The Ultimate Moist Gluten-Free Pound Cake: An Easy, Versatile Recipe for Every Occasion
Discover the joy of baking a truly classic dessert with our simple yet incredibly rewarding gluten-free pound cake recipe. This isn’t just any pound cake; it’s a moist, buttery, and exceptionally rich sponge that stands out for its delicate crumb and profound flavor. Perfect for those adhering to a gluten-free diet or simply looking for a delicious, easy-to-make cake, this recipe delivers a dessert that’s both versatile and effortlessly elegant. Whether you pair it with vibrant fresh fruit, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a luxurious thick vanilla or lemon glaze, this pound cake promises a delightful culinary experience. Its simplicity makes it ideal for everyday indulgence, while its sophisticated taste ensures it’s a welcome addition to any special gathering.
Why This Gluten-Free Pound Cake Recipe is a Must-Try
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this particular gluten-free pound cake. We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to ensure maximum flavor, optimal texture, and straightforward preparation, making it an absolute favorite in our kitchen and soon to be in yours too. Here’s what makes this recipe truly special:
- Unmatched Moisture and Rich Flavor Thanks to Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient that elevates this gluten-free pound cake to extraordinary levels of moistness and depth is full-fat cream cheese. Incorporating cream cheese into the batter not only contributes to an incredibly tender crumb but also infuses the cake with a deliciously rich, subtly tangy flavor. This unique addition ensures that every bite is luxuriously soft and full of character, setting it apart from traditional pound cake recipes. It’s a game-changer for gluten-free baking, providing a richness that might otherwise be missed.
- Decadent Enough to Enjoy on Its Own: While many cakes rely heavily on elaborate frostings and glazes to complete their appeal, this gluten-free pound cake is so inherently decadent and flavorful that it truly shines all on its own. Don’t get us wrong, we adore a beautifully glazed dessert, like a zesty iced lemon pound cake! However, the inherent richness and perfect texture of this pound cake mean you can savor a slice purely for its own merits. It’s perfect with just a spoonful of light whipped cream and a handful of fresh berries for an elegant and satisfying treat that doesn’t need to be overly sweet or complicated.
- Effortless Elegance for Any Occasion: Despite its gourmet taste and texture, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Its classic appeal makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from a cozy family dessert to a stunning center piece for a brunch or dinner party. The versatility of pound cake means it’s always a good idea, and knowing you can achieve such a high-quality gluten-free version with ease makes it even better.
Cheryl’s Expert Tips for a Perfect Gluten-Free Pound Cake
Achieving a perfectly baked gluten-free pound cake involves a few key steps and considerations. Follow these expert tips from Cheryl to ensure your cake turns out flawlessly moist, tender, and delicious every single time:
- Embrace Room Temperature Ingredients: This is arguably the most crucial tip for any successful baking endeavor, especially for pound cake. All your cold ingredients, including butter, cream cheese, and eggs, must be brought to room temperature before you begin mixing. Cold ingredients don’t emulsify properly with sugar and other wet ingredients, leading to a lumpy batter and a dense, unevenly textured cake. Room temperature ingredients blend smoothly, creating a light, airy, and uniform batter that will bake into a wonderfully moist and consistent crumb. Plan ahead and take them out of the refrigerator at least an hour or two before you start.
- Experiment with Flavor Variations: While the pure vanilla extract provides a wonderfully classic flavor profile, this recipe is incredibly adaptable if you wish to explore different tastes. If you prefer an almond flavor, simply swap out the vanilla extract with an equal amount of almond extract. For an even more nuanced profile, you can also add a small amount of almond extract (¼ to ½ teaspoon) alongside the pure vanilla extract, complementing rather than replacing it. Other delightful variations include adding lemon zest for a bright citrusy note, orange extract, or even a hint of cardamom for an exotic twist. Don’t be afraid to personalize your pound cake!
- Master Your Bundt Pan Preparation: If you’re using a bundt pan, particularly one with an intricate or decorative design, proper preparation is key to a clean release and a beautiful presentation. Make sure to spray every crease and corner of the pan really well with a neutral-flavored cooking spray. For extra insurance, you can also dust the greased pan lightly with gluten-free flour, tapping out any excess. This creates a non-stick barrier that prevents your pound cake from sticking and tearing when you invert it, ensuring all those lovely details are perfectly preserved. Pay close attention to the central tube and any sharp angles in the design.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients, mix just until they are combined. Overmixing gluten-free flour can still lead to a tough or rubbery texture, even without gluten development. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until no streaks of flour remain, then stop.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Especially in gluten-free baking, precise measurement of flour is critical. Do not scoop flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup, as this can compact it and lead to using too much. Instead, fluff the flour with a spoon, then spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off with the back of a knife. This “spoon and level” method ensures you get the correct amount of flour every time.
Explore More Delicious Gluten-Free & Healthy Dessert Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the delightful simplicity and rich flavor of our gluten-free pound cake, you’ll be thrilled to discover more irresistible treats from our collection. From fruit-filled delights to decadent chocolate creations, we have a dessert for every craving and dietary need. Expand your baking repertoire with these fantastic recipes:
- Gluten Free Peach Cobbler
- Vegan Strawberry Shortcake
- Air Fryer S’mores (Two Ways)
- Gluten-Free Lemon Drizzle Cake
- Vegan Lemon Bars
- Keto Chocolate Mousse
- Easy Cherry Cobbler
If you loved this incredibly moist and delicious gluten-free pound cake recipe as much as we did, please don’t forget to show us some love by leaving a review below. Your feedback helps other bakers discover and enjoy these recipes! ★ And for more easy, healthy, and delightful recipes, be sure to follow Easy Healthy Recipes on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, too! We love seeing your creations!
For even more culinary inspiration and a wider array of delicious recipes, be sure to visit our esteemed sister sites, 40 Aprons, specializing in whole30, paleo, and gluten-free meals, and Easy Cheap Recipes, your go-to source for budget-friendly and simple meal ideas.
Gluten Free Pound Cake with Cream Cheese
Cheryl Malik
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Ingredients for the Perfect Gluten-Free Pound Cake
Crafting this delicious gluten-free pound cake requires a few essential ingredients, all brought to room temperature for optimal mixing and a smooth batter. Using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure, is key to achieving the perfect texture without the gluten.
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter at room temperature, softened
- 1 8-ounce block full-fat cream cheese at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups King Arthur gluten-free measure for measure flour or another high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- ¼ cup cornstarch for extra tenderness
- ½ teaspoon fresh baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt to balance sweetness
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract for classic flavor
Essential Equipment for Baking Success
Having the right tools on hand will make the baking process much smoother and ensure your gluten-free pound cake turns out beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Oven
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Neutral-flavored cooking spray
for thorough pan greasing
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10-inch bundt pan
a sturdy pan is recommended for even baking and release
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Large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl for ease of mixing
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Hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
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Flour sifter or fine-mesh sieve
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Toothpick for checking doneness
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Aluminum foil to prevent over-browning
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Wire cooling rack for complete air circulation
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Gluten-Free Pound Cake
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Begin by preheating your oven to 325° Fahrenheit (160° Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your cake enters. Next, generously coat the entire insides of your 10-inch bundt pan with a neutral cooking spray, making sure to cover the bottom, sides, and all the intricate crevices of the pan completely. This thorough greasing is crucial for preventing the cake from sticking and tearing upon removal. Once coated, set the pan aside, ready for the batter.
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In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the 1 ½ cups unsalted butter and 1 8-ounce block full-fat cream cheese. Both should be at room temperature for optimal mixing. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream these ingredients together on medium speed until they are fully incorporated, light, and fluffy, typically taking about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
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Gradually add the 2 ½ cups granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Add it in small increments, mixing constantly on medium-high speed. This allows the sugar to dissolve properly and incorporate air into the batter, which is essential for a light and fluffy pound cake. Continue mixing until all the sugar has been added and the mixture appears visibly lighter in color and fluffy, resembling a pale, whipped consistency.
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Now, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack 2 eggs directly into the bowl and mix on medium speed until they are just incorporated into the batter. Scrape down the bowl, then repeat this process, adding the eggs two at a time, until all 6 large eggs have been added and fully combined. Adding eggs gradually helps maintain the emulsification of the batter, preventing it from curdling. Ensure each addition is mixed in before adding the next.
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In a flour sifter or a fine-mesh sieve, combine the 2 ½ cups King Arthur gluten-free measure for measure flour, ¼ cup cornstarch, ½ teaspoon fresh baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Sift these dry ingredients directly over the bowl of wet ingredients. This step is vital for ensuring a light, lump-free batter and evenly distributed leavening. Mix the ingredients together on low speed just until they are fully combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.
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Finally, add the 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract to the batter. Mix on low speed for just a few seconds until the vanilla is thoroughly combined. The vanilla adds a classic depth of flavor that complements the richness of the butter and cream cheese perfectly.
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Carefully transfer the prepared cake batter into your greased bundt pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula if needed. To eliminate any trapped air bubbles that could create large holes in your baked cake, gently tap the bottom of the pan on your counter 2 to 3 times. This helps settle the batter and ensures a more even, fine-crumb texture.
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Place the bundt pan into your preheated oven. Bake the cake for an initial 40 minutes. Avoid opening the oven door during this time to maintain a consistent temperature, which is crucial for the cake’s rise.
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After the initial 40 minutes of baking, carefully remove the bundt pan from the oven. Loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the pan. This technique helps to prevent the top of the cake from browning too quickly while allowing the inside to continue baking thoroughly. Return the pan to the oven and continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes.
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Once the cake has baked for a total of 1 hour (40 minutes + 20 minutes), it’s time to check for doneness. Gently insert a clean toothpick into the very center of the cake, ensuring it reaches the deepest part. Immediately remove the toothpick. If it comes out completely clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, your cake is ready. If it’s still wet with batter, continue baking the cake, covered with foil, checking every few minutes until the toothpick test indicates it’s done. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
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When the cake is fully baked, carefully remove the bundt pan from the oven and set it aside on a heat-proof surface. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a full 2 hours. This gradual cooling period is crucial, as it allows the cake to firm up and pull away from the sides of the pan naturally, making it much easier to invert without breakage.
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After the 2-hour cooling period in the pan, place an inverted wire cooling rack directly over the top of the bundt pan. Holding the rack firmly against the pan, carefully invert the entire assembly, flipping the bundt cake over and onto the wire cooling rack. The cake should release cleanly from the pan. If it seems reluctant, give it a gentle wiggle or tap.
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Set the cake aside on the wire rack and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This final cooling stage is important for the cake’s texture and ensures any glaze or frosting you apply will set correctly. Once thoroughly cooled, your beautiful gluten-free pound cake is ready to be decorated as desired before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade masterpiece!
Helpful Notes for Storage & Serving
- Storage: To maintain its incredible moisture and freshness, store your cooled gluten-free pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can slice the cake and wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. This allows you to grab a single slice whenever a craving strikes!
- Freezing Instructions: This pound cake freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, you can freeze the entire cake or individual slices. Wrap the whole cake tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil. For slices, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, consider serving your gluten-free pound cake with a variety of toppings. Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, homemade whipped cream, a simple vanilla glaze, a tangy lemon glaze, or even a fruit compote are all excellent choices that complement its rich flavor.
Nutrition Information
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.