Cream Cheese Glazed Pound Cake

When it comes to classic comfort desserts, few can rival the timeless elegance of a Cream Cheese Glazed Pound Cake. Rich, buttery, and perfectly moist, this traditional bundt-style cake is elevated to an entirely new level by a silky smooth cream cheese glaze that drapes over each slice like a decadent curtain.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a Sunday brunch, or just need something special to pair with your afternoon coffee, this cake is an all-around crowd-pleaser. It boasts the perfect balance between sweetness and tang, simplicity and indulgence.

Pound cakes have long been beloved for their dense yet tender crumb, created by the careful creaming of butter and sugar. According to King Arthur Baking, the key to the best pound cake lies in the ratio and quality of ingredients, especially fat-to-flour balance. Add a cream cheese glaze on top, and you’ve got a stunning dessert that’s not only rich and luscious, but visually irresistible.

Let’s dive into everything that makes this dessert unforgettable—from ingredients to expert techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Glazed Pound Cake

This cake is:

Moist, dense, and tender
Enhanced by a tangy, creamy glaze
Perfect for make-ahead occasions
Great for birthdays, brunches, and potlucks
Adaptable with flavor variations (lemon, almond, spice, etc.)

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic bundt cake:

For the Pound Cake:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2½ cups granulated sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream (for extra moisture)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
2–3 tablespoons milk (to thin to your desired consistency)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: Add a touch of lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist.

‍ Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Bake Time: 60–75 minutes

❄️ Cool Time: 1 hour

️ Serves: 12

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Grease and flour a 10- or 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly.
For added insurance against sticking, you can spray with baking spray that contains flour.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
This step is crucial as it incorporates air, ensuring a light texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Scrape the sides of the bowl regularly to ensure a uniform batter.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add to the creamed mixture, alternating with sour cream.
Stir in vanilla extract until well incorporated.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top.
Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack and cool completely before glazing.

How to Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add melted butter and mix until combined.
Gradually whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla.
Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until desired drizzling consistency is reached.
Pour or drizzle over the cooled cake.

You can also refrigerate the glaze for 10–15 minutes if you prefer a thicker finish.

Tips for Success

Use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing and proper emulsion.
Don’t rush the creaming step—it’s the foundation of the cake’s texture.
Avoid overmixing once the flour is added to prevent a tough crumb.
Ensure your bundt pan is thoroughly greased to avoid sticking.

Optional Add-Ins & Flavor Variations

This classic recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

Citrus Pound Cake

Add 1 tbsp lemon or orange zest to the batter.
Use lemon juice in the glaze for tang.

Chocolate Glaze Swap

Replace the cream cheese glaze with a chocolate ganache.
Add cocoa powder to the batter for a marble effect.

Coconut Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Add ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut to the batter.
Top with toasted coconut flakes after glazing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your cream cheese glazed pound cake with:

Fresh berries and whipped cream
A scoop of vanilla bean or strawberry ice cream
Hot coffee, espresso, or dessert wine
Toasted nuts sprinkled on top for crunch

This cake is perfect at room temperature, slightly chilled, or even lightly warmed.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store:

Keep covered at room temperature for 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Let come to room temp before serving for best flavor.

Freeze:

Freeze the unglazed cake for up to 2 months.
Wrap tightly in plastic and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Glaze after thawing.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

Calories: 430
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbs: 52g
Sugar: 38g
Protein: 5g
Calcium: 8% DV
Iron: 6% DV

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on glaze thickness and additional ingredients.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use cream cheese in the cake batter?

Yes! Substitute ½ cup of the butter with cream cheese for an even richer, denser cake.

What makes a pound cake different from regular cake?

Pound cakes traditionally use equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. They’re denser and less sweet than sponge cakes, ideal for toppings like glaze or fruit.

How do I know my bundt cake is done?

The edges should pull slightly from the pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I skip the glaze?

Of course! It’s delicious on its own or with powdered sugar dusted over the top.

When to Serve Cream Cheese Glazed Pound Cake

This cake fits any occasion:

Birthdays or anniversaries
Holiday dessert tables (especially Easter and Thanksgiving)
Afternoon tea or brunch
Gifting to friends, neighbors, or co-workers
Sunday family dinners

Its versatility and classic flavor make it a reliable go-to for celebrations or just-because baking.

Final Thoughts

The Cream Cheese Glazed Pound Cake is everything a great dessert should be: rich, buttery, sweet, and satisfying. The tang of the glaze complements the dense crumb perfectly, creating a dessert that feels both old-fashioned and elevated.

For more details, visit the full recipe

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