There’s something deeply comforting about a pound cake—the simplicity, the richness, the way each dense slice melts in your mouth. Now imagine elevating that classic comfort with the addition of tangy cream cheese and deep chocolate flavor. Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake is the ultimate indulgence: moist, fudgy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of tang and sweetness.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a celebration, or simply craving a treat with your afternoon coffee, this cake delivers every time. In this article, we’ll explore what makes it unique, how to make it step by step, plus helpful tips for presentation, storage, and nutrition.
What Makes This Pound Cake Special?
Traditional pound cakes rely on butter, sugar, eggs, and flour in equal measure. But adding cream cheese brings a luscious richness and moisture that keeps the cake soft for days. Paired with high-quality cocoa powder and a touch of vanilla, the result is a chocolate lover’s dream with a velvety crumb and a beautiful dark hue.
Unlike a typical chocolate cake that’s light and fluffy, this pound cake is dense, buttery, and satisfying, with a fine texture that’s ideal for slicing and serving.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Prep and Bake Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 75–85 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: About 2 hours
- Yield: 12–16 slices
How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake
1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan (or tube pan), making sure to get into all the crevices to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy—about 3 minutes. Add the sugar and continue beating for another 3–4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Pour & Bake
Spoon the thick batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 75 to 85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool & Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before carefully inverting onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)
- Calories: 460
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
This cake is a rich treat—perfect for sharing or savoring slowly with a cup of coffee or tea.
Serving & Presentation Ideas
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting before serving adds a classic touch.
- Chocolate Ganache: For extra indulgence, drizzle with a simple ganache made of chocolate and cream.
- Berries & Whipped Cream: Serve slices with fresh strawberries or raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream for a gorgeous contrast of flavors.
- Elegant Plating: A slice on a white plate with a mint sprig and fruit coulis elevates this homey cake to dinner party status.
Tips & Variations
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, cream cheese, and eggs are all at room temperature for a smooth batter and even texture.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa: Since cocoa is the star of this recipe, opt for a premium unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months.
- Swirl It: Create a chocolate swirl by holding back 1 cup of batter, mixing in melted chocolate, and swirling it into the rest of the batter in the pan.
Why This Cake Belongs in Your Recipe Box
Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake is more than just dessert—it’s a slice of joy, a comforting indulgence, and a beautiful blend of texture and flavor. It holds its shape beautifully for transport, makes a great gift, and is just as welcome at a holiday table as it is at a casual family gathering.
With its dense crumb, bold chocolate taste, and tangy cream cheese richness, this pound cake has everything you want in a chocolate dessert—without the need for frosting or fuss. It’s delicious straight out of the pan, or dressed up for special occasions.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to cakes from scratch, Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a recipe that delivers every time. It’s rich but not overwhelming, beautiful in its simplicity, and always met with rave reviews. Slice it thick, savor it slowly, and enjoy the bliss of one of baking’s most luxurious treats.