Dreamy Cream Cheese Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe
If you’re a chocolate lover and a fan of pound cake, then this dreamy cream cheese chocolate pound cake recipe is the perfect dessert for you. It’s a decadent and moist cake that is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays. In this article, we’ll go over the step-by-step process of making this delicious cake, as well as some tips and tricks to make it even more special.
Ingredients
Let’s start by going over the ingredients you’ll need to make this dreamy cream cheese chocolate pound cake:
For the Cake:
- 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of buttermilk
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
Directions
Now that we have all the ingredients we need, let’s get started with making this dreamy cream cheese chocolate pound cake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Sift and Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
Step 3: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Next, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Add in the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Prepared Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake the cake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Let the Cake Cool
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 9: Make the Chocolate Ganache
While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate ganache by heating up the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it starts to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the semisweet chocolate chips and whisk everything together until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Step 10: Top the Cake with Chocolate Ganache
Once the cake has completely cooled, pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing everything together. This will ensure that everything mixes together properly and your cake turns out moist and fluffy.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter as this can result in a dense cake.
- To ensure your cake doesn’t stick to the pan, make sure to grease and flour it well.
- You can also add some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for some extra crunch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this dreamy cream cheese chocolate pound cake recipe is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of cream cheese and chocolate creates a moist and rich cake that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a little bit of effort, you can make this cake right in your own kitchen and enjoy it with your loved ones.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache? Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips.
- Can I use a different type of pan to bake the cake? Yes, you can use a bundt pan or a square pan instead of a loaf pan.
- Can I make the cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
- Can I substitute the butter for margarine? Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter, but the flavor and texture of the cake may be slightly different.
Dreamy Cream Cheese Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe 🍫🍰
If you’re a fan of rich, decadent cakes with a touch of creaminess and a deep chocolate flavor, then this Dreamy Cream Cheese Chocolate Pound Cake is the perfect treat for you! This cake combines the smooth, velvety texture of cream cheese with the indulgent taste of chocolate, resulting in a mouthwatering dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special celebration, or just because you have a craving, this cake is sure to impress. 🍰
With its moist texture, rich chocolate flavor, and creamy interior, this pound cake has all the elements that make it a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or even as a sweet treat after dinner. Get ready to bake something unforgettable that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Let’s dive right into this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. 🔥
Ingredients:
This recipe combines pantry staples with the addition of cream cheese to create a cake that’s moist, dense, and full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🍞
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed) 🍫
- 1 teaspoon baking powder 🍶
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 🍶
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 🧀
- 2 cups granulated sugar 🍚
- 4 large eggs 🥚
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🍨
- 1 cup whole milk 🥛
- 1/2 cup sour cream (adds extra moisture) 🥄
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness) 🍫
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream 🧴
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 🍫
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
This recipe will yield about 12-16 servings, depending on how thick you slice the cake. It’s a perfect size for a gathering, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day! ✨
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan 🔥
Before you begin mixing your ingredients, it’s important to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature will allow the cake to cook evenly and slowly, resulting in a dense, moist pound cake.
Next, grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or a 9×13-inch rectangular cake pan. You can also use non-stick cooking spray with flour if you prefer. Make sure to coat all sides of the pan to ensure that your cake doesn’t stick. For an extra precaution, you can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. 🧑🍳
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients 🍫
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until fully mixed. This ensures that the leavening agents and cocoa powder are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cake rise evenly and prevents clumps. 🍚
Set the dry ingredients aside for now while you move on to preparing the wet ingredients. 🥄
Step 3: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar 🧁
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or stand mixer) to beat together the softened butter and cream cheese. Start on low speed to avoid splattering, and then gradually increase to medium-high speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Next, add the granulated sugar and beat again until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, about 2 minutes. The sugar will dissolve into the butter and cream cheese, helping to create a smooth batter. The combination of butter and cream cheese provides a rich, moist texture that’s the key to this cake’s creaminess. 🍰
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla 🥚🍨
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be sure that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. This step ensures that the eggs emulsify into the batter, providing structure and moisture to the cake.
Once all the eggs have been added, mix in the vanilla extract. The vanilla will enhance the flavor of the cake, balancing out the richness of the cream cheese and butter. 🍨
Step 5: Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients 🥄
Now it’s time to combine the dry and wet ingredients. Start by adding about a third of the dry flour mixture to the batter, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Then add half of the whole milk and sour cream, continuing to mix on low speed until smooth.
Repeat the process by adding another third of the dry ingredients, followed by the rest of the milk and sour cream, and then the final third of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix the batter. Over-mixing can lead to a denser, tougher cake. 🧑🍳
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips (Optional) 🍫
If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them gently into the batter with a spatula. The chocolate chips will melt slightly into the cake as it bakes, creating pockets of gooey, chocolatey goodness throughout the cake. This step is optional, but highly recommended for chocolate lovers! 🍪
Step 7: Bake the Cake 🍰
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan or cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles that may have formed during mixing.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes (for a bundt pan) or 50-60 minutes (for a rectangular pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
If you notice the top of the cake is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil halfway through the baking process. 🕒
Step 8: Cool the Cake 🍰
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the cake to firm up slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan.
After 15 minutes, invert the cake onto a wire rack or serving platter to cool completely. Let it cool for at least 1 hour before glazing. This will ensure the cake doesn’t melt the glaze when it’s poured on top. ⏳
Step 9: Make the Chocolate Glaze 🍫
While the cake is cooling, prepare the chocolate glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not bring it to a full boil. Once it’s simmering, remove it from the heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the glaze is smooth and shiny.
Allow the glaze to cool for a few minutes so that it thickens slightly before pouring it over the cake. 🍫
Step 10: Glaze the Cake 🍰
Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the chocolate glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides of the cake. If you have any leftover glaze, you can drizzle it over individual slices when serving. 🍴
Serving and Enjoying the Dreamy Cream Cheese Chocolate Pound Cake 🎂
Now that your cake is glazed and ready to go, slice it up and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. 🍦
This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk. Its rich, chocolatey flavor and creamy texture make every bite a little piece of heaven. The combination of the moist pound cake with the velvety cream cheese base and the decadent chocolate glaze will leave everyone asking for the recipe! 🤤
Why You’ll Love This Dreamy Cream Cheese Chocolate Pound Cake ❤️
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The cream cheese adds a silky smoothness to the cake, making it incredibly moist and soft. 💧
- Intense Chocolate Flavor: The cocoa powder and chocolate chips deliver a deep, indulgent chocolate flavor that chocolate lovers will adore. 🍫
- Versatile and Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or a simple dessert craving, this cake fits every occasion. 🎉
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a show-stopping dessert. 🧑🍳
Conclusion:
This Dreamy Cream Cheese Chocolate Pound Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, chocolatey desserts with a smooth, creamy twist. Its dense, moist texture, coupled with the rich flavor of cocoa and the creamy cream cheese base, makes it an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you coming back for more. Enjoy every delicious bite! 🍰🍫