Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a haven of heavenly aromas and mouthwatering delights! This classic pound cake isn't just a dessert—it's a slice of pure comfort that melts in your mouth, combining rich, buttery texture with a luxurious cream cheese frosting that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises a foolproof path to creating a show-stopping dessert that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the pound cake.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh berries, lemon zest, or chopped nuts before serving.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and cream cheese, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Check the expiration dates on your baking powder and vanilla extract to guarantee maximum flavor.
- Even Baking: Rotate your cake pan halfway through baking to ensure uniform browning and cooking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
- Frosting Tip: For a smoother frosting application, dip your spatula in hot water and wipe dry between spreads.
- Storage Hack: This pound cake stays moist and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 140mg
