There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich, moist pound cake, and when you add the magic of chocolate and cream cheese, you elevate it to a whole new level. This chocolate cream cheese pound cake recipe is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Its dense, velvety texture and deeply satisfying flavor make this chocolate cream cheese pound cake perfect for everything from casual gatherings to special celebrations. This chocolate cream cheese pound cake recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast looking to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Your Chocolate Dream
Before we dive into the method, let’s gather our ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in the final texture and flavor of this chocolate cream cheese pound cake:
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All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (360g). The foundation of our chocolate cream cheese pound cake, providing structure. Be sure to measure it correctly for best results, using the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing it.
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Granulated Sugar: 3 cups (600g). Sweetens the chocolate cream cheese pound cake and contributes to its moistness. Feel free to reduce it slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake but don’t go too low as it will affect the texture.
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Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (227g), softened. Provides richness and tenderness to the chocolate cream cheese pound cake. Make sure it’s truly softened to allow for proper creaming with the sugar.
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Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (227g), softened. Adds a tangy flavor and ensures the chocolate cream cheese pound cake is incredibly moist. Like the butter, it’s important for this to be at room temperature.
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Eggs: 6 large, at room temperature. They bind the ingredients and add to the richness of the chocolate cream cheese pound cake. Room temperature eggs emulsify better into the batter.
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Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: ¾ cup (60g). For that deep chocolate flavor in our chocolate cream cheese pound cake. Use a good quality cocoa powder for the best results.
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Whole Milk: 1 cup (240ml). Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter for the chocolate cream cheese pound cake.
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Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons. Enhances the other flavors and adds a lovely aroma to our chocolate cream cheese pound cake.
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Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon. Helps the cake rise and provides a light crumb for this chocolate cream cheese pound cake.
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Salt: ½ teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors in this chocolate cream cheese pound cake.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking journey. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious chocolate cream cheese pound cake:
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Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming together butter, cream cheese, and sugar. A stand mixer makes it easier, but a hand mixer works just as well.
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Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls to mix the wet and dry ingredients separately.
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Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to a successful bake.
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Spatula: For folding the dry ingredients into the wet, ensuring everything is well combined.
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Loaf Pan or Bundt Pan: A 10-inch loaf pan or 10-cup Bundt pan will work perfectly for this recipe.
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Parchment Paper: To line the pan for easy removal of the cake.
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Wire Rack: For cooling the cake after baking.
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Oven: A reliable oven is crucial for consistent baking.
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Toothpick or Cake Tester: To check for doneness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfection
Now, let’s get to the exciting part—baking this divine chocolate cream cheese pound cake. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure success with your chocolate cream cheese pound cake:
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease your loaf pan or Bundt pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal.
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Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, softened cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it’s essential for the cake’s texture.
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Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed in your chocolate cream cheese pound cake.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough chocolate cream cheese pound cake.
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Add Milk and Vanilla: Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter for your chocolate cream cheese pound cake should be thick and creamy.
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Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
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Bake: Bake for 60-75 minutes for a loaf pan or 50-60 minutes for a bundt pan, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary based on your oven.
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Cool: Let the chocolate cream cheese pound cake cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tip: To check for doneness, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time in the oven. If you love pound cakes, you should also try this classic pound cake recipe, from Simply Recipes, to compare how the basic recipe works. You’ll be amazed by the variety.
Variations to Spice Things Up
This chocolate cream cheese pound cake is delicious as is, but feel free to experiment with these variations:
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Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold 1 cup of chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or milk) into the batter before pouring it into the pan. This adds extra pockets of melty chocolate goodness to the chocolate cream cheese pound cake.
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Espresso Boost: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor. This creates a mocha-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese in this chocolate cream cheese pound cake.
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Swirl It: Before baking, pour half of the batter into the pan, then add a layer of chocolate ganache or Nutella, and top with the remaining batter. Swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect. If you’re in the mood for a chocolate swirl, consider trying this Chocolate Swirl Buns from King Arthur Baking, for a similar treat.
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Liqueur Infusion: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite liqueur, such as Kahlúa, Baileys, or Grand Marnier, to the batter for an adult twist. This adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall experience of the chocolate cream cheese pound cake.
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Glazed Finish: Once the chocolate cream cheese pound cake is cooled, prepare a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and a bit of milk, and drizzle it over the cake for a sweet finish.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
Serving a beautifully baked chocolate cream cheese pound cake can be as enjoyable as making it. Here are some ideas:
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Classic Slices: Serve slices of the chocolate cream cheese pound cake as is, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Berry Accompaniment: Add a side of fresh berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries, for a touch of freshness to your chocolate cream cheese pound cake.
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Whipped Cream: Top a slice of your chocolate cream cheese pound cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle your chocolate cream cheese pound cake with melted chocolate or chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
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Dusting of Cocoa: Dust the chocolate cream cheese pound cake with a light layer of cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a sophisticated look.
Storage Tips to Keep it Fresh
To keep your chocolate cream cheese pound cake tasting its best, proper storage is key:
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Room Temperature: Store the chocolate cream cheese pound cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the chocolate cream cheese pound cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.
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Freezer: If you need to store it longer, you can freeze the chocolate cream cheese pound cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making a chocolate cream cheese pound cake:
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour is recommended for this chocolate cream cheese pound cake recipe, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. However, results may vary, and you might need to adjust other ingredients slightly.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is best for this chocolate cream cheese pound cake recipe because it adds the right amount of tang and moisture. If you need to make a substitution, use a Neufchâtel cheese, but keep in mind that it’s lower in fat and might alter the overall texture of the cake.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can substitute with salted butter, but make sure to omit the added salt from this chocolate cream cheese pound cake recipe. Salted butter contains salt that could lead to overly salty cake.
My cake cracked on top. What went wrong?
A crack on top of the chocolate cream cheese pound cake is normal for pound cakes. However, a very large crack may be due to a too hot oven temperature. Make sure to preheat your oven properly and double-check that your oven is set to the correct temperature.
Why is my pound cake dry?
A dry chocolate cream cheese pound cake could be due to a number of things, such as overbaking, inaccurate measurements of the ingredients, or not enough fat in the recipe. Be sure to use accurate measurements and keep an eye on the bake time. Also, ensure that the ingredients like butter and cream cheese are measured correctly. For a better moist cake, you can explore more about it by reading this article from the Baking Tips website.
Conclusion: A Sweet Ending
This chocolate cream cheese pound cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to pure indulgence. With its rich flavors, moist texture, and impressive results, it’s a cake that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on this delicious baking adventure. The joy of creating something so delicious with your own hands is a reward in itself, and the satisfied smiles you’ll receive will make it even sweeter. Give this chocolate cream cheese pound cake a try; you won’t regret it! And if you are in the mood for more easy cakes, try out this Jam Cake recipe, for another comforting taste.
Additional Recipe Ideas
If you enjoyed this Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake recipe, here are some other recipes you might love to try:
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Classic Vanilla Bean Pound Cake: A timeless favorite.
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Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake: A tangy and refreshing option.
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Marble Pound Cake: A beautiful blend of vanilla and chocolate.
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Sour Cream Coffee Cake: Another incredibly moist cake for coffee lovers.
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Caramel Apple Pound Cake: A perfect treat for fall.