Cream Cheese Pound Cake

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Golden on the outside, moist and tender on the inside — Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. With its buttery richness and delicate tang from the cream cheese, this cake delivers the perfect crumb that pairs beautifully with a simple glaze or fresh fruit. It’s a favorite for everything from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.

This recipe creates a luscious, dense cake with just the right balance of sweetness and texture. You don’t need any fancy skills or ingredients — just a few staples and some love. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, brunch, or just because, this pound cake will be the showstopper on your dessert table.

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Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Pound Cake

This cake is all about indulgent simplicity. The cream cheese adds a rich depth of flavor that elevates the classic pound cake. Its texture is dense yet soft, making it satisfying without being heavy. The crust forms a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

What really sets this cake apart is its versatility. Serve it plain, drizzle it with lemon glaze, or top it with whipped cream and berries. It also keeps well, making it ideal for make-ahead desserts or gifting.

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What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

Full-fat block cream cheese is best for this recipe. It provides the right consistency and rich taste that whipped or spreadable versions simply can’t offer. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and a lump-free batter. Avoid low-fat or fat-free options if you want that signature dense and moist pound cake texture.

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Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Every ingredient in this pound cake plays a vital role in creating its rich, moist texture and full-bodied flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: This provides the rich, buttery base for the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Cream Cheese: Adds moisture, tanginess, and richness. The star ingredient that sets this pound cake apart.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve the golden-brown crust.
• Large Eggs: Essential for structure and moisture. They also give the cake its luscious texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary structure without making the cake too dense.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds warmth.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and highlight the flavors.

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How To Make the Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Follow these steps to achieve a moist and perfectly baked pound cake every time.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully blended. This helps trap air for a lighter texture.

Step 2: Add the Sugar

Gradually add the sugar and beat until the mixture is fluffy. This step helps incorporate more air, which contributes to a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures the mixture stays emulsified and doesn’t curdle.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift in the flour and salt, then mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Add Vanilla Extract

Stir in the vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic finish.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased and floured bundt pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 75-85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, you can add a glaze or serve as is.

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How to Serve and Store Cream Cheese Pound Cake

This Cream Cheese Pound Cake serves 10 to 12 people, making it perfect for parties, holidays, or even casual get-togethers. Serve it at room temperature to let the flavors shine, or warm it slightly and top with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat.

To store, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. When freezing, slice it first so you can grab a piece whenever you like!

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What to Serve With Cream Cheese Pound Cake?

Fresh Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries bring a tart contrast to the rich cake.

Whipped Cream

A light, airy topping that pairs beautifully with the cake’s dense texture.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Classic and always a hit, especially when the cake is slightly warmed.

Lemon Curd

Adds a bright citrusy layer of flavor that complements the richness.

Chocolate Ganache

For chocolate lovers, drizzle a rich ganache over the cake for an extra-decadent twist.

Fruit Compote

Warm fruit compote adds moisture and flavor with seasonal fruits.

Honey or Maple Syrup Drizzle

Adds a natural sweetness and shine to each slice.

Toasted Nuts

Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans for a bit of crunch and contrast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
It’s not recommended. Low-fat or whipped cream cheese can affect the texture and moisture level of the cake, making it less rich and dense. Full-fat block cream cheese delivers the best results.

2. Why did my pound cake sink in the middle?
This usually happens if the batter was overmixed or the oven temperature was too high. Be sure to measure ingredients accurately and bake at a steady 325°F.

3. How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The top should also be golden brown.

4. Can I add flavors like lemon or almond?
Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of almond or lemon extract in place of some of the vanilla, or even a bit of zest to brighten the flavor.

5. Can this recipe be made into cupcakes?
This recipe is designed for a bundt or loaf pan due to its dense texture. For cupcakes, a lighter batter would work better, though you could experiment with mini bundt pans.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add liqueur or leave it out? Did you try chocolate on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Check out more of my daily recipes on Pinterest here: Life With Livia Pinterest

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Conclusion

Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. From the crisp golden crust to the buttery soft center, every bite offers comfort and satisfaction. Whether served plain or dressed up with toppings, this classic dessert is one you’ll reach for time and time again. Bake it once and it’ll become a staple in your kitchen for years to come.

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