Pound cakes are timeless classics, loved for their dense and moist texture. Adding cream cheese to the mix elevates the richness and flavor, resulting in a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the best cream cheese pound cake you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups of granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake your cream cheese pound cake:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube or bundt pan.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Sugar
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the creamed mixture, beating until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in Eggs
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Tips for Success
- Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a tough cake.
- Experiment with adding lemon zest or almond extract for additional flavor variations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of cream cheese pound cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Conclusion
Making the best cream cheese pound cake is easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely delicious.
With a few simple ingredients and some basic baking techniques, you can create a moist and flavorful cake that will impress your family and friends.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the additional salt content in the recipe and adjust accordingly.
2. Can I freeze cream cheese pound cake?
Yes, you can freeze cream cheese pound cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to three months.
3. Can I substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture of the cake may be slightly different.
4. How do I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
5. Can I omit the glaze?
Yes, the glaze is optional. The cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.