๐ฐ Almond-Cream Cheese Pound Cake from Scratch ๐ฐ
History:
The Almond-Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, buttery goodness of a classic pound cake with the nutty flavor of almonds and the creamy richness of cream cheese. While there isn’t a specific historical account tied to this exact recipe, it’s a modern twist on traditional pound cakes that have been enjoyed for centuries. Pound cakes originated in Europe and were named after their original ingredients: a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Over time, various flavorings and ingredients have been incorporated to create unique versions like this almond-cream cheese delight.
Components:
- Butter: Provides the cake with its rich and buttery flavor.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its tender texture.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent and provide structure.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element to the cake.
- Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives the cake structure.
- Almonds: Ground almonds or almond extract infuse the cake with a delightful nutty flavor.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
Steps to Prepare:
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325ยฐF (163ยฐC) and grease and flour a standard 10-inch (25 cm) bundt pan.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter and 2 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Cream Cheese: Beat in 8 ounces of cream cheese until well combined.
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Incorporate Eggs: Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
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Add Almonds and Vanilla: Stir in 1/2 cup of ground almonds or 1 teaspoon of almond extract and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the batter.
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Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt 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.
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Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
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Serve: Once completely cooled, slice and serve your Almond-Cream Cheese Pound Cake.
Time Needed:
The total time to prepare and bake an Almond-Cream Cheese Pound Cake is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including preparation and cooling time. Please note that actual baking times may vary depending on your oven, so it’s essential to check for doneness with a toothpick.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Almond-Cream Cheese Pound Cake! ๐ฐ๐
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving of Almond-Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximately 1 slice):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Total Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10-12 grams
- Cholesterol: 80-100 milligrams
- Sodium: 150-200 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 25-30 grams
- Protein: 4-6 grams
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Pound cakes are known for their rich and indulgent nature, primarily due to ingredients like butter, sugar, and cream cheese. While they are undeniably delicious, they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The cake is high in calories, saturated fat, and sugar, so it’s best consumed as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.
