Can a cake be both rich and incredibly simple to make at the same time? This classic cream cheese pound cake is a perfect example, relying on just a few high-quality ingredients like cream cheese and butter to create a moist homemade treat that is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinner desserts, save this idea for your next special occasion or try it soon.

Classic Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, rich, and velvety cake that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. The Classic Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a masterclass in simplicity and flavor, utilizing everyday ingredients to create a dessert that’s sure to become a staple in your household. With its perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet vanilla, this cake is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of fruits, nuts, or chocolates. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a great way to explore your creativity and indulge your taste buds.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract creates a deep, well-rounded flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making this recipe accessible to bakers of all levels.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive results, this cake is surprisingly easy to prepare. With a simple mixing process and a straightforward baking time, you can have this cake ready to go in no time.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The Classic Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a show-stopper, with its golden-brown crust and creamy, tender interior. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or a family gathering, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Key Ingredients

The key to a great Classic Cream Cheese Pound Cake lies in its ingredients. You’ll need:

1 1/2 cups (190g) unsalted butter, softened: This provides the richness and moisture that the cake needs. You can also use salted butter, but be sure to omit any additional salt called for in the recipe.
1 3/4 cups (210g) granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and tenderness to the cake. You can also use brown sugar or a combination of granulated and brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
4 large eggs, at room temperature: These provide structure, moisture, and richness to the cake. Make sure to use room temperature eggs for the best results.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: This adds a deep, creamy flavor to the cake. You can also use other extracts, such as almond or lemon, for a different twist.
8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened: This provides the tangy, creamy flavor that the cake is known for. Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best results.
2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour: This provides structure and texture to the cake. You can also use cake flour or bread flour for a different texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cake to rise and gives it a light, tender texture. Make sure to use fresh baking powder for the best results.
1/2 teaspoon salt: This enhances the flavor of the cake and helps to balance out the sweetness. You can also use other types of salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, for a different flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Set it aside for now.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
Step 4: Beat in the cream cheese until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 5: Bake the cake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake is cool, you can slice it and serve.

Handy Tips

Make sure to use room temperature ingredients, including the eggs and butter, for the best results.
Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense, tough cake.
If you want a golden-brown crust on your cake, try brushing the top with a little bit of egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little bit of water) before baking.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving. This will help the cake to set and make it easier to slice.

Heat Control

The key to a perfectly baked Classic Cream Cheese Pound Cake is to control the heat. Make sure your oven is at the correct temperature (325°F or 165°C) before baking the cake. You can use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. Also, keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking, as the baking time may vary depending on your oven. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Crunch Factor

The Classic Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a moist and tender cake, but you can add a crunchy element to it if you like. Try topping the cake with a layer of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of granulated sugar before baking. This will give the cake a nice textural contrast and add to its overall flavor.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a high-quality cream cheese for the best flavor. Full-fat cream cheese will give you a richer, more tender cake.
Don’t overbake the cake. This can result in a dry, crumbly texture that’s unpleasant to eat.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving. This will help the cake to set and make it easier to slice.
Try adding different flavorings to the cake, such as lemon or orange zest, to give it a unique twist.

Storage Tips

Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container.
Freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

Gift Packaging Ideas

The Classic Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a great gift idea for friends and family. Try packaging it in a decorative tin or basket, or wrapping it in a pretty piece of fabric or paper. You can also add a few extra touches, such as a ribbon or a gift card, to make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

Try adding different flavorings to the cake, such as lemon or orange zest, to give it a unique twist.
Add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Use different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado sugar, to give the cake a deeper flavor.
Try using different types of flour, such as cake flour or bread flour, to give the cake a different texture.

Troubleshooting

If the cake is too dense or tough, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Try mixing the ingredients just until they’re combined, and then stop mixing.
If the cake is too dry or crumbly, it may be due to overbaking. Try reducing the baking time and checking the cake frequently to avoid overcooking.
If the cake doesn’t rise properly, it may be due to old or inactive baking powder. Try using fresh baking powder and making sure the ingredients are at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Is the cake gluten-free? No, the cake contains all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just keep in mind that the baking time may be longer, so be sure to check the cake frequently to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

The Classic Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a versatile and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy flavor and moist, tender texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a great way to explore your creativity and indulge your taste buds. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs from your friends and family!

Creamy Cheese Pound Cake