Perfect Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Last Updated on September 27, 2025 by Soul Food Cooking

Who doesn’t love homemade cream cheese pound cake? There is nothing like a slice of pound cake topped with vanilla ice cream. I have a hard time just eating on piece. It is so good! I have been using this recipe for many years as my go to pound cake for special occasions and just because. What I love most about my pound cake is that it taste even better the day after baking. Everyone loves when I make my lemon pound cake and seven up cake, but my cream cheese pound cake is my go to classic pound cake recipe when I want to experience simple elegance and great texture. Making this sweet delight is an art that combines simplicity with perfection. So grab these few simple ingredients and join me in creating this delicious dessert.

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How to Make Cream Cheese Pound Cake

This is a perfect pound cake recipe. Of course I’m a little bias but my recipe comes out perfect every time. The trick to making this delicious cake is to use fresh ingredients. Using fresh flour, eggs and butter will ensure a great outcome. All the ingredients should be at room temperature before mixing. Preheat the oven and once you have mixed your batter and it is lumps free, pour it in your prepared bundt pan or loaf pan then immediately place in the oven. After the cake has baked for the total time, test it with a fork or wooden skewer for readiness. Once done, remove it from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. To ensure a moist, buttery cake, do not overcook to prevent dryness.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Cake Flour:  Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, which translates to less gluten develop

Sugar: Sugar is the key ingredient for achieving sweetness in your pound cake. Along with sweetness, sugar helps to achieve a soft and moist texture. It also helps create that golden-brown crust as it caramelizes in the oven.

Butter: Butter (unsalted butter) adds an so much richness and give a delicious flavor to the pound cakes. The fat in the butter keeps the cake moist and prevents it from drying out.

Cream Cheese: Cream cheese brings a subtle tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the pound cake. Cream cheese makes the pound cake richer, moist and denser.

Eggs: Eggs provide the main structure for the pound cake, helping it rise and set. Egg yolks add extra richness and a beautiful yellow hue to the cake. Eggs help bind the ingredients together, creating a smooth, even batter.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a classic warm, comforting flavor that enhances the other ingredients.

Almond Extract: Almond extract provides a slightly nutty, sweet flavor profile that adds another layer of complexity to the cake.

Salt:  A pinch of salt may seem insignificant, but it plays a big role in balancing the sweetness and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Substitutions

The cream cheese in this pound cake provides moisture, a subtle tang, and a dense, tender crumb. For this recipe it is the star of the show but if you don’t want to use cream cheese there are a few substitutions you can try.

• Mascarpone Cheese: Creates a richer, slightly sweeter, and very tender cake. The tang of the cream cheese will be less pronounced.
• Sour Cream: Yields a moist sour cream pound cake with a more pronounced tangy flavor. The moist crumbs are slightly less dense than in a cream cheese pound cake.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds a distinct tang and creates a moist cake. Greek yogurt yields a lighter than a traditional pound cake.
• Neufchâtel Cheese: This is the closest substitute, offering a very similar flavor and texture with a slightly lower fat content, which may result in a marginally less rich cake.

Things Your Will Need:

• Mixing Bowl
• Small Bowls
• Sifter
• Stand Mixer
• Bundt Cake Pan
• Cake Spatula

Watch the Video ( Cream Cheese Pound Cake Video)

Directions for Cream Cheese Pound Cake

1. Preparation

To set the stage for this culinary masterpiece, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Take a moment to butter and lightly flour a bundt pan, preparing it to hold the cake batter. Ensure that the main ingredients—the eggs, butter, and cream cheese—are at room temperature. This harmonious balance will aid in achieving the desired consistency for the pound cake batter.

2. Sifting the Dry Ingredients:

In a bowl, sift together the cake flour and salt, creating a seamless blend that forms the foundation of the cake’s structure and texture.

3. Mix all Ingredients:

In a stand mixer, start your mixer on low speed then slowly increase to medium speed. Let the butter and cream cheese join forces and cream together, forming a velvety base. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowls periodically to ensure the butter and cream cheese is well blended.

Introduce the sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract, infusing the mixture with aromatic essences. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamy mixture, allowing each to blend in completely before welcoming the next. This gradual addition ensures a smooth, uniform incorporation of ingredients.

Slowly add the sifted flour and salt mixture to the batter, allowing the stand mixer to work its magic. This gentle incorporation ensures a perfect amalgamation of flavors and textures without overmixing.

4. Bake the Pound Cake

Transfer the meticulously prepared batter to the buttered and floured bundt pan. Place this masterpiece into the preheated oven and let it bake for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Make sure to monitor cook time.

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick near the cake’s center; it should come out clean, signaling the cake’s readiness.

5. Allow Cake to Rest

Once the cake has completed its time in the oven, remove it and place it on a wire rack to cool for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period allows the cake to settle and gracefully release itself from the bundt pan. Sprinkle with powdered and you are all set. This is an easy cream cheese pound cake recipe that will become a family favorite.

Serving Suggestions for Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Cream Cheese Pound Cake is such a versatile dessert. It can be paired with a variety of toppings and sides that will give it an unique taste every time.

• Berries and Berry Sauces: strawberry, blueberry or raspberry sauce
• Ice Cream: Whether chocolate or vanilla, the richness of this pound cake enhances any flavor ice cream you can imagine.
• Frosting or Glaze: For a little extra sweetness, drizzle a powdered sugar glaze over your pound cake or cream cheese frosting.

How to Store Cream Cheese Pound Cake

If you manage to have some leftover pound cake, here’s how you should store it to ensure its freshness and preserve it’s taste.

Short-Term Storage can be done up to 5 days at room temperature. Make sure your pound cake has completely cooled before wrapping it in plastic wrap then a layer of aluminum foil. Store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

Can you freeze Cream Cheese Pound Cake?

For Long-Tern Storage the pound cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can choose to store the cake as a whole or individual slices. And just like for short-term storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and then again in aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and label with the date.

Once you are ready to eat your pound cake, place it on the counter and allow it to thaw at room temperature. Once thawed warm it in the oven.

A slice of this homemade pound cake is not just a dessert; it’s a moment of pure indulgence. So, relish each crumb of this cream cheese pound cake and don’t forget to share it with loved ones. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea or as a sweet ending to a meal, this pound cake will always evoke warmth and contentment, a true embodiment of timeless culinary charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

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