Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake
Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and cream cheese into a moist, buttery pound cake. Perfect for any occasion, this cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Its unique texture and taste make it stand out, whether you’re serving it at a birthday party or enjoying a slice on a quiet afternoon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and cream cheese creates an irresistible taste that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, or drizzle with glaze for an extra special treat. It’s great for brunches, picnics, or as an after-dinner dessert.
- Moist and Rich Texture: The use of butter and cream cheese ensures that this pound cake remains moist and tender, making each slice a delight.
- Impressive Presentation: The bundt shape not only looks beautiful but also makes serving easy.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure smooth preparation. Having the right equipment helps streamline the process and guarantees the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- 12-cup bundt pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: A powerful mixer makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, leading to a light and fluffy batter.
- Bundt pan: This pan shapes the cake beautifully while allowing even baking throughout.
- Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients prevents mixing errors and helps organize your workflow.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1/2 cup butter flavored solid shortening
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
- 3 cups sugar
- 6 eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
How to Make Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan. Set aside. DO NOT preheat the oven yet; this cake bakes in a cold oven.
Step 2: Cream the Ingredients
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together:
1. Shortening,
2. Unsalted butter,
3. Cream cheese,
4. Crunchy peanut butter until smooth.
Gradually add:
1. Sugar while beating until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well mixed before adding the next.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour,
2. Baking powder,
3. Salt.
Gradually add this dry mixture to your creamed mixture while blending well. Finally, add:
1. Vanilla extract,
mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Place it in a cold oven and bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
For the glaze icing, mix together:
1. Sweetened condensed milk,
2. Peanut butter,
3. Milk until smooth.
Drizzle this over your cooled cake for an extra layer of flavor!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake
Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cake experience.
Classic Slice
- Serve a simple slice of the cake on its own to enjoy its rich peanut butter flavor.
With Whipped Cream
- Top a slice with fresh whipped cream for added lightness and sweetness.
A La Mode
- Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast that complements the peanut butter.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top for an indulgent twist that balances the flavors.
Fresh Fruit Garnish
- Serve with slices of banana or berries to add freshness and color to your dessert plate.
Coffee Pairing
- Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or espresso for an afternoon treat that’s perfect for relaxation.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake
To ensure your Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients – Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Don’t skip the cold oven – Starting in a cold oven helps the cake rise evenly and prevents it from doming.
- Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined to avoid toughening the cake; overmixing develops gluten.
- Check doneness carefully – Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Cool before glazing – Allow the cake to cool completely before adding glaze to prevent it from melting off.
- Store properly – Keep leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Ice Cream Sundae – Create an ice cream sundae with various toppings like nuts, chocolate chips, and cherries for a fun dessert twist.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the cake.
- Chocolate Mousse – Rich chocolate mousse provides an elegant touch that contrasts beautifully with the peanut butter flavor.
- Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites offer creamy richness that pairs well without overwhelming the palate.
- Caramel Sauce – A warm caramel drizzle adds sweetness and depth, enhancing each bite of cake.
- Nut Mix Snack – A bowl of spiced mixed nuts can provide crunch and saltiness, complementing the sweet notes of the cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake, avoiding common mistakes can significantly enhance your baking experience and the cake’s taste.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a lighter texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use the proper tools like measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts.
- Skipping the cold oven step: Placing the cake in a cold oven helps it rise evenly. Always follow this step for best results.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how well they incorporate. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Underbaking the cake: A toothpick should come out clean from the center. Always check with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat for around 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake that can help you bake it perfectly.
What makes Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake so special?
Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake combines rich flavors of peanut butter and cream cheese, making it moist and delightful.
Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy?
Yes, you can substitute smooth peanut butter if you prefer a more uniform texture in your cake.
How do I know when my pound cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. This indicates that your cake is fully baked.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can create a delicious combination of flavors that many enjoy.
How should I serve Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake?
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake is not only delightful but also versatile. Its rich flavor pairs well with various toppings, and it can be customized by adding chocolate chips or different nuts. Give this recipe a try; it might just become your new favorite dessert!
Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the luscious delight of Peanut Butter Cream Pound Cake, a dessert that beautifully marries the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter with velvety cream cheese. This moist, buttery pound cake is perfect for any occasion—from birthday celebrations to cozy afternoons with coffee or tea. Its unique texture and decadent taste will surely impress your guests and become a beloved centerpiece at gatherings. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed with a delightful glaze, this cake promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for all peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter flavored solid shortening
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
- 3 cups sugar
- 6 eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (do not preheat initially). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together shortening, butter, cream cheese, and crunchy peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar while beating until light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture along with vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake in a cold oven at 325°F for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let it cool for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
