Citrus Cream Cheese Pound Cake: 7 Comforting Steps to Delight

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: Citrus Cream Cheese Pound Cake! This cake is a delightful blend of tangy citrus and rich cream cheese that makes it so moist and flavorful.

I’ve been making it for family gatherings for years, and it never fails to impress. The zesty lemon and orange zest perfectly brighten up the dense, buttery texture, creating a slice of heaven! I can still remember the first time I served it at a summer picnic—everyone was raving about it and asking for the recipe. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one!

Looking for another zesty dessert? Try these Creamsicle Orange Cookies — soft, citrusy, and bursting with orange flavor!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Citrus Cream Cheese Pound Cake. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable!

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This helps create a rich, tender crumb. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds moisture and a delicious tanginess that elevates the cake.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness is key, and this will also help with the cake’s structure.
• 4 large eggs: They help bind everything together and add richness. Bring them to room temperature for the best results.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Fresh zest adds a bright citrus flavor that’s just divine!
• 1 tablespoon orange zest: Complements the lemon zest and adds depth to the citrus flavor.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake; be sure to spoon and level it for accuracy.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cake rise, giving it that lovely fluffy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup sour cream: This is the secret ingredient for extra moisture and a tender crumb!

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately, as this will ensure the best results. Happy baking!

Craving a honeyed cake? Try this Greek Honey Cake — moist, rich, and naturally sweet with honey!

How to Prepare Citrus Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Preheat and Prepare the Bundt Pan

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, preheating is crucial! It ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start, giving you that perfect rise and texture. While the oven is warming up, grab a 10-inch bundt pan and grease it generously with butter. Then, sprinkle some flour inside, tapping it around to coat the sides and bottom. This little step makes sure your beautiful cake slides out easily once it’s baked. Nobody wants a cake that sticks, right?

Creaming the Butter and Cream Cheese

Now onto the fun part! In a mixing bowl, combine your softened butter and cream cheese with the granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, and cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes. You want it to be creamy, almost like a smooth cloud! This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, which helps your pound cake rise beautifully. Don’t rush this part; the fluffier, the better!

Adding Eggs and Zest

Next, it’s time to add the eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the batter. You’ll notice the texture changing to a velvety consistency—yum! After all the eggs are in, stir in that zesty lemon and orange zest. Oh, the aroma is heavenly! This brightens up the flavor and adds that citrus punch. Mixing this in well is key; you want those zesty flavors evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Combining Dry Ingredients

For the dry ingredients, grab another bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to measure your flour properly; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This little detail can really affect your cake’s texture! Once that’s done, gradually add the dry mixture to the cream cheese batter, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture. This method helps prevent any lumps and keeps everything nice and smooth!

Mixing Batter and Baking

Once everything is combined, gently mix until no dry flour is visible. Be careful not to overmix—just until it’s combined is perfect! Now, pour that luscious batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready! Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. The anticipation is real, and trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Citrus Cream Cheese Pound Cake turns out perfectly, here are my go-to tips! First, don’t skip the creaming step—mixing the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy is essential for a light texture. Also, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature; this helps everything combine smoothly. If you’re worried about overmixing, just remember: mix until combined—no more! Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and airy.

Another tip is to let the cake cool in the pan for just 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to remove without breaking. Lastly, feel free to experiment with the zests! A little extra lemon or orange zest can really amp up that citrus flavor. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Nutritional Information

Each slice of this delightful Citrus Cream Cheese Pound Cake packs in approximately 350 calories. You’ll also get about 15g of fat, including 9g of saturated fat, which adds to that rich, buttery flavor. Plus, there’s around 25g of sugar, giving you that sweet indulgence we all crave. As for carbs, expect about 45g per slice, with 1g of fiber and 5g of protein. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each delicious bite. Remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying the tasty moments in life!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Citrus Cream Cheese Pound Cake, the options are endless! I love drizzling a bright citrus glaze over the top—it adds an extra zing that complements the cake’s flavors beautifully. You can whip up a simple glaze with powdered sugar and fresh citrus juice for that perfect finishing touch. Pair it with some fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, for a pop of color and a juicy contrast to the dense cake. A dollop of whipped cream works wonders too! These little extras not only enhance the dish but elevate your cake experience to a whole new level!

Need another moist and flavorful dessert? Try this Oatmeal Carrot Cake — wholesome, spiced, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting!

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FAQ Section

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less rich and creamy. It’ll still taste great, though!

What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
Oh no! This can happen if the batter is overmixed or if the oven temperature is too low. Make sure to mix just until combined and check that your oven is properly calibrated.

Can I add other flavors to my Citrus Cream Cheese Pound Cake?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different zests, like lime or grapefruit, or even add a splash of vanilla extract for an extra flavor dimension.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake keeps well, so you can make it a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and delicious!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Citrus Cream Cheese Pound Cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to seal them tightly to prevent freezer burn!

When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer it warm, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will help maintain that moist texture and delicious flavor. Enjoy every bite!

Want a fruity indulgence? Try this Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie — creamy, flaky, and filled with cherry goodness!

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