Description
A rich and moist cream cheese pound cake that combines buttery sweetness with a gentle tang, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 oz (1 package) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- Zest of 1 lemon or 1 orange (optional)
- 1/2 cup toasted nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, then line the bottom with parchment for safe removal.
- Beat the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl on medium speed until smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape the bowl frequently to ensure even mixing.
- Add the sugar slowly, then beat on medium-high until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, roughly 3–4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla and citrus zest if using.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with any optional sour cream; start and finish with flour. Mix only until combined to avoid overworking the gluten.
- Fold in nuts or chips gently by hand to avoid deflating the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan a few times on the counter to settle the batter and release any large air pockets.
- Bake for 60–75 minutes. Check at 60 minutes; insert a toothpick into the center—when it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
- Cool the loaf in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
If you prefer a shiny top, brush warmed apricot jam lightly over the cooled loaf. For a glaze, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until glossy, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cream cheese, pound cake, dessert, baking, easy recipe
