Million Dollar Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Rich, Velvety & Worth Every Bite
A timeless Southern classic made with cream cheese, butter, and love—pure indulgence in every slice
Introduction: A Cake That Lives Up to Its Name
Some cakes are good. Some are great. And then there’s this Million Dollar Cream Cheese Pound Cake—a rich, velvety masterpiece that’s earned its name for a reason. With a dense, buttery crumb and a subtle tang from cream cheese, this cake is the kind of dessert that gets passed down through generations, shared at every holiday table, and requested again and again.
Whether you serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh berries and whipped cream, this pound cake is guaranteed to impress. It’s simple to make, stunning to serve, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this cake so luxurious:
Base Ingredients:
- Granulated sugar (3 cups)
Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb. - Unsalted butter (1½ cups, softened)
Adds richness and flavor—use high-quality butter for best results. - Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
Adds moisture and a subtle tang—key to the cake’s velvety texture.
Tip: Make sure butter and cream cheese are fully softened for smooth mixing.
Eggs & Flour:
- Large eggs (6, room temperature)
Bind the batter and add richness—room temp eggs mix more evenly. - All-purpose flour (3 cups)
Provides structure and classic pound cake density.
Optional: Sift flour for a finer crumb.
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan
- Rubber spatula
- Oven
Tip: Grease and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl:
- Beat 1½ cups softened butter and 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add 3 cups granulated sugar, beating until light and creamy—about 3–5 minutes.
Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Add 6 large eggs, one at a time.
Beat well after each addition.
Optional: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract or almond extract for extra flavor.
Step 4: Add Flour
Gradually add 3 cups all-purpose flour, mixing just until combined.
Do not overmix—this helps maintain a tender crumb.
Tip: Fold in flour gently with a spatula for best texture.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake at 300°F for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, or until:
- A toothpick inserted comes out clean
- Top is golden and slightly cracked
Let cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for:
- Holiday gatherings
- Sunday brunch
- Afternoon tea
- Celebrations and gifting
Pair with:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Lemon glaze or chocolate drizzle
- Coffee or sweet wine
Presentation Tip: Serve on a cake stand with edible flowers or mint sprigs.
Variations to Try
Want to make it your own? Try these delicious twists:
Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Add lemon zest and juice to the batter.
Chocolate Swirl Pound Cake
Swirl in melted chocolate or cocoa batter.
Coconut Cream Cheese Cake
Add shredded coconut and coconut extract.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Mini Pound Cakes
Bake in loaf pans or muffin tins for individual servings.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: Bake up to 2 days in advance.
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight.
Tip: Slice and freeze individually for grab-and-go treats.
Nutrition Notes (Per Slice, ~1 of 16)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~24g
- Sugar: ~30g
- Sodium: ~180mg
- Fiber: ~1g
This cake is:
- Rich and buttery
- Dense and moist
- Perfectly portioned
- Great for sharing
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Cream Cheese Pound Cake is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of Southern baking, timeless flavor, and pure indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to impress and delight.