🍰 Almond Cream Cheese Pound Cake 🍰
📜 History:
The Almond Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that has a rich history dating back to traditional pound cakes. Pound cakes originated in Europe during the 18th century when the basic recipe consisted of one pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Over time, variations were created, and one such adaptation is the Almond Cream Cheese Pound Cake, which adds cream cheese and almond flavoring for a unique twist.
🧁 Components:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
📝 Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease and flour a bundt pan or a pound cake pan.
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Creaming: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Adding Eggs and Almond Extract: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract for that delightful almond flavor.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, blending until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the cake dense.
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Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary, so keep an eye on it.
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Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Optional Glaze: You can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for added sweetness.
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Serve and Enjoy!: Once the glaze (if used) has set, slice your Almond Cream Cheese Pound Cake and enjoy this delightful treat!
⏲️ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare and bake this cake is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including prep and baking time. Additional time may be required for cooling and adding the optional glaze.
🎉 Your Almond Cream Cheese Pound Cake is ready to be served! Enjoy the rich, moist, and almond-infused goodness of this classic dessert. 🍰✨
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for a standard slice, without glaze):
- Calories: 350-400 calories per slice (varies based on slice size)
- Total Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12-15 grams
- Cholesterol: 80-100 mg
- Sodium: 200-250 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38-42 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0-1 gram
- Sugars: 25-28 grams
- Protein: 5-6 grams
Health Information:
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Moderation: Almond Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delicious treat but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its relatively high calorie and fat content.
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Fats: It contains a significant amount of saturated fat from butter and cream cheese. Saturated fats, when consumed in excess, can contribute to heart health issues, so it’s advisable to limit consumption of such desserts.
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Sugar: This cake is relatively high in sugar, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels if consumed excessively. Individuals with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake should be cautious.
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Protein: While it’s not a significant source of protein, there is some protein in this cake due to the eggs and flour.
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Portion Control: To enjoy this cake while managing its impact on your health, consider cutting smaller slices or sharing with others.
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Balance: It’s essential to balance indulgent treats like this with a well-rounded and nutritious diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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Dietary Preferences: You can modify the recipe to suit dietary preferences or restrictions, such as using whole wheat flour or a sugar substitute for a slightly healthier version.
Remember that the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice and to fit such indulgent treats into your overall diet plan sensibly.
