This pound cake recipe creates a dense, moist, and delicious treat. It’s a simple recipe perfect for any occasion. Learn how to make this amazing cake.
The Perfect Pound Cake
This pound cake recipe is easy and reliable. It results in a classic, buttery cake. The pound cake has a wonderful texture and flavor.
What Makes This Pound Cake Special?
This pound cake stands out for its simplicity and taste. The recipe uses basic items. It creates a very satisfying cake. Pound cake is a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Items for Classic Pound Cake
Item | Amount |
All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
Granulated sugar | 3 cups |
Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
Large eggs | 6 |
Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
Milk | 1 cup |
Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Steps to Make the Pound Cake
First, preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Second, in a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Third, beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Fourth, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Fifth, gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry items.
Sixth, mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Seventh, pour batter into the prepared pan.
Eighth, bake for 70-80 minutes, or until a wooden skewer comes out clean.
Ninth, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time and Kcal
Metric | Value |
Prep Time | 20 minutes |
Cook Time | 70-80 minutes |
Total Time | 90-100 minutes |
Estimated Calories | 300-350 kcal per slice (may vary) |
Detailed Steps for Baking the Best Pound Cake
First, start by getting your oven and pan ready. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Accordingly, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This will keep your pound cake from sticking.
Combining Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, put the softened butter and sugar. Cream them until the mix is light and fluffy. Specifically, this step is important for a tender cake. Furthermore, the mix should be pale and smooth.
Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to the mix. Beat after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Moreover, this adds flavor and moisture. Undoubtedly, it contributes to the overall taste.
Mixing Dry Items
In a separate bowl, mix the dry parts. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Specifically, this ensures they are evenly spread. Likewise, the baking powder helps the pound cake rise.
Alternating Wet and Dry Mixes
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Add some milk too. Start and end with the dry items. However, mix until just combined. Indeed, do not overmix. Consequently, overmixing can make the cake tough.
Baking the Pound Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 70-80 minutes. Afterward, bake until a wooden skewer comes out clean. Finally, let it cool a little before taking it out.
Cooling and Serving
Let the pound cake cool in the pan for ten minutes. Then, take it out and put it on a wire rack to cool completely. Altogether, this allows the cake to set. Ultimately, enjoy your perfect pound cake.
Key Tips for a Wonderful Pound Cake
Making a great pound cake needs some attention to detail. Here are a few useful tips to help you. These tips ensure your pound cake is moist and tasty every single time.
Use Softened Butter
It is important to use softened butter. Softened butter creams better. Therefore, it creates a light and airy batter. In addition, this helps the cake rise properly. Furthermore, this ensures a tender crumb.
Measure Items Correctly
Measure all items correctly. Use measuring cups for dry parts and liquid measuring cups for wet items. Especially, baking is precise. Likewise, using a kitchen scale can be very useful. Specifically, this helps create a consistent result.
Avoid Overmixing
Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten. Accordingly, this makes the cake tough. Moreover, mix until the mix is just combined. Then, gently fold in all items.
Check the Oven Temperature
Make sure your oven is at the right heat. An oven thermometer can help. Then, preheat your oven before baking. Therefore, correct heat is key for baking a pound cake.
Cool Completely Before Slicing
Let the pound cake cool fully before slicing. Cooling allows the cake to set properly. Basically, slicing too early can make the cake crumble. Ultimately, a fully cooled pound cake will be easier to cut and have a better texture.
Delicious Ways to Change Your Pound Cake
This classic pound cake recipe is flexible. Specifically, you can change it to your liking. Think about adding different flavors or items to make it extra special.
Adding Different Flavor Extracts
You can change the taste by adding flavor extracts. For example, try using lemon, almond, or orange extract. Moreover, a teaspoon of extract can change the flavor completely. Also, experiment with extracts you enjoy.
Adding Zest from Citrus
Adding zest from citrus fruits can add a fresh note. For instance, try adding the zest of a lemon, orange, or lime. Additionally, the zest gives a great aroma. Further, the zest enhances the overall taste of the pound cake.
Changing with Different Liquids
Use different liquids instead of milk. Specifically, try using buttermilk, sour cream, or even fruit juice. Moreover, this can give different flavors and textures. Likewise, experiment with different liquids.
Incorporating Items
Add other items into the mix. For example, add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. In addition, these items add a great texture. Undoubtedly, these additions elevate the classic cake.
Great Ways to Serve Pound Cake
This pound cake is good on its own. Nevertheless, there are many ways to serve it. Consider these great serving ideas to make it even better and impress your guests.
Serving with Berries
Serving pound cake with fresh berries is a great idea. For instance, use raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Similarly, a simple berry compote is also good. Equally, the tart berries go well with the sweet cake.
Using a Simple Glaze
A simple glaze can make the cake look and taste better. For example, try a lemon glaze or a vanilla glaze. Furthermore, you can make a glaze with powdered sugar and milk. However, make sure the cake is cooled before glazing.
Serving with Ice Cream
Serving cake with a scoop of ice cream is a classic. Specifically, vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream are great choices. In addition, add some chocolate syrup too for extra flavor.
Toasting Cake
You can also toast a slice of cake. Indeed, toasting makes the outside crispy. Then, serve it with fruit or a dollop of cream. Thus, toasting gives the cake a different texture.
Keeping Your Cake RecipeFresh
Keeping your cake fresh is important. Here are some tips to keep it moist and yummy for longer.
Storing at Room Temperature
If you want to eat the cake within a few days, keep it at room temperature. Specifically, keep it in an airtight container. However, keep it away from direct sunlight.
Keeping it in the Fridge
If you want to store it longer, keep it in the fridge. Indeed, keeping it in an airtight container will make it last longer. Then, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezing Your Cake
You can freeze your cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Moreover, thawing it in the fridge overnight is best. Basically, this thaws it slowly.
How to Reheat
If your cake is cold, you can reheat it. Specifically, warm it in a low oven or microwave. Hence, do so carefully and do not overheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a called a pound cake?
The name “cake” comes from the original recipe. It used one pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Chiefly, the name shows its simple, equal-parts method.
How do you keep pound cakemoist?
To keep your cake moist, use enough fat. Soft butter and eggs help. Additionally, adding sour cream or milk can increase moisture. Furthermore, do not overbake the cake.
What is the difference between a pound cakeand a regular cake?
A cake is denser than regular cake. It has more fat and fewer leavening items. Comparatively, regular cakes tend to be lighter and fluffier. Generally, a cake is simpler in taste.
Is it better to bake pound cake at 325 or 350?
Baking at 325°F (160°C) is often better. Specifically, it helps the cake bake evenly. Conversely, baking at 350°F may cause the outside to bake too fast. Therefore, using a lower temperature gives the best results
Printpound cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 75-85 minutes
- Yield: Dessert, Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan.
- Cream Butter & Sugar – In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add Eggs & Vanilla – Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Batter – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool – Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze – Whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or lemon juice), and vanilla. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- Variations: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing Tip: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.