Pineapple Pecan Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons pineapple juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 325°F and grease and flour a bundt pan.
• In a large bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.
• Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans.
• Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
• Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Popular questions:

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but you may want to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.

• Can I omit the almond extract?

Yes, the almond extract is optional and can be omitted without affecting the overall result.

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed?

Fresh pineapple can be used, but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

Helpful tips:

• For added flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the batter.
• Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spicy kick.
• Serve slices of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• This cake freezes well, so you can make it ahead of time for special occasions.

Expert Secrets:

• To ensure a moist pound cake, avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added.
• Allow the cream cheese and butter to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
• For a richer flavor, use toasted pecans instead of raw ones.
• To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, make sure to grease and flour it thoroughly.