A Velvety, Decadent Pound Cake with a Gourmet Twist
Gordon Ramsay, known for his precision, balance, and flavor-packed dishes, would likely expect a chocolate pound cake to be nothing short of extraordinary—and that’s exactly what this recipe delivers. Combining the dense, buttery structure of a classic pound cake with the complexity of cream cheese and the luxurious bitterness of dark cocoa, this loaf is intense yet balanced, elegant yet comforting.
It’s ideal as a standalone dessert with a dusting of powdered sugar or paired with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of espresso glaze for an upscale touch.
🧾 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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✅ Rich, deep chocolate flavor with a tender crumb
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✅ Cream cheese adds moisture and tang without overwhelming
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✅ Simple ingredients, gourmet results
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✅ Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or freezing
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✅ No need for frosting—it’s that good on its own
🍽 Ingredients (Makes 1 loaf or 10 slices)
🧈 For the Pound Cake:
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1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
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8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
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2 cups granulated sugar
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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6 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
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1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¾ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (optional for extra richness)
🍫 Optional Ganache Topping:
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½ cup heavy cream
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¾ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
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1 tablespoon butter
🍓 Garnish Ideas (Optional):
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Fresh raspberries or strawberries
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Shaved chocolate
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Whipped cream
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Mint leaves
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A dusting of powdered sugar
🍳 Equipment Needed
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Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
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9×5-inch loaf pan
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Rubber spatula
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Cooling rack
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Knife for slicing
⏲ Time Overview
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Bake Time: 75–85 minutes
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Cooling Time: 30–45 minutes
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Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
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Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy lifting.
🎯 A well-prepared pan ensures your cake releases cleanly without sticking or breaking.
🧁 Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars
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In a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
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Gradually add in the granulated and brown sugar, beating another 2–3 minutes until light and creamy.
💡 This step is key to incorporating air for a tender crumb—don’t rush it.
🍳 Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
🥚 Ensure eggs are room temperature to prevent curdling and maintain batter consistency.
🥣 Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
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In a separate bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Cocoa powder
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Baking powder
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Salt
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Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet batter in 3 additions, mixing on low speed just until incorporated.
❗ Don’t overmix. Overbeating can make the cake dense or tough.
🍫 Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If using, gently fold in chocolate chips with a spatula for extra bursts of chocolate in each bite.
🧈 Step 6: Transfer to Pan and Smooth
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Pour the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan.
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Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
🔥 Step 7: Bake to Perfection
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Bake for 75 to 85 minutes, or until:
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A toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
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The top has formed a slight crack—classic for pound cakes.
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If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil after the first 45–50 minutes.
⏱ Oven temperatures vary — begin checking at the 70-minute mark.
❄️ Step 8: Cool Properly
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
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Carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—about 30–45 more minutes.
🍫 Step 9: Make the Ganache (Optional)
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Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.
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Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 1–2 minutes.
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Add butter, then stir until smooth and glossy.
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Drizzle or spread over the cooled cake.
🍰 Serving Suggestions
This chocolate cream cheese pound cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate the experience:
With toppings:
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Warm ganache and a sprinkle of sea salt
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Berries and whipped cream for balance
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A scoop of vanilla or espresso ice cream
With drinks:
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Coffee or espresso for contrast
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Red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot
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A glass of cold milk for pure comfort
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Room Temp:
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Store tightly wrapped for up to 3 days.
Fridge:
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Keeps well refrigerated for up to 1 week. Let slices come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer:
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Wrap in plastic and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
🍰 To freeze slices, wrap them individually for easy single-serve treats.
🔁 Flavor Variations
🍊 Chocolate Orange:
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Add 1 tablespoon orange zest and a splash of orange extract.
☕ Mocha Pound Cake:
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Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder to the batter for a coffee kick.
🌰 Chocolate Walnut:
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Fold in ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts with the batter.
🌶 Mexican Chocolate:
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Add ¼ tsp cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne for warmth and depth.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Slice – Approximate, no ganache)
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Calories: 410
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Fat: 26g
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Carbs: 38g
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Sugar: 25g
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Protein: 5g
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
✅ Tips for Success
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Room temperature ingredients ensure better blending and texture.
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Don’t open the oven too early—let the cake rise properly first.
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Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for best flavor.
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Let the cake cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.
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Use a serrated knife for clean slices.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Gordon Ramsay-inspired Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake is rich, elegant, and indulgent — the kind of dessert you serve to guests and still keep a secret slice for yourself. Its moist crumb, deep cocoa flavor, and hint of tang from cream cheese give it balance and finesse. It’s refined, yet completely comforting — just like something you’d expect from a world-class chef.
Serve it warm with ganache or cold with berries, or toast a slice and pair with your morning coffee for a decadent breakfast. However you enjoy it, this pound cake promises pure satisfaction in every bite.
