Are you craving a moist, intensely flavorful cake that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This chocolate cream cheese pound cake is the perfect answer. It’s rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible – a delicious dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a special celebration. Forget complicated baking techniques; this recipe delivers incredible results with minimal effort. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this fantastic homemade creation, a true testament to the magic of simple, delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a light and airy texture. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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Add Cream Cheese & Eggs: Beat in the softened cream cheese until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar (optional) and slice and serve. This simple step elevates the presentation!
Tips for Baking Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smooth batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Toothpick Test: The toothpick test is your best friend! If it comes out with moist crumbs attached, bake for a few more minutes.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Glaze: Top the cooled cake with a simple chocolate glaze for an extra touch of decadence.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
This chocolate cream cheese pound cake recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this delicious treat! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for quick dinner ideas or a special occasion dessert. Remember to share this amazing homemade cooking creation with your friends and family!