Cream Cheese Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe

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### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Preheat and Prepare the Pan**
– Preheat your oven to **325°F (163°C)**.
– Grease and flour a **10-inch bundt pan** or a standard loaf pan, or you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

#### 2. **Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar**
– In a large bowl, **cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar** using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about **3-4 minutes**.
– This step is crucial for achieving the soft, tender crumb of the cake.

#### 3. **Add the Eggs One at a Time**
– Add the **eggs one at a time**, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. This ensures a smooth batter with no streaks.

#### 4. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**
– In a separate bowl, **whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt**. Sifting the cocoa powder can help eliminate any lumps and make sure it mixes evenly into the batter.

#### 5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the **milk** in 2 parts. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

#### 6. **Add Vanilla Extract and Chocolate Chips**
– Stir in the **vanilla extract** for extra flavor, and if you’re adding the chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter. The chips add extra bursts of chocolate throughout the cake, but this step is optional depending on your preference.

#### 7. **Pour the Batter into the Pan**
– Pour the batter into the prepared pan and **smooth the top** with a spatula to make it even. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles.

#### 8. **Bake**
– Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for **60-70 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
– If you’re using a bundt pan, you may need a bit more time for the cake to bake through due to the pan’s shape.

#### 9. **Cool and Serve**
– Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it **cool in the pan for about 10 minutes** before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
– Once fully cooled, you can slice and serve. If desired, dust the top with a little powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra flair.

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## Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Chocolate Pound Cake

### 1. **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**
Ensure your butter and cream cheese are **softened** before mixing. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize up, leading to a less smooth texture.

### 2. **Don’t Overmix**
When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense, so be gentle with the batter.

### 3. **Check for Doneness**
Oven temperatures can vary, so check your cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

### 4. **Optional Toppings**
For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle the cooled cake with a bit of melted chocolate or top it with a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries also complement the chocolate flavor beautifully.

### 5. **Chill the Cake**
If you have time, letting the cake sit for a few hours—or even overnight—helps the flavors develop even further. The cake becomes even more moist and flavorful as it rests.

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## Why You’ll Love This Cake

This **Cream Cheese Chocolate Pound Cake** is a true crowd-pleaser. The cake is moist and rich with the perfect balance of chocolate and cream cheese flavors, making it ideal for any occasion. It’s simple enough to prepare on a weeknight yet elegant enough to serve at a gathering or special celebration.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert after dinner, a treat to bring to a party, or just a sweet snack to enjoy with your coffee, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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## Conclusion

If you haven’t yet experienced the delightful combination of cream cheese and chocolate in a pound cake, this **Cream Cheese Chocolate Pound Cake** recipe is your perfect introduction. With its moist texture, rich flavor, and simple preparation, it’s a cake you’ll return to time and time again. Try it at your next gathering, or bake it for yourself—you won’t regret it! Enjoy the indulgent sweetness and the compliments that come your way. Happy baking!