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If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that combines rich, buttery flavor with a luxuriously tender crumb, you’ve just found it. This Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—dense yet soft, with a subtle tang from cream cheese that elevates the classic pound cake into something truly special. It bakes into a beautiful golden loaf that’s perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a stunning centerpiece at any gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to indulgence for years to come.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a white plate filled with a mixture of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, all light beige in color with a powdery texture. Below it, there is another white plate holding granulated sugar, which looks fine and white with a small swirl pattern on top. To the right of these plates, there is a black bottle of vanilla extract and two sticks of butter wrapped in light yellow paper. Below the butter, a small white bowl contains four white eggs. At the bottom left corner, a rectangular package of Philadelphia cream cheese is placed with its silver and blue wrapper visible. All items are spaced out evenly, with the white marbled surface visible around them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to create that perfect texture and flavor. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s adding moisture, richness, or just the right touch of sweetness to your Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe.

Unsalted butter (1 and 1/2 cups): Softened to room temperature to ensure smooth, even mixing and a rich buttery base.
Cream cheese (8 ounces full-fat): Adds a tangy creaminess that keeps the cake moist and tender.
Granulated sugar (2 and 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
Sour cream (1/3 cup): Enhances the cake’s moistness and adds a slight tang to balance the butter’s richness.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses a warm, aromatic note that elevates every bite.
Large eggs (6): Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s dense yet fluffy texture.
Cake flour (3 cups): Provides a tender crumb and lightness that makes this pound cake so irresistible.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough lift to keep the cake airy but still dense and satisfying.
Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the sweet, buttery flavors.

How to Make Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C), a crucial temperature that ensures your pound cake bakes low and slow for that tender crumb. Generously grease a 10-12 cup Bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray—this will help your cake release beautifully after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the unsalted butter on high speed for about 2 minutes until it’s smooth and creamy. Scrape down the bowl to keep things even. Add your softened cream cheese and beat again for about a minute. This creates a luscious base for your cake that’s creamy and packed with flavor.

Step 3: Mix in Sugar, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Next, toss in the granulated sugar and mix on high speed until it’s well combined—this helps create a light texture. Then add the sour cream and pure vanilla extract, blending everything until creamy and smooth. These ingredients add moisture and a lovely subtle tang that makes your Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe stand out.

Step 4: Add Eggs Carefully

On low speed, add the six eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. This slow approach prevents overmixing and keeps the batter from getting dense. Once all eggs are mixed in, stop the mixer and prepare to add your dry ingredients.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Combine your cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl then add these to the batter. Beat on medium speed just until everything is combined—don’t overmix here! Give the batter a final gentle fold with a spatula to catch any stray lumps. The result will be a thick, creamy batter that promises amazing flavor and texture.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour or spoon the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan. Give the pan a couple of gentle bangs on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Bake for 75-95 minutes, tenting loosely with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent over-browning. Remember, slow and low heat is key for this Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe. Use a toothpick to test for doneness—it should come out completely clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the cake to cool for 2 hours in the pan before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack or serving dish. Let it cool completely before slicing. This resting time lets the flavors develop fully and makes slicing a breeze without crumbling.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

The image shows seven slices of plain pound cake arranged unevenly on a white marbled surface. Each slice has a golden-brown outer crust with a soft, light yellow inside, slightly crumbly at the edges. Scattered between and around the cake slices are whole strawberries with green leaves and a few dark blue blueberries, adding color contrast. Small crumbs are visible near the cake slices. The lighting is bright, highlighting the fine texture of the cake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple yet elegant touch, pair your slices with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a handful of fresh berries. The lightness of the whipped cream and the bright, juicy berries perfectly complement the richness of the pound cake.

Side Dishes

This pound cake is delightful alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a fantastic choice for breakfast or afternoon snack. You might also serve it with a drizzle of warmed fruit compote or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, arrange individual slices on dessert plates surrounded by edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar. You could even transform this cake into French toast or bread pudding inspired by the pound cake’s wonderful dense crumb.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator where it will last up to five days without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze your Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. For best results, freeze in slices so you can thaw only what you need. The cake keeps well for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating

To refresh your cake after refrigeration or freezing, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F until just warmed through. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of full-fat brick cream cheese?

Full-fat brick cream cheese is best for texture and flavor in this recipe. Regular cream cheese might add extra moisture, slightly altering the cake’s firmness, so try to use the recommended type if possible.

Why bake at 325°F instead of 350°F?

Baking at a lower temperature allows the cake to cook slowly and evenly, which prevents over-browning and helps develop a moist, tender crumb that is characteristic of a classic pound cake.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour?

All-purpose flour can be used, but it may yield a denser texture. For the lightest and softest bite, cake flour is preferred due to its lower protein content.

How do I know when the pound cake is done baking?

The best test is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.

Is it necessary to let the cake cool in the pan for 2 hours?

Yes, letting it cool in the pan allows the cake to set properly, making it less likely to break apart when you invert and remove it. This step also helps the flavors to develop fully.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a slice of moist, flavorful pound cake to brighten your day or impress your loved ones, and this Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe truly delivers that joy. It’s straightforward to make but tastes far from simple—rich, tender, and just heavenly with any topping you prefer. So go ahead and give this recipe a try; I promise it will become one of your most cherished baking treasures.

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