If you love rich, moist, bakery-quality cakes that melt in your mouth, this easy cream cheese pound cake recipe is the perfect dessert to add to your collection. Cream cheese pound cake is known for its incredibly smooth texture, balanced sweetness, and beautiful golden crust. Unlike traditional pound cakes that can be dry or overly dense, adding cream cheese makes the crumb softer, richer, and more luxurious.

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This is the kind of cake that has been passed down through families for generations. It’s the classic dessert your grandmother probably made for holidays, Sunday dinners, or special celebrations. Even though it looks elegant and impressive, it is remarkably simple to prepare, using only basic pantry ingredients and one bowl.

If you enjoy old-fashioned, comforting desserts, you may also like our Pineapple Heaven Cake, another reader favorite known for its soft texture and tropical sweetness.

Why This Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe Works

This easy cream cheese pound cake recipe is incredibly reliable and delivers perfect results every time. Here’s why:

1. Cream Cheese Creates Moisture

The cream cheese adds richness, preventing the cake from becoming dry. It blends smoothly with the butter, giving the cake its famous silky crumb.

2. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You only need flour, sugar, eggs, butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and almond extract. No baking powder is required because the eggs provide natural lift.

3. Long Bake Time = Perfect Texture

This cake bakes low and slow at 325°F, ensuring an even rise and preventing dryness.

4. Ideal for Any Occasion

This pound cake works for holidays, birthdays, bake sales, or as an everyday treat with coffee or tea.

5. Stores Extremely Well

This easy cream cheese pound cake recipe actually tastes better the next day as the flavors settle and the texture softens.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Pound Cake

To prepare this easy cream cheese pound cake recipe, gather the following:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract
• ¼ tsp salt

For best results, use full-fat cream cheese not low-fat varieties. High-fat versions give the cake structure, moisture, and flavor.

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This ensures the cake releases cleanly and bakes evenly.

How to Make the Best Cream Cheese Pound Cake

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan to prevent sticking. The lower temperature ensures the cake bakes slowly and evenly.

2. Cream Butter, Sugar, and Cream Cheese

Beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, creating a soft, tender crumb.

3. Add Eggs One at a Time

Add each egg separately, mixing well before adding the next. The eggs help the cake rise naturally, giving it height and structure.

4. Mix in Vanilla and Almond Extract

Vanilla adds warmth, while almond extract enhances the overall flavor. Even the small amount used makes a noticeable difference.

5. Add Flour and Salt

Gradually blend in the flour and salt until just combined. Do not overmix, or the cake can become dense.

6. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

7. Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking and helps maintain its shape.

Tips for the Perfect Pound Cake

Keep Ingredients at Room Temperature

Soft butter and cream cheese blend better and create a smoother batter.

Don’t Rush the Creaming Stage

Creaming butter, cream cheese, and sugar thoroughly is the secret behind the velvety texture.

Use the Right Pan

A heavy bundt pan ensures even baking and prevents burnt edges.

Don’t Overmix

Once flour is added, mix just until incorporated. Too much mixing = tough cake.

Allow Full Cooling

Cooling helps the cake set and become easier to slice without crumbling.

Variations You Can Try

This easy cream cheese pound cake recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are some fun variations:

• Add lemon zest for a bright citrus flavor
• Replace vanilla with almond extract for a stronger aroma
• Fold in chocolate chips for a dessert twist
• Add blueberries for a fruit-packed cake
• Drizzle with simple syrup for extra moisture

Each variation keeps the classic feel while adding a personal touch.

What to Serve With Cream Cheese Pound Cake

This cake is delicious alone, but it pairs well with:

• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Lemon glaze
• Ice cream
• Coffee or tea

If you’re looking for another soft, moist cake, try our Pineapple Heaven Cake, a popular choice for those who love tropical desserts

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

This cake stores beautifully:

• Room Temperature: 3–4 days in an airtight container
• Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
• Freezer: Up to 3 months (wrap tightly in plastic + foil)

In fact, this easy cream cheese pound cake recipe tastes even better the next day.

FAQ

Why did my pound cake crack on top?

A cracked top is normal for pound cakes it’s caused by steam escaping during baking.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

It’s not recommended because it changes the texture. Full-fat gives the best results.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! The flavor improves as it rests.

Do I need baking powder?

No. The eggs and creaming process provide natural lift.

Conclusion

This easy cream cheese pound cake recipe is rich, moist, and incredibly satisfying—everything a classic pound cake should be. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple baking process, you can create a bakery-quality dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it plain, glazed, or with fresh fruit, this pound cake will quickly become a family favorite.