Cream Cheese Pound Cake: A Perfectly Balanced Delight
When it comes to desserts, a classic cream cheese pound cake stands out for its rich, dense texture and delightful flavor. This recipe, perfected by Sally after numerous attempts, promises a moist, flavorful cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With just nine simple ingredients, you can create a cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to ensure your pound cake turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
To make this delicious cream cheese pound cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 and 1/2 cups (500g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (80g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 cups (354g) cake flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Optional for serving: homemade whipped cream & fresh berries
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). It’s crucial to follow this temperature precisely for the perfect bake. Generously grease a 10-12 cup Bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter on high speed until it’s smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing. Add the softened cream cheese and beat on high speed until fully combined and smooth, which should take about 1 minute.
Step 3: Incorporate the Sugar
Add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Beat on high speed until the mixture is combined, about 1 minute. Then, add the sour cream and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is creamy and well-combined. Again, scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
On low speed, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. This step is crucial to avoid overmixing the batter. Once the last egg is incorporated, stop the mixer.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Combine the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on medium speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter at this stage. Use a silicone spatula or sturdy whisk to give the batter a final turn, ensuring there are no lumps at the bottom of the bowl. The batter will be thick and creamy.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour or spoon the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to release any air bubbles. Bake the cake for 75-95 minutes. Loosely tent the baking cake with aluminum foil halfway through the bake time to prevent the surface from over-browning. The key to a perfect pound cake is a slow and low bake. Use a toothpick to test for doneness; the cake is done when the toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 2 hours. Once slightly cooled, invert the cake onto a wire rack or serving dish to cool completely. Slice and serve with optional toppings like homemade whipped cream and fresh berries for a delightful presentation.
Tips for Success
Baking Time and Temperature
The baking time and temperature are crucial for achieving the perfect pound cake. Baking at a low temperature for a longer time ensures the cake cooks evenly without becoming dry. Be patient and keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Using ingredients at room temperature helps them combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter. Make sure your butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are all at room temperature before you begin.
Do Not Overmix
Overmixing the batter can result in a dense, tough cake. Be gentle when adding the flour mixture, and stop mixing as soon as everything is combined.
Tent with Foil
To prevent the cake from over-browning, loosely tent it with aluminum foil halfway through the baking time. This helps the cake bake evenly and maintain a beautiful golden color.
Storage and Freezing
This cream cheese pound cake stores well at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store it longer, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake in 1-2 layers of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.
Variations and Additions
Flavor Extracts
While the vanilla extract adds a lovely flavor, you can experiment with other extracts to suit your taste. Almond extract, lemon extract, or even coconut extract can add a unique twist to the classic pound cake. Just add about 1 teaspoon of your chosen extract along with the vanilla.
Toppings
Homemade whipped cream and fresh berries make a perfect topping for this cake. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice over the cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
Loaf Pan Option
If you prefer, you can bake the batter in two greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 60 minutes. Alternatively, you can halve the ingredients to make just one loaf.
Additional Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your cream cheese pound cake turns out flawlessly every time, consider the following additional tips and tricks.
Accurate Measuring
One of the keys to successful baking is accurate measuring. Use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients by weight, especially the flour. When measuring flour by volume, be sure to spoon and level it into the measuring cup rather than scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents packing, which can lead to too much flour and a denser cake.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Allowing your butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs to come to room temperature before you begin mixing is essential. This helps create a smooth, homogenous batter. Cold ingredients do not incorporate as well and can lead to a lumpy batter.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
The creaming step is vital for incorporating air into your batter, which helps with the cake’s rise. Make sure to beat the butter and sugar together until they are light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step should not be rushed.
Avoid Overmixing
Once you add the flour mixture, mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake. After mixing, use a spatula to gently fold the batter and ensure no pockets of dry ingredients remain.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Presentation
Serve your cream cheese pound cake plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. The simplicity of this cake allows its rich flavors to shine through.
Seasonal Variations
Depending on the season, you can pair the cake with different toppings. Fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream make for a light, summery treat. In the fall, a caramel drizzle or a side of roasted apples can add a cozy touch.
Glaze Options
For an added layer of flavor, consider glazing your cake. A simple lemon glaze, made by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice, can add a tangy sweetness. Alternatively, a vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract complements the cake beautifully.
Troubleshooting
Despite careful preparation, baking mishaps can occur. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them.
Cake is Too Dense
If your cake turns out denser than expected, it could be due to overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and mix just until combined.
Cracked Top
A cracked top is common with pound cakes and can be minimized by baking at a lower temperature as directed. If the crack is deep, it might indicate the oven temperature is too high. Ensure your oven is properly calibrated.
Dry Cake
A dry cake can result from overbaking. Keep a close eye on your cake as it nears the end of the baking time. Test for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Why This Recipe Works
The success of this cream cheese pound cake lies in its balance of ingredients and careful baking method. The combination of butter and cream cheese provides richness and moisture, while the sour cream adds a slight tang and tenderness. Using cake flour ensures a fine, delicate crumb. Each step, from creaming the butter and sugar to the low and slow baking process, is designed to create a perfectly textured and flavored pound cake.
Perfect Pairings
This cream cheese pound cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and accompaniments.
Coffee and Tea
A slice of pound cake is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. The cake’s richness complements the bold flavors of coffee and the delicate notes of tea.
Ice Cream
For a decadent dessert, serve a slice of pound cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the dense, buttery cake.
Fruit Compotes
Homemade fruit compotes, such as blueberry or strawberry, add a fresh and fruity element to the cake. Simply cook fresh or frozen fruit with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until thickened.
A Versatile Dessert
This cream cheese pound cake is incredibly versatile. It can be dressed up for special occasions or enjoyed as a simple, everyday treat. Its long shelf life makes it convenient to prepare in advance, and it freezes well for future enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
Baking a cream cheese pound cake requires attention to detail and patience, but the results are well worth the effort. With its moist, dense texture and rich flavor, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you serve it plain, adorned with fresh fruit, or with a decadent glaze, this pound cake is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress.
Embrace the art of baking with this tried-and-true recipe. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the process of creating a classic cream cheese pound cake. Your taste buds—and those of your family and friends—will thank you. Happy baking!
