Who doesn’t love a classic pound cake? This version elevates the traditional recipe by incorporating cream cheese, making it extra moist, rich, and flavorful.
Why Should You Make This Pound Cake?
This cake is an all-time favorite for a reason!
- Moist & Rich: The addition of cream cheese makes the texture extra creamy and the crumb buttery soft.
- Golden Crunchy Top: A beautiful golden crust contrasts with the melt-in-the-mouth interior.
- Simple Yet Elegant: Not overly fancy, yet perfect for any occasion.
The Origin of Pound Cake
The original pound cake recipe used 1 pound of flour, eggs, butter, and sugar, hence the name. It originated in Britain in the 1700s, designed to be a large, dense cake meant to feed big families. Over time, recipes evolved while keeping the same 1:1:1:1 ratio—a tradition that remains today.
Cream Cheese in Pound Cake?
Adding cream cheese:
✔ Enhances moisture for a soft, fluffy crumb
✔ Adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness
✔ Creates a denser, richer texture
🔹 Tip: Always use full-fat cream cheese for the best results.
Required Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cake’s structure
- Butter – Provides richness and flavor
- Cream Cheese – Adds moisture and a slight tang
- Sugar – Sweetens and caramelizes for a crisp top
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor
- Eggs – Bind and provide structure
Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 Should I use room-temperature ingredients?
Yes! Room-temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese incorporate better, ensuring a smooth batter and even baking.
🔹 Why bake at 325°F instead of 350°F?
Pound cakes are dense, so they need lower temperatures and longer baking times to cook evenly without burning.
🔹 Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
🔹 Can I use a different baking pan?
Yes!
- Bundt pan (10-inch) – The classic shape
- Two 9×5-inch loaf pans – Works just as well
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Fresh Berries – Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries
- Chocolate Ganache – For a luxurious twist
- Lemon Curd – Adds a zesty contrast
- Whipped Cream – A light and airy pairing
How to Store
✅ Room Temperature: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
✅ Refrigerator: Up to 7 days
✅ Freezer: Up to 4 months (wrap slices in plastic + foil)
Summary
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 12
- Calories: 579 kcal
Ingredients
Cake Batter:
- 1 ½ cups butter (340g, 3 sticks), room temperature
- 8 oz cream cheese (226g), room temperature
- 2 cups castor sugar (500g)
- ½ cup light brown sugar (125g)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (390g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (10g)
- ½ tsp baking soda (5g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 10-inch bundt pan with baking spray.
- Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar in an electric mixer with a paddle attachment until light and fluffy.
- Add salt, vanilla extract, and eggs (one at a time), mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined (do not overmix!).
- Pour batter into bundt pan and bake for 60–80 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely before serving. Enjoy with berries, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream.
Baking Tips
✔ Slow Baking is Key: The dense texture requires a longer bake time at lower heat.
✔ Creaming Process Matters: Beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar thoroughly for the fluffiest texture.
✔ Don’t Overmix: Over-mixing activates gluten, making the cake tough.
Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 579
- Fat: 32g (49%)
- Saturated Fat: 19g (119%)
- Carbohydrates: 67g (22%)
- Sugar: 43g (48%)
- Protein: 7g (14%)
- Sodium: 379mg (16%)
