Prepare to indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a culinary masterpiece that promises a rich, dense, and unbelievably moist texture, bursting with profound chocolate flavor. Finished with a simple yet elegant glaze and perfect when served with fresh berries, this pound cake offers a decadent escape that’s surprisingly easy to achieve at home.
Whether you’re a devout chocoholic or simply seeking a sophisticated dessert, this recipe delivers. While a quick sugar glaze provides a classic finish, feel free to elevate your cake further. Drizzle it with a luxurious chocolate ganache or frost it generously with a silky chocolate buttercream for an extra layer of indulgence. This versatile pound cake also shines when cut into elegant cubes and layered within a vibrant parfait or a grand trifle, making it ideal for any occasion.
Decadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake: Your Go-To Recipe
Our homemade chocolate pound cake sets itself apart by incorporating the secret ingredient of cream cheese, which, alongside premium cocoa powder and traditional pound cake staples, yields an exquisitely moist cake with an intensely rich chocolate taste. The included simple sugar glaze enhances its flavor profile without overpowering the deep chocolate notes. Serve each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a handful of vibrant fresh berries, or a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.
You have the flexibility to bake this magnificent pound cake in a classic bundt pan for a stunning presentation, or opt for a more traditional approach by using loaf pans to create perfectly portioned chocolate pound cake loaves. To ensure your success, we’ve provided detailed step-by-step instructions and answers to frequently asked questions. Don’t forget to share your experience with us!
If you have a passion for chocolate cakes, we highly recommend exploring our Classic Chocolate Sheet Cake or our uniquely delightful Coconut Filled Chocolate Bundt Cake for more irresistible treats.
Essential Ingredients for a Flawless Chocolate Pound Cake
The success of any great pound cake lies in the quality and preparation of its ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Butter: Always opt for real butter, not margarine, as it significantly impacts flavor and texture. Ensure your butter is at true room temperature – soft enough to indent with a finger but not melted. If you’re short on time, microwave it in 10-second intervals until softened.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret to our pound cake’s extraordinary moisture, rich flavor, and velvety texture. Like the butter, it must be softened at room temperature to ensure it creams smoothly and incorporates fully into the batter.
- Eggs: Use large eggs, and ideally, they should also be at room temperature. Cold eggs can cause the butter and cream cheese mixture to seize, resulting in a less homogenous batter. A quick trick to warm them is to run them under warm tap water for a few minutes.
- Flour: Both all-purpose flour and cake flour yield excellent results for pound cake. Cake flour, with its lower protein content, can lead to an even more tender crumb, but all-purpose flour works beautifully for a classic dense pound cake.
- Cocoa Powder: The choice of cocoa powder makes a monumental difference in the final chocolate flavor. Investing in a high-quality brand like Ghirardelli, Guittard, or Valrhona will result in a deeper, more pronounced chocolate taste. You can use either natural or Dutch-processed cocoa, but Dutch-processed often yields a darker color and milder flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk is recommended for its richness, contributing to the cake’s moistness and flavor. 2% milk can be used as a good alternative if whole milk is unavailable.
- Sugar, Vanilla Extract, and Salt: These foundational ingredients balance the flavors, provide sweetness, enhance the chocolate, and add aromatic depth to the cake.
Crafting the Simple yet Irresistible Glaze
A perfect glaze elevates the pound cake, adding a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish. Here’s what you need for our quick and easy version:
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this finely milled sugar dissolves perfectly to create a smooth, grit-free glaze.
- Milk: For the best consistency and flavor, use whole milk or 2%. Start with a small amount and add more gradually to reach your desired drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Classic vanilla complements the chocolate beautifully. For a subtle twist, consider substituting with chocolate extract to amplify the cocoa notes, or even a hint of coffee extract to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake the Perfect Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Prepare for Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 9-10 cup bundt pan, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking. This step is critical for a clean release.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Beat them together on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cake’s texture.
- Incorporate Eggs and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure an evenly mixed batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder until thoroughly combined. Slowly add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just barely combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Finally, stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and salt until the batter is smooth and uniformly combined.
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the prepared cake batter into your greased and floured bundt pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The cake is done when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or an instant-read thermometer registers an internal temperature of 210°F (99°C).
- Cooling Process: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to firm up slightly before demolding. After this initial cooling, place a wire rack or serving plate over the top of the bundt pan and carefully invert the cake onto it. Let it cool completely on the rack before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is cooling, prepare your simple glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk, a tiny bit at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling thickness.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the pound cake has completely cooled, generously drizzle the prepared glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for at least an hour before slicing. Serve your magnificent Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh raspberries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy every rich, chocolatey bite!
Pro Tips for Pound Cake Perfection
Achieving a truly outstanding pound cake requires attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to ensure your chocolate cream cheese pound cake turns out flawlessly every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Non-Negotiable: This cannot be stressed enough. Softened butter and cream cheese, along with room temperature eggs, are crucial for a smooth emulsion. Cold ingredients will cause the batter to curdle and prevent proper air incorporation, leading to a dense or greasy cake.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dry cake instead of the desired tender crumb.
- Proper Pan Preparation: Beyond just greasing and flouring, ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies of a bundt pan. A baking spray with flour can be very effective. If you’re worried, you can lightly dust the pan with cocoa powder instead of flour for a completely invisible coating on your chocolate cake.
- Trust Your Thermometer: While the toothpick test is helpful, an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness. A reading of 210°F (99°C) in the center indicates a perfectly baked pound cake.
- Cooling is Key: Don’t rush the cooling process. Letting the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes allows it to set and makes it easier to invert without breaking. Always cool completely on a wire rack before glazing or frosting.
Serving Suggestions and Flavorful Variations
This chocolate cream cheese pound cake is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide array of presentations and flavor enhancements:
- Classic Pairings: Simply serve with a spoonful of freshly whipped cream and your favorite seasonal berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. A scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream also makes a divine accompaniment.
- Intensify the Chocolate: For an even more intense chocolate experience, swap the simple sugar glaze for a rich chocolate ganache or a luscious chocolate buttercream frosting.
- Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of orange or tangerine zest to the batter for a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the deep chocolate.
- Coffee Enhancement: A teaspoon of instant espresso powder dissolved in the milk, or a few drops of coffee extract, will significantly enhance the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a touch of cayenne pepper can add a subtle warmth and complexity, creating a Mexican chocolate-inspired flavor profile.
- Textural Delight: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Dessert Bases: Cut cooled pound cake into cubes and use it as the base for exquisite trifles, parfaits, or even grilled pound cake for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Pound Cake
We’ve gathered some common questions to help you master this chocolate pound cake recipe.
How do I know when my Chocolate Pound Cake has finished baking?
The most reliable method to determine if your pound cake is fully baked is by using an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the very center of the cake; once it registers an internal temperature of 210°F (99°C), your cake is perfectly done and should be removed from the oven. If you don’t have a thermometer, the classic toothpick test is a good alternative: insert a wooden toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean with no wet batter clinging to it, the cake is ready.
What is the best pan to bake cream cheese pound cake in?
Pound cakes are traditionally baked in bundt pans or round tube cake pans. These pans are not only designed for beautiful presentation but also have a central core that allows heat to distribute more evenly through the incredibly dense batter, promoting uniform baking. You can also successfully bake pound cakes in loaf pans, filling them about two-thirds full. Just remember that the baking time will need to be adjusted when using different pan sizes or types, so keep a close eye on your cake.
How do you make pound cake moist?
Achieving a moist pound cake involves a few key secrets. Firstly, ensure all your dairy ingredients, including butter and cream cheese, are properly softened to room temperature. This allows them to cream thoroughly with the sugar, creating an airy, emulsified base. Secondly, your eggs should also be at room temperature; cold eggs can cause the butter mixture to seize and separate, rather than emulsifying smoothly into the batter. When the batter isn’t properly homogenized, butter can leak out during baking, taking precious moisture with it. The third secret is the addition of extra dairy in the form of cream cheese, sour cream, or buttermilk. These ingredients not only add incredible flavor but also significantly boost the moisture content of the pound cake, resulting in that perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I add chocolate chips to this pound cake?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips will make your pound cake even more indulgent. We recommend adding about 1 cup of semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate chips to the batter. Toss them lightly with a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan during baking. Fold them in gently just before transferring the batter to the pan.
Storing and Freezing Your Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Proper storage ensures your delicious pound cake stays fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible:
- Room Temperature: For short-term storage, wrap any leftover pound cake tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It will remain fresh and moist for up to 2 days at room temperature.
- Refrigerator: To extend its freshness, store the pound cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bringing it to room temperature before serving will enhance its flavor and texture.
- Freezing: This pound cake freezes beautifully. For best results, freeze the unglazed cake. Wrap it securely in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, then place it in a large freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer the frozen cake to the refrigerator overnight or allow it to thaw at room temperature for several hours. Once thawed, you can prepare and drizzle the glaze at least an hour before serving to allow it to set properly.
Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
This chocolate pound cake with cream cheese is rich, dense, super moist, and full of chocolate flavor. Finish with our quick and easy glaze and serve with fresh berries for a simple yet decadent dessert.
Pin Recipe
10 mins
1 hr 20 mins
1 hr 30 mins
12 people
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups butter, room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 cups sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (plus more if needed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Generously butter and flour a 9-10 cup bundt cake pan and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, whip together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Slowly add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to keep the mixture smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and cocoa powder. Add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until almost completely combined. Finally, add the milk, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Place a plate or serving dish over the bundt cake pan and carefully flip the cake onto the plate to cool completely.
- In the meantime, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if necessary to achieve your desired drizzling consistency.
- Once the pound cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh raspberries, or a scoop of ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
Storing instructions: Wrap any leftover pound cake in aluminum foil or an airtight container and store for up to 2 days at room temperature, or up to 4 days in the refrigerator. To freeze, wrap your unglazed pound cake tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then glaze before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 131mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 187IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Dessert
American
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This easy Chocolate Pound Cake recipe, enriched with cream cheese, guarantees a rich, dense, incredibly moist, and intensely chocolatey experience. Crowned with a sweet sugary glaze, it stands as a perfect classic dessert, ideal for enjoying all year long. We invite you to bake this delightful treat and savor its every delicious bite!