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Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan or tube pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Soften the butter and cream cheese: Make sure both your butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature before you begin. This will help them cream together more easily and result in a smoother batter.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
- Cream the butter and cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sugar: Gradually add the sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes. The fluffier the mixture, the lighter the cake will be.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Extracts
- Add the eggs one at a time: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter and gives the cake its rich texture.
- Add vanilla and almond extract: Once all the eggs are in, add the vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using) and mix until just combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and that the cake will rise evenly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, a little at a time. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 5: Bake the Pound Cake
- Pour the batter into the pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake: Bake the pound cake for 70-80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice and serve: Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it into generous pieces. Serve as-is, or with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that the butter, cream cheese, and eggs are all at room temperature before mixing. This will help them combine more easily and create a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined.
- Check the cake early: All ovens bake differently, so start checking your cake around the 60-minute mark. If it’s browning too quickly on top, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent overbaking.
- Let it cool completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing, as it helps the texture set and makes for cleaner slices.
- Add flavor variations: You can easily customize this cake by adding citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the batter, or mix in mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or chopped nuts for an extra twist.
Why This Cream Cheese Pound Cake Is So Popular
The beauty of cream cheese pound cake lies in its perfect combination of flavors and textures. The cream cheese gives the cake a moist, tender crumb, while the butter creates a rich, comforting flavor. The result is a cake that’s dense without being dry, and slightly tangy without being overly rich.
This cake is incredibly versatile, too. It can be enjoyed as a simple snack, a festive holiday dessert, or even as a breakfast treat with a cup of coffee or tea. Plus, because it’s a classic recipe, it’s one of those dishes that never goes out of style.
Final Thoughts
Cream cheese pound cake is one of those timeless desserts that will never disappoint. It’s simple to make, wonderfully flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just for a sweet treat, this cake is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. With its smooth, buttery texture and deliciously tender crumb, cream cheese pound cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation!
Enjoy a slice of this classic, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones—because something this delicious deserves to be shared.
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