Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Introduction

If you’ve never had a slice of cream cheese pound cake that made you close your eyes and hum a little—are you even living? This isn’t your average sponge. This is the heavyweight champ of Southern baking. Dense, moist, and unapologetically rich, it’s the kind of cake that doesn’t whisper sweetly. It sings gospel.

The story of my cream cheese pound cake starts in a friend’s kitchen deep in Mississippi. Hot afternoon, iced tea sweating in glasses, and this golden loaf cooling on the counter. One bite and it was over—I was in love. It had that buttery backbone of a classic pound cake, but with a smooth tang from the cream cheese that cuts through the richness like a well-placed line in a blues song.

This cake isn’t about fluff or fuss. No frostings, no fillings, no distractions. Just six basic ingredients, one loaf pan, and a bit of patience. It’s a cake that plays well at Sunday dinners, holiday brunches, or solo with your morning coffee. When done right, it needs no accompaniment. But if you want to gild the lily, throw some berries on it or drizzle with a lemon glaze.

Bake it once and you’ll understand—this isn’t just dessert. It’s heritage in a pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-moist texture: Thanks to the cream cheese, every bite is tender.
• Simple ingredients: Six pantry staples, no weird stuff.
• Big Southern flavor: Rich, buttery, with a tangy twist.
• Perfect make-ahead dessert: Gets better the next day.
• Versatile: Dress it up or serve it plain.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions/Method

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a bundt or loaf pan.
2. Cream butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Add sugar gradually, beating well after each addition.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is incorporated.
5. Mix in flour slowly, just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Add vanilla and blend.
7. Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool in pan for 10-15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

• Room temp ingredients: Make sure butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature.
• Don’t rush it: Low and slow baking is key.
• Add-ins: Mix in lemon zest or almond extract for a twist.

Note

Overmixing the batter will mess with the texture—aim for just combined once the flour goes in.

Serving Suggestions

Serve plain, or top with macerated strawberries, a lemon glaze, or whipped cream. Great with hot coffee, sweet tea, or even a small glass of bourbon. It’s a brunch stunner and a midnight snack hero.

Nutrition Information

(Per slice, based on 12 slices)

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugar: 35g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: <1g

User Reviews/Comments

“Made this for Easter brunch and got nothing but compliments! Moist and delicious.” – Rachel B.

“Tastes just like my grandma’s. It’s become a weekly staple.” – James K.

“Simple, decadent, and rich. I don’t share it unless I have to.” – Nicole A.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but full-fat gives the best texture and richness.

Does this need baking powder or soda?
Nope. The eggs do all the leavening here—classic pound cake style.

How long does it keep?
Up to 5 days covered at room temp, or 10 days in the fridge. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Why is my cake dense or gummy?
Most likely overmixing or underbaking. Follow the steps carefully.

Can I bake it in loaf pans?
Yes. This recipe makes two standard loaves. Adjust baking time to about 60-70 minutes.

Conclusion

Cream cheese pound cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a Southern tradition that never goes out of style. With its dense crumb, rich flavor, and nostalgic pull, it’s the kind of cake that turns skeptics into believers. Whether it’s your first time baking it or your fiftieth, it always hits like a warm memory.

And for a bit of culinary history, check out Wikipedia’s article on Pound Cake. There’s more to this golden loaf than meets the eye.

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