly tangy flavor. This contrasts nicely with the sweetness. Furthermore, cream cheese helps to create a wonderfully tender crumb. This is something that regular butter alone can’t achieve. Therefore, this ingredient elevates the cake. Cream cheese pound cake is a must-try for any cake lover.
Understanding the Cream Cheese Role
Cream cheese not only adds to the flavor but also the structure. Its high fat content makes the cake moist. The acidity helps in tenderizing the gluten. Therefore, this results in a very delicate crumb. It’s a game-changer in baking. Consequently, the cake has an unparalleled texture.
Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Pound Cake
This recipe uses simple ingredients, yet the results are amazing. You need flour, sugar, eggs, and, of course, cream cheese. Furthermore, some butter and vanilla extract enhance the flavor. These common ingredients create something special together. Additionally, you might want a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Essentially, the ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores.
Ingredients | Quantity |
All-Purpose Flour | 3 cups |
Granulated Sugar | 3 cups |
Unsalted Butter, Softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
Cream Cheese, Softened | 8 ounces |
Large Eggs | 6 |
Vanilla Extract | 1 tablespoon |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Baking powder | 3-4 teaspoon |
Easy Steps to Make Your Pound Cake
Making this cream cheese pound cake is straightforward. First, you need to cream the butter and cream cheese. Then, gradually add the sugar. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Finally, add the dry ingredients and vanilla. Bake until golden. Ultimately, you’ll have a perfect cake with minimal effort. This simple method ensures success every time.
To begin making your easy cream cheese pound cake, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or a bundt pan. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and creamy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure that each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Baking Tips for the Best Results
For best results, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily. Avoid overmixing the batter; just mix until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough. In addition, do not open the oven door during baking. This can cause the cake to sink. Finally, let the cake cool completely before slicing it. This will keep the slices neat. These baking tips will ensure your cream cheese pound cake is perfect.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Using ingredients at room temperature is important. It allows for the best emulsion. Ingredients like butter and cream cheese blend much better. Consequently, the batter is smoother. This results in a lighter cake.
Avoiding Overmixing
Overmixing the batter activates the gluten. This results in a dense, tough cake. Mix until the flour is just incorporated. Furthermore, it’s okay to see some streaks of flour. These will disappear during baking.
The Importance of Cooling
Cooling the cake completely is crucial. It allows the cake to set properly. If sliced warm, it might fall apart. Be patient; a fully cooled cake is easier to serve. Undoubtedly, it will also taste better.
How to Serve your Cream Cheese Pound Cake
This cream cheese pound cake is excellent on its own. It also compliments many other additions. You can top it with fresh berries and whipped cream. A simple glaze is another great choice. A scoop of ice cream makes it extra indulgent. Moreover, it pairs well with coffee or tea. Therefore, there are many ways to enjoy this cake.
Serving Ideas and Variations
- Serve it with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a classic treat.
- Top it with a lemon glaze for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant look.
- Try it with a chocolate sauce for another delicious dessert idea.
Storage Tips to Keep it Fresh
To keep your cream cheese pound cake fresh, wrap it tightly. You can keep it at room temperature for a few days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for longer storage. Always ensure it’s in an airtight container. This will help maintain its moisture. Hence, these storage tips will help you enjoy it longer.
Keeping it Moist and Delicious
For best results, keep the cake wrapped or in an airtight container. This will prevent it from drying out. Specifically, refrigerating it can extend its life. This will also maintain its fresh flavor.
How Long Will It Last?
At room temperature, this cream cheese pound cake will last for about three days. In the refrigerator, it can last for about a week. However, freezing it is a great option for even longer storage. For best results, freeze it whole or in slices.
Cream Cheese Pound Cake: Perfect for Any Occasion
This easy cream cheese pound cake is wonderful for many different gatherings. It’s an easy cake to bake. It’s perfect for casual family meals or special events. Indeed, its simplicity makes it great for busy days. The taste makes it memorable for any event.
Occasions that Call for this Cake
- Family gatherings and holidays.
- Birthday celebrations.
- Potlucks and picnics.
- Casual gatherings with friends.
- Basically, any time you want a delicious treat.
Why It’s a Crowd-Pleaser
This cake is a classic for a good reason. It’s moist, delicious, and easy to make. Also, it’s incredibly versatile. It can be dressed up for special occasions or enjoyed just as it is. People always love its simple, yet sophisticated taste. Undoubtedly, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Details
Here is a quick overview of the recipe details. These will help you plan your baking time. Additionally, the calorie count is an estimate to help with your requirements.
Detail | Value |
Prep Time | 20 minutes |
Bake Time | 50-60 minutes |
Total Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
Calories per serving | Approximately 350 Kcals |
Troubleshooting Your Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Even with a straightforward recipe, baking can sometimes present challenges. Understanding common issues can help you achieve the perfect cream cheese pound cake. Let’s explore some potential problems and how to avoid them. This will ensure that your baking experience is a positive one.
Cake Sinking in the Middle
A common issue is a cake sinking in the center. This often happens due to temperature fluctuations in the oven. Make sure not to open the oven door too often during baking. This is important for consistent heat. Another possibility is that the batter was overmixed. Overmixing can weaken the gluten structure. This can lead to a sunken center. Furthermore, ensure you are measuring ingredients correctly. Also, an incorrect baking powder level could also contribute. Finally, always make sure your oven is preheated completely before placing the cake inside.
Dry or Crumbly Cake
If your pound cake is dry or crumbly, it might be due to overbaking. Always check the cake for doneness before taking it out of the oven. Using a skewer is the most accurate way to test for this. Also, you may have added too much flour. Flour should be measured using the spoon and level method rather than scooping. This is because scooping can pack flour too much. Therefore, resulting in excessive amounts. Low fat content is another possible cause. Be sure you have not used low fat butter or cream cheese, or omitted fat altogether. For the best results, use full fat butter and cream cheese.
Dense and Heavy Cake
A dense and heavy cake often happens due to improper mixing of the ingredients. Beating the butter and sugar until light and creamy is a crucial step. This process incorporates air into the batter. This is what makes the cake light and fluffy. Furthermore, it is extremely important to not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mix only until the dry ingredients are incorporated, or the batter may become dense. Moreover, using cold ingredients might also cause a dense cake. Therefore, always use room temperature ingredients as specified in the recipe.
The Top of the Cake is Too Dark
If the top of your cake is browning too quickly, it may need to be tented. This can be done using aluminum foil. Simply loosely cover the top of the cake with foil while baking. This can help protect the top from excessive browning. Another potential reason is that the top rack is too close to the heating element of the oven. If you suspect this to be the reason, try moving the rack down one setting. You can also reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees.
Sticky Cake
If the cake is sticky, it is often underbaked. Make sure to bake until the skewer comes out clean. Be sure not to check the cake for doneness prematurely, or it may deflate during baking. Also, using too much sugar can also lead to a sticky cake, so be sure to measure accurately. Sometimes, humid conditions in the kitchen can also impact the consistency of the baked cake.
The Cake Has a Greasy Texture
If your cake has a greasy texture it means the fat was not incorporated properly. Be sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This will help create a smooth emulsion. Also, you may have added too much fat. Be sure to follow the recipe measurements for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8 oz of cream cheese 1 lb?
No, 8 oz of cream cheese is not 1 lb. One pound is equal to 16 ounces. Therefore, 8 oz is half of a pound.
Why is the price of cream cheese so high?
The price of cream cheese can fluctuate due to various factors. Supply chain issues, milk prices, and demand can all impact cost. Sometimes, limited editions or seasonal changes cause price changes.
How much is 8 oz cream cheese?
The cost of 8 oz of cream cheese varies by location. It also depends on the brand and store. Check local grocery stores for accurate pricing. Also, you may want to look for discounts or coupons.
Why is pound cake called pound?
Pound cake got its name because of the original recipe. This recipe calls for a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. This straightforward recipe explains its simple name. This gives the cake its characteristic.
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Sounds delicious and I happen to have all the ingrdients on hand .Going to try and bake this cake today!
Ingredient of baking powder was named but did not say when to incorporate it.
No comment
This is a pretty cake and I would love to try it. I’m a pound cake girl and I think my family would love it.
This Cream Cheese Pound Cake looks so good I can’t wait to make it. 🎊
Will make it on Sunday
Thank you for the simplicity of this recipe.
So how about baking powder or soda?? Since it’s plain flour…
The baking powder is very important, so you should use 3-4 teaspoons.
Sounds like a huge amount of baking powder but then again I am not a baker by trade. Are you sure of the amount???
NO baking powder is necessary! I make this cake all the time and it is oerfect.
Why does this cake not have baking powder or baking soda? I thought when using all purpose flour you need something to help it rise.
No it has baking powder 3-4 teaspoon
You forgot to add baking powder in the ingredients list! My cake did not cook in the center.
3-4 teaspoons of baking powder, I would think could make a significant difference in density. What amount do you suggest is best? 3 tsp or 4 tsp?
Thank you. The cake looks delicious.
hi Maryann, I hope you are good. 4 teaspoons of baking powder is no problem.
Has anyone used self-rising flour in this cake, and is so, did it work?
I can’t wait to make this beautiful cake!
What is the difference between
Salted butter and unsalted butter?
Thank you for sharing your own words and I like step by step
Instructions, I appreciate it
hi Kathy, you are welcome in my website, if you want a delicious cake you should use a salted butter
I will definitely try it, I usually make whipping cream pound cake and sour cream pound cakes.
Thank you, it looks scrumptious.
I enjoyed the information given for the pound cake. I learned a lot how to bake a perfect cake. Thank you
Thanks for the recipe. I have done so many wrong steps for this cake. I’m happy and I will make this cake for Sunday dinner
Can you use cake flour instead of flour and baking powder what you think
gooood
yaaamyy