Pineapple cream cheese Pound Cake

Introduction:
Pineapple cream cheese pound cake is a decadent and moist dessert that combines the tropical flavor of pineapple with the rich creaminess of cream cheese. This indulgent cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties. With its dense texture and luscious pineapple glaze, this pound cake is sure to become a favorite among family and friends.

Origin and Cultural Significance:
Pound cake has been a beloved dessert in American baking traditions for centuries, known for its rich and buttery flavor. The addition of cream cheese and pineapple in this recipe adds a delightful twist to the classic pound cake, infusing it with tropical sweetness and tanginess. While pound cake originated in Europe, it has become a staple dessert in American cuisine, enjoyed as a comforting treat on special occasions and holidays.

Ingredients Quantity:
For the Cake:

  • Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup (226g)
  • Cream cheese, softened: 1/2 cup (113g)
  • Granulated sugar: 2 cups (400g)
  • Eggs: 4 large
  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250g)
  • Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Crushed pineapple, drained: 1 cup (240g)
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

For the Pineapple Glaze:

  • Confectioners’ sugar: 1 cup (120g)
  • Crushed pineapple, drained: 1/4 cup (60g)
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon

Optional Additions:

  • Chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) for added texture
  • Shredded coconut for a tropical twist
  • Maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch (25cm) bundt pan or pound cake pan, ensuring that it is well-coated to prevent sticking.
  1. Make the Cake Batter:
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
  • Fold in the drained crushed pineapple and vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  1. Bake the Cake:
  • Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it out evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  1. Make the Pineapple Glaze:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, drained crushed pineapple, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
  • If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice or pineapple juice to reach your desired consistency.
  1. Glaze the Cake:
  • Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the pineapple glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
  • Garnish the cake with chopped nuts or shredded coconut, if desired, and decorate with maraschino cherries for a festive touch.

Tips for Success:

  • Ensure that the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before creaming to achieve a smooth and creamy batter.
  • Use canned crushed pineapple that has been well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the cake batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients have been added to avoid a dense or tough texture in the finished cake.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting or running off the cake.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per Serving):
The following nutritional information is approximate and based on a serving size of 1 slice (1/12 of the cake):

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 39g
  • Protein: 5g

Conclusion and Recommendation:
Pineapple cream cheese pound cake is a delightful dessert that is sure to impress with its tropical flavors and moist, tender crumb. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee as a morning treat or served as a sweet ending to a special meal, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving more. With its simple preparation and irresistible taste, pineapple cream cheese pound cake is a must-try recipe for any baking enthusiast looking to add a touch of tropical flair to their dessert repertoire.

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