Amanda’s Cheese Pound Cake

🍰 Amanda’s Cheese Pound Cake: A Delicious Delight 🍰

History:

Amanda’s Cheese Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that has been a beloved classic in many households for generations. While its exact origin is a bit unclear, it is thought to have originated in the Southern United States in the 18th century. The name “pound cake” comes from the traditional recipe that called for a pound each of four key ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.

Components:

🧈 Butter: Typically one cup of unsalted butter is used, providing richness and flavor.
🍚 Sugar: One cup of granulated sugar for sweetness.
🥚 Eggs: Four large eggs to give structure and moisture.
🍰 Flour: Two cups of all-purpose flour for the cake’s structure.
🧀 Cream Cheese: One 8-ounce package of cream cheese for a creamy texture.
🥛 Milk: A quarter cup of milk to add moisture.
🍯 Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures a smooth batter.

4. Incorporate Cream Cheese: Beat in the cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

5. Alternate Flour and Milk: Gradually add the flour and milk in alternating portions, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined; overmixing can make the cake tough.

6. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract for a delightful aroma and flavor.

7. Bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Enjoy: Once cooled, slice and enjoy your delicious Amanda’s Cheese Pound Cake! Optionally, you can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle with a glaze for extra sweetness.

Time Needed:

The preparation time for Amanda’s Cheese Pound Cake typically takes around 20-25 minutes, while baking takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. With cooling included, you can expect the entire process to take around 2 hours from start to finish.

This classic pound cake is a true crowd-pleaser, and its rich, buttery flavor with a hint of cream cheese makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Enjoy! 🍰😊

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amanda’s Cheese Pound Cake:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: About 300-350 calories per slice (1/12th of the cake).
• Total Fat: Approximately 18-20 grams.
  • Saturated Fat: About 11-12 grams.
• Cholesterol: Around 100-120 mg.
• Sodium: Approximately 150-180 mg.
• Total Carbohydrates: About 32-36 grams.
  • Dietary Fiber: Less than 1 gram.
  • Sugars: Around 20-24 grams.
• Protein: Approximately 4-5 grams.

Health Information:

1. Moderation is Key: Amanda’s Cheese Pound Cake is a delicious treat but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its relatively high calorie and sugar content.

2. Fat Content: It contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from butter and cream cheese. While fat is essential for flavor and texture, it’s advisable to limit consumption if you’re watching your fat intake.

3. Sugar Content: Pound cakes are known for their sweetness, and this cake is no exception. The sugar content is relatively high, so it’s best for occasional indulgence rather than regular consumption.

4. Cholesterol: The cake contains a significant amount of cholesterol due to the eggs and cream cheese. If you have cholesterol concerns, be mindful of portion sizes.

5. Portion Control: To enjoy this cake without overindulging, consider cutting smaller slices and savoring them slowly.

6. Balanced Diet: It’s important to balance such indulgent treats with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for overall nutritional health.

Remember that nutrition facts can vary slightly depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so these values are approximate. Enjoy Amanda’s Cheese Pound Cake as an occasional treat, and be mindful of your overall dietary choices for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. 🍰🍏🥦