Elevate your baking with a delightful Vanilla Cream Cheese Pound Cake, a perfect addition to your collection of cake recipes with cream cheese. This cake offers a rich, moist crumb and a subtle tang from the cream cheese, making it an instant favorite. You’ll love how easy it is to achieve a professional-tasting dessert right in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: Use cake flour for a finer crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Brown sugar can add a caramel note.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture in this cake recipe with cream cheese.
- Unsalted butter: Salted butter is acceptable; simply reduce added salt by ¼ teaspoon.
- Vanilla extract: Use vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 kcal
- Tools needed: 9×5 inch loaf pan or a 10-cup Bundt pan, electric mixer, mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour your 9×5 inch loaf pan or 10-cup Bundt pan thoroughly. This ensures your beautiful cake recipes with cream cheese creation won’t stick.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents.
3. Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and light. Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This creates the foundational texture for your cream cheese cake.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully combined.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough pound cake.
6. Bake Your Pound Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 65-85 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time will vary depending on your oven and pan choice for this cake recipe with cream cheese.
7. Cool the Cake
Allow the pound cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy.
Variation Ideas
- Lemon Zest: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrus note.
- Almond Extract: Substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips during the last step of mixing.
- Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla for an extra touch.
Storage Instructions
Store your Vanilla Cream Cheese Pound Cake at room temperature, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to one week. You can also freeze individual slices, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is my pound cake dense?
A: A dense pound cake can result from overmixing the batter or using ingredients that aren’t at room temperature. Ensure all cold ingredients are softened before beginning.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: While possible, full-fat cream cheese is highly recommended for the best flavor and moist texture in this cake recipe with cream cheese. Low-fat options may alter the consistency.
Q: How do I know when my cake is done baking?
A: Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Q: Can I make this in a different pan size?
A: Yes, but you may need to adjust baking times. A larger pan might require less time, and a smaller one more.
Q: Why did my cake crack on top?
A: Cracking is common in pound cakes and often indicates a perfect bake. It usually means the top crust set before the inside finished rising.
Q: Is this cake good for gifting?
A: Absolutely! This Vanilla Cream Cheese Pound Cake makes a wonderful homemade gift, especially for those who appreciate cake recipes with cream cheese.