DESSERT

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Cream cheese pound cake is a soft and moist cake with a slightly sweet flavor and an irresistible texture. Below, I’ll explain in detail how to make it.

History of Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Cream cheese pound cake is a variation on the classic pound cake , a recipe that has its roots in European baking, especially in England and France. Its evolution has been influenced by different cultures, ingredients, and cooking techniques over time.

Origins of the Pound Cake

The pound cake originated in Europe in the 18th century. Its name comes from the original recipe, which used one pound each of its four main ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, and eggs . This simple recipe made it easy to prepare and guaranteed a consistent result.

This cake became very popular in France and the United Kingdom , where over time new ingredients such as fruits, spices and essences were added to improve its flavor and texture.

During the European colonization of the Americas , the recipe reached the United States and Latin America, where it was adapted to suit the ingredients available in each region. In countries like Mexico and Argentina, panqué became a classic in home baking and local bakeries.

The Incorporation of Cream Cheese

Cream cheese was n’t part of the original pound cake recipe. It was added in the mid-20th century, thanks to the popularization of Philadelphia cream cheese , a brand that originated in the United States in 1872.

This cream cheese provided a moister, fluffier texture , as well as a creamier, slightly tangy flavor that balanced the sweetness of the pound cake. In the 1950s and 1960s, dairy companies and brands like Kraft began promoting cream cheese recipes in magazines and on television shows, leading to its popularity in home baking.

Cream cheese pound cake became a favorite in the United States, especially in the South, where it’s common in bakeries and cafes. It also gained popularity in Mexico and Latin America , where it began to be prepared with local ingredients and variations such as vanilla, citrus zest, cinnamon, and nuts.

Expansion and Popularity in Latin America

In Latin American countries, cream cheese pound cake has become a common choice for breakfast and snacks . Its soft texture and easy preparation make it perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.

In Mexico, this cake is part of the baking tradition and is often sold in bakeries alongside other cakes such as butter cake, walnut cake, and banana cake. In Argentina and other South American countries, it is enjoyed with coffee or mate.

The recipe has continued to evolve, with many variations that include flavors like chocolate, coconut, almonds, and berries . It has also been adapted to healthier versions, using whole-grain flours or natural sweeteners.

Today’s Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Today, cream cheese pound cake remains a very popular and versatile homemade dessert. Its combination of softness, moisture, and delicate flavor makes it ideal for enjoying alone or with frosting and toppings.

With the globalization of gastronomy, this cake has been reinterpreted in different countries and is now commonly found in modern versions in cafes, gourmet bakeries, and even on social media with creative presentations.

Ingredients:

Dairy and fats:

190 g of Philadelphia-style cream cheese
200 g butter at room temperature
½ can of evaporated milk (approx. 200 ml)

Sweetener and flavorings:

1 can of condensed milk (approx. 397 g)
2 teaspoons of vanilla essence

Eggs and leavening agents:

4 eggs
2 teaspoons of baking powder

Dry:

320 g of wheat flour

Step by Step Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients and the oven

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with wax paper to prevent sticking.

2. Whisk together wet ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the condensed milk and continue beating until well combined.
Add the eggs, one at a time , beating at low speed after each addition.
Add the vanilla and mix well.

3. Mix the dry ingredients

Sift the wheat flour together with the baking powder .
Add the flour mixture little by little to the wet mixture, alternating with the evaporated milk .
Mix with a spatula or mixer at low speed until you get a smooth, lump-free dough.

4. Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
If the top browns too quickly, cover with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

5. Chilled and served

Let the cake cool in the mold for 10-15 minutes .
Then, unmold and let cool completely on a wire rack.
You can sprinkle it with powdered sugar or accompany it with a cup of coffee.

Tips and Variations:

Fluffier: You can beat the egg whites until stiff before folding them in.
Extra flavor: Add lemon or orange zest for a citrusy touch.
Nutty version: Stir 100g of chopped walnuts or raisins into the mixture before baking.
Decoration: You can top with a cream cheese frosting or simply dust with powdered sugar.

This cream cheese pound cake is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea!

Origin and Characteristics of Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Cream cheese pound cake is a variation on the traditional pound cake, but with a softer and moister texture thanks to the cream cheese. This recipe is very popular in home baking in several countries, especially in Mexico and the United States, where Philadelphia-style cream cheese is a key ingredient in many desserts.

Its flavor is slightly sweet , with a touch of creaminess that makes it perfect for eating alone or with coffee, milk, or tea. Its versatility also allows you to add different flavors such as citrus zest, cinnamon, nuts, or even chocolate chips.

Tips for a Perfect Pancake

Ingredients at room temperature:
- Both the butter and cream cheese should be soft so that they blend well and the dough is uniform.
- If they are cold, you can warm them slightly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) or leave them out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before using them.
Correct shake:
- It’s important to beat the butter and cream cheese well so the mixture has air and the cake is fluffier.
- When adding the eggs, do so one at a time to prevent the dough from curdling.
Sifted flour:
- It is always advisable to sift the flour and baking powder to avoid lumps and achieve a better texture in the cake.
Uniform baking:
- If your oven is very hot on top, cover it with aluminum foil after 40 minutes to prevent it from browning too quickly.
- Don’t open the oven before 30-40 minutes of baking time, as the change in temperature can cause the cake to collapse.
Proper cooling:
- Let it cool in the mold for about 10-15 minutes before removing from the mold.
- If you remove it from the mold while it’s hot, it may crack; if you leave it in the mold for too long, it may become too moist.

Ideas to Vary the Recipe

Cream cheese pound cake with nuts: Add 100g of chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a crunchy touch.

Marbled cake: Divide the batter into two parts and add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to one. Then, pour both into the pan and mix lightly with a toothpick to create the marbled effect.

Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake: Add lemon zest and a little juice for a fresh, citrusy flavor.

Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Chocolate Chips: Add 150g of chocolate chips to make it sweeter and more chocolatey.

How to Preserve Pound Cake

At room temperature: Keeps well for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
In the refrigerator: Can last up to 7 days , but it’s recommended to warm it slightly before eating to soften it.
Freezing: You can wrap it in plastic and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months . To eat, just let it thaw at room temperature.

This cream cheese pound cake is perfect for sharing at family gatherings, breakfasts, or as a delicious homemade gift.

Questions about Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Here are some questions to reflect on or use in a discussion about the history, preparation, and evolution of cream cheese pound cake:

1. Questions about History and Origin

What is the origin of cream cheese pound cake and how did it evolve from the European pound cake?
Why did cream cheese become a popular ingredient in 20th-century baking?
How did globalization influence the popularity of cream cheese pound cake in Latin America?

2. Questions about Preparation and Techniques

Why is it important to use room temperature ingredients when making cake?
How does adding cream cheese to the recipe affect the texture of the cake?
What is the function of baking powder in the recipe and how does it affect the final result?

3. Questions about Variants and Customization

What ingredients can be added to cream cheese pound cake to give it a more personalized touch?
How could you make a healthier version of this cake without losing its flavor and texture?
What are the differences between a cream cheese pound cake and a cheesecake in terms of ingredients and cooking method?

4. Questions about Culture and Consumption

Why do you think cream cheese pound cake is so popular in countries like Mexico and the United States?
How does cream cheese pound cake compare to other traditional desserts in different cultures?
What is the best way to store and serve this cake to maintain its freshness?

Texture and Flavor

Texture:
The cake is extremely fluffy, moist, and dense at the same time, thanks to the combination of cream cheese, butter, and condensed milk. It has a fine, soft crumb.
Flavor: The creamy, slightly acidic flavor of cream cheese
predominates , balanced by the intense sweetness of condensed milk. The vanilla essence provides a very pleasant aromatic background.

Consumer Context

Ideal for breakfast, snacks , or as an accompaniment to coffee or tea .
Perfect for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, weekend parties , or as a special dessert.
Very popular in cold seasons , since its texture and comforting flavor make it ideal to consume hot or at room temperature.

Visual Aspect

Shape: Rectangular or pudding-like, depending on the mold used.
Color: Bright gold on the outside, with a light , homogeneous cream interior.
Surface: Smooth, slightly cracked in the center (typical of dense pancakes).
Decoration: It can be sprinkled with powdered sugar or covered with cream cheese frosting for a more elegant finish.

Curiosities

Cream cheese not only adds flavor, but also helps trap moisture in the batter, ensuring the cake stays moist for several days.
The combination of evaporated milk and condensed milk gives it a richer texture and prevents it from becoming dry, a common problem with some pancakes.
Its origin is inspired by the American cream cheese cakes popularized in the 1960s, combined with European pastry techniques.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per 100g serving)

Calories: 380–420 kcal
Fat: 22–25 g
Carbohydrates: 40–45 g
Protein: 6–8 g
Sugars: 25–30 g

(Values may vary slightly depending on the exact brands and quantities used.)

Additional Benefits and Interesting Facts

High in energy:
Ideal as a quick source of energy thanks to its carbohydrate content and healthy fats of dairy origin.
Source of dairy protein:
Cream cheese and eggs provide good quality protein , essential for tissue repair.
Versatile:
Can be customized by adding nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chunks , or citrus zest to vary the flavor.
Fun fact:
In some places, this cake is baked in individual muffin tins to make mini cakes perfect for gifting or selling at coffee shops.

Conclusion

Cream cheese pound cake is a dessert that has transcended borders and generations, combining the tradition of the classic pound cake with the creaminess and smoothness of cream cheese. Its origins in European pastry and its evolution in America, especially in the United States and Mexico, demonstrate how gastronomy adapts to the tastes and resources of each culture.

This cake stands out for its moist texture, balanced flavor, and versatility , allowing for multiple variations that make it an ideal dessert for both special occasions and everyday use. Its popularity continues to grow, with modern versions that include different flavors, glazes, and even healthier adaptations.

Ultimately, cream cheese pound cake is much more than a simple sponge cake: it’s the result of culinary evolution, ingredient swaps, and a love of homemade baking. Its preparation is simple, but its flavor and texture make it a timeless classic that will continue to delight future generations.