There are few desserts in the world that strike the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence quite like pound cake. With a golden crust, dense yet tender crumb, and an aroma that fills the kitchen with buttery sweetness, pound cake is the kind of recipe every baker should have in their collection.
The origins of pound cake date back to 18th-century Europe, where it earned its name from the original formula: one pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. While the traditional version was quite heavy and rich, modern adaptations, like this cream cheese pound cake, have refined the recipe into something moist, flavorful, and versatile.
This recipe takes the classic and elevates it by adding cream cheese, which brings extra richness and a slight tang to balance the sweetness. It’s the kind of cake that stands beautifully on its own but can also serve as the foundation for endless variations, toppings, and accompaniments. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a quiet afternoon treat, this pound cake is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pound cake has a reputation for converting even those who think they don’t like “plain” cake. Here’s why it works so well:
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Moist and Tender Texture – The blend of butter and cream cheese ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb without being overly dense.
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Rich Flavor – With layers of buttery sweetness, enhanced by vanilla and a hint of lemon extract, every bite is full of depth.
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Simple Ingredients – Nothing fancy is required—everything is likely already in your pantry or fridge.
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Versatility – It can be served as-is, lightly dusted with sugar, or dressed up with fruit, whipped cream, or glaze.
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Reliable Results – With clear step-by-step instructions, even beginner bakers can achieve a bakery-quality cake.
Ingredients for Pound Cake
To achieve the best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients:
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1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Butter forms the foundation of flavor and structure in pound cake.
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8 oz cream cheese, softened – The secret ingredient that adds moisture, richness, and a subtle tang.
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3 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps create the delicate crumb.
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6 large eggs, room temperature – Essential for structure, moisture, and richness.
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1 tbsp vanilla extract – Provides warmth and depth of flavor.
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1 tsp lemon extract (optional) – Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
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3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted – Ensures a smooth, even batter without lumps.
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½ tsp salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan, paying close attention to the grooves. A well-prepared pan is essential to prevent sticking, especially with a dense batter like pound cake.
Step 2 – Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat for 5–7 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process is crucial because it incorporates air, giving the cake structure and preventing it from becoming too heavy.
Step 3 – Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing. Eggs not only provide richness but also act as a binder, creating the classic pound cake texture.
Step 4 – Add Flavorings
Mix in vanilla extract, and if desired, the lemon extract. While vanilla offers warmth, the lemon brings brightness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Step 5 – Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour and salt, then gently fold them into the wet mixture. Mix only until just combined. Overmixing at this stage will overdevelop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher cake instead of a tender crumb.
Step 6 – Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7 – Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing, as this will prevent the cake from falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
This pound cake is so versatile that it can be served in many different ways depending on the occasion.
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Simple and Elegant – Enjoy a plain slice with coffee or tea.
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Classic Finish – Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a traditional look.
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Fresh and Fruity – Serve with fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
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Indulgent Dessert – Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
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Glazed Perfection – Drizzle with a glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice for added sweetness and tang.
Recipe Variations
Pound cake serves as a versatile base for endless adaptations. Here are some ideas:
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Marble Pound Cake – Swirl melted chocolate into the batter before baking for a striking look and added richness.
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Almond Pound Cake – Replace the lemon extract with almond extract for a nutty depth of flavor.
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Coconut Pound Cake – Add shredded coconut to the batter and top with a coconut glaze.
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Citrus Pound Cake – Replace lemon extract with orange or lime extract and add zest for a refreshing twist.
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Mini Pound Cakes – Use loaf pans or muffin tins to make individual servings, ideal for parties or gifting.
Baking Tips for Success
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Cold ingredients won’t blend smoothly and can affect texture.
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Sift the Flour – This helps avoid lumps and ensures a fine, delicate crumb.
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Avoid Overmixing – Once the flour is added, mix gently to prevent toughness.
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Grease Thoroughly – A dense batter like pound cake sticks easily, especially in Bundt pans.
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Test for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
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Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
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Refrigerate if you live in a humid climate, but bring the cake to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
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Pound cake freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Many bakers agree that pound cake tastes even better the next day, as the flavors develop over time.
Prep Time, Baking Time, and Total Time
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Baking Time: 1 hour 15–30 minutes
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Cooling Time: 1 hour
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Total Time: About 2 hours 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 12 servings)
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Calories: ~480
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Protein: 6 g
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Sodium: 180 mg
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Fat: 24 g
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Carbohydrates: 58 g
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Sugar: 40 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this pound cake ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, the cake often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Q: Why did my pound cake crack on top?
Cracking is completely normal. It happens because the batter is dense, and as the cake rises, the top splits naturally. Many bakers consider it part of the pound cake’s charm.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce the added salt to just a pinch, as salted butter already contains sodium.
Q: How can I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease generously with butter or shortening and dust with flour. Nonstick sprays don’t always work well with Bundt pans.
Q: Can I freeze pound cake?
Absolutely. Wrap slices individually for easy serving, and store them in airtight freezer bags.
Conclusion
A perfect pound cake doesn’t need elaborate frostings or fancy decorations. Its beauty lies in its simplicity—the rich butter, the smooth cream cheese, the delicate balance of sweetness, and the dense yet tender crumb that melts in your mouth. This recipe honors tradition while adding a modern touch with cream cheese for unbeatable flavor and texture.
Whether you’re serving it plain with coffee, dressing it up with whipped cream and berries, or gifting it to a friend, pound cake is the kind of dessert that feels both comforting and elegant. It’s no wonder it has remained a beloved recipe for centuries.
So preheat your oven, prepare your pan, and treat yourself to this timeless delight. One bite of this moist, buttery pound cake, and you’ll understand why it’s a classic that never goes out of style.
