This Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a timeless dessert that blends a velvety soft crumb with the rich flavor of cream cheese and butter. Moist, buttery, and lightly tangy, this cake offers the perfect balance of sweetness and density, making it ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or any day you crave a nostalgic treat. Serve it simply or dress it up with whipped cream, berries, or caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

1½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
8 oz (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2½ cups (500g) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (80g) sour cream, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
6 large eggs, at room temperature
3 cups (354g) cake flour (spooned and leveled)
½ teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
Optional for serving: homemade whipped cream and fresh berries

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 10–12 cup Bundt pan with butter or baking spray, and dust with flour if desired to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together on medium speed for 3–4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the batter is smooth and well-incorporated.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Step 7: Bake for 75–95 minutes. Around 45 minutes into baking, loosely cover the top with foil to prevent over-browning. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 2 hours before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Slice and serve plain, or top with whipped cream and fresh berries for an extra-special treat.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 servings)
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 200mg

The History and Evolution of Pound Cake

The origins of pound cake date back to 18th-century Europe, where it earned its name from its original recipe: a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. This simple ratio made it easy to remember and adjust, resulting in a cake that was dense, rich, and satisfying. As baking evolved and ingredients became more widely available, variations emerged to enhance flavor and texture. The addition of cream cheese to the traditional recipe is a distinctly American innovation that introduced a subtle tang and extra moisture, resulting in a cake that feels simultaneously rich and lighter on the palate. Today’s Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a beloved blend of heritage and modern taste.

What Makes Cream Cheese Pound Cake Special

What sets Cream Cheese Pound Cake apart from other pound cakes is the luxurious creaminess and delicate tang provided by the cream cheese. This ingredient adds moisture without making the cake heavy, creating a tender, velvety crumb that practically melts in your mouth. The sour cream and vanilla extract contribute additional richness and flavor depth, enhancing the buttery base without overwhelming it. The result is a cake that feels indulgent without being cloyingly sweet, dense but not dry, and rich yet perfectly balanced. Every slice is satisfying on its own, but the cake’s versatile flavor profile also makes it an excellent foundation for toppings and accompaniments.

The Importance of High-Quality Ingredients

Because the recipe relies heavily on a few key ingredients, using the best quality products is crucial to achieving the perfect Cream Cheese Pound Cake. High-fat, full-flavor butter provides the foundational richness and structure needed for the dense crumb. Full-fat brick cream cheese — not whipped or spreadable versions — ensures the necessary texture and subtle tang. Cake flour, rather than all-purpose flour, delivers a finer, more tender crumb that complements the dense structure of a pound cake. Fresh eggs at room temperature blend more easily and contribute to a consistent batter. Pure vanilla extract rounds out the flavor with warm, aromatic notes, adding depth without overpowering the simplicity of the cake.

Why Cream Cheese Pound Cake Is Perfect for Any Occasion

Cream Cheese Pound Cake’s versatility makes it a perfect choice for almost any event. It can be the centerpiece of a holiday dessert table, a simple yet elegant offering for afternoon tea, or a comforting treat for a casual family dinner. Its neutral yet rich flavor allows it to pair beautifully with a variety of toppings, from fresh fruit to decadent sauces. Because it holds its structure well, it is also an excellent option for gifting or transporting to potlucks and picnics. Its impressive shelf life — staying moist and flavorful for several days — means you can bake it ahead of time without sacrificing quality, making it a stress-free addition to your entertaining repertoire.

Health Benefits of Baking at Home

While a slice of Cream Cheese Pound Cake is certainly a treat, baking it at home offers some subtle advantages. You have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to use high-quality, preservative-free products. You can also moderate the sweetness to suit your preference or experiment with using organic sugars and flours. Baking from scratch encourages mindful eating and appreciation of the process, making the experience of enjoying the finished product even more rewarding. Additionally, homemade cakes tend to be fresher and free from the artificial additives found in many store-bought baked goods, resulting in a dessert that is not only delicious but also made with care and attention.

Tips for Making the Best Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Achieving the perfect Cream Cheese Pound Cake starts with proper preparation. Allow all ingredients — particularly the butter, cream cheese, and eggs — to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, even batter. Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar thoroughly until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air and provides lift to the otherwise dense cake. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to prevent curdling and ensure a cohesive batter. Mix the dry ingredients gently and just until incorporated to avoid overworking the gluten, which can make the cake tough. Baking at a lower temperature like 325°F ensures the cake cooks evenly, preventing the exterior from browning too quickly while the center finishes baking.

Creative Variations of Cream Cheese Pound Cake

While traditional Cream Cheese Pound Cake is undeniably delicious, it also provides a versatile canvas for creative variations. Adding lemon or orange zest to the batter imparts a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor. Swirling raspberry or blueberry jam through the batter before baking introduces bursts of fruity sweetness. Incorporating chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or toasted coconut into the batter creates delightful texture contrasts. For a holiday twist, adding a hint of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can make the cake feel especially cozy. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice can be drizzled over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Perfect Pairings for Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Cream Cheese Pound Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. A dollop of homemade whipped cream and a scattering of fresh berries make for a light and elegant presentation. A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream turns it into a decadent dessert perfect for special occasions. Drizzling warm caramel sauce or fresh berry compote over the slices elevates the cake to a show-stopping treat. For a brunch spread, serving the cake alongside coffee, cappuccino, or a lightly sweetened iced tea enhances its rich, buttery flavor. Whether served simply or elaborately dressed up, this pound cake adapts effortlessly to different occasions and pairings.

The Cultural Significance of Pound Cake in American Baking

Pound cake holds a cherished place in American culinary tradition, often associated with Southern hospitality and family celebrations. Its simple ingredients and reliable results have made it a favorite recipe passed down through generations. Cream Cheese Pound Cake, as a modern variation, continues this tradition of comfort, generosity, and celebration. Preparing a pound cake from scratch reflects a love of craftsmanship and a respect for the enduring pleasures of home baking. Sharing a slice with family, friends, or guests invites connection and evokes warm memories, reinforcing pound cake’s role as more than just a dessert — it is a symbol of care, comfort, and community.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a timeless dessert that offers unparalleled richness, tenderness, and nostalgic charm. With its buttery, lightly tangy flavor and velvety crumb, it bridges the best elements of classic baking with a touch of modern indulgence. Versatile enough to serve simply or dress up with a variety of toppings, it fits seamlessly into celebrations, gatherings, or quiet moments of personal indulgence. Baking a Cream Cheese Pound Cake from scratch transforms humble ingredients into something truly special — a reminder that some of life’s greatest pleasures are also the simplest. Whether you are a seasoned baker or trying your hand at pound cake for the first time, this recipe promises delicious success and countless moments of enjoyment.