Introduction
The Million Dollar Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a beloved dessert that has captured the hearts of many with its rich, buttery flavor and velvety texture.
This indulgent cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee.
The addition of cream cheese elevates this classic pound cake, giving it a moistness and flavor that will have everyone coming back for another slice.
Ingredients
For the cake:
Unsalted butter (3 sticks, 1 ½ cups), softened
Cream cheese (8 oz), softened
Granulated sugar (3 cups)
Large eggs (6)
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon)
Cake flour (3 cups), sifted
Salt (½ teaspoon)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan or a tube pan, making sure the inside is evenly coated so the cake can be easily removed once baked.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
You can use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 to 4 minutes, ensuring there are no lumps.
Once the butter and cream cheese are well combined, gradually add the sugar, mixing well until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process can take another 4 minutes.
Next, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients. After the eggs are fully mixed in, stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the wet ingredients.
Start by adding a third of the flour mixture, then a third of the remaining wet ingredients, and so on, until everything is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Pour the finished batter into the prepared Bundt or tube pan. Smooth the top of the batter using a spatula to ensure an even bake.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, gently invert the pan onto a cooling rack to remove the cake. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
How to Make
To make the Million Dollar Cream Cheese Pound Cake, start by ensuring all your ingredients are at room temperature. Softened butter and cream cheese are essential for creating a smooth, creamy batter that will produce a moist cake.
Cream the butter and cream cheese together well. This step is crucial because it helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy texture once the cake is baked. Mix the sugar in slowly, making sure it’s fully combined with the butter and cream cheese mixture.
When adding the eggs, it’s important to do so one at a time. This helps the eggs incorporate smoothly without breaking the batter’s structure.
Beating the eggs one by one also ensures the mixture remains light and airy, contributing to a soft texture.
After adding the eggs and vanilla, sift together your dry ingredients. Sifting the flour not only removes any clumps but also adds air into the flour, which can lead to a finer crumb in your finished cake. Add the dry ingredients gradually, and remember not to overwork the batter.
Once the batter is ready, transfer it into the prepared pan and smooth it evenly. This helps the cake bake uniformly, which results in an even rise.
Baking time may vary depending on your oven, but you’ll know the cake is ready when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake’s golden color and firm texture will also indicate that it’s done.
After baking, don’t forget to let the cake cool properly before serving. Cooling allows the flavors to settle and the cake to firm up, making it easier to slice and enjoy.
Variations
While the classic Million Dollar Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delicious treat on its own, there are several variations you can try to customize the flavor and make it your own.
For a citrus twist, add lemon or orange zest to the batter. The bright, refreshing flavors of citrus will complement the richness of the cream cheese and butter, giving the cake a unique and zesty taste.
If you love nuts, consider adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the batter. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and additional flavor to the cake, balancing out its smooth texture.
For a chocolate variation, you can fold in cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips into the