If you’re looking for a timeless, comforting dessert that never goes out of style, this Delicious Pound Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It offers a perfect balance of rich buttery flavor, tender crumb, and just the right touch of sweetness, making it a beloved classic for any occasion. Whether served plain or jazzed up with your favorite toppings, this cake brings warmth and joy to every bite, turning simple ingredients into extraordinary treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a beautiful simplicity in the ingredients for this recipe, each playing a crucial role in creating that signature texture and flavor of a perfect pound cake. From the creamy butter that lends richness to the fluffy eggs that give structure, these pantry staples come together effortlessly for a delightful baking experience.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Softened for easy creaming and to provide rich, tender moistness.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Balances sweetness and helps create the cake’s moist texture.
- Large eggs (4, room temperature): Act as a binding agent and add air for that light yet dense crumb.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The structural foundation, balancing density and softness.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just enough lift to keep the cake from being too heavy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors while balancing the sweetness.
- Whole milk (1 cup, room temperature): Moisturizes and enriches the batter for a silky finish.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses the cake with warm, aromatic notes that elevate every bite.
How to Make Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and generously greasing a 10-inch bundt or loaf pan. This step ensures your cake won’t stick and comes out perfectly shaped every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This crucial step incorporates air, which is key to achieving that tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Next, add the eggs, one by one, making sure to beat well after each addition. This gradual process helps the eggs blend seamlessly, maintaining the batter’s smooth texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning throughout your cake.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now, add the dry ingredients gradually to your creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. This careful mixing prevents overworking the batter and keeps your pound cake wonderfully tender.
Step 6: Stir in Vanilla Extract
Finish the batter by gently folding in the vanilla extract, infusing the cake with its classic warm aroma.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 70 to 80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. A slower, lower-temperature bake ensures an even rise and a golden crust.
Step 8: Cool and Remove from Pan
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking apart and keeps the texture just right.
How to Serve Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake’s subtle flavor is the perfect backdrop for a variety of garnishes. Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of tangy lemon glaze can elevate your serving with vibrant color and bursts of flavor. Don’t shy away from whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add an indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
Pairing your delicious pound cake with lightly roasted nuts, fresh fruit salad, or a cup of fragrant tea or coffee turns a simple slice into an elegant afternoon treat or a comforting dessert after dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by layering slices with sweetened mascarpone and fresh fruit to create mini trifle cups. Or transform your pound cake into delightful French toast the next morning for a breakfast twist that tastes like dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Delicious Pound Cake Recipe keeps beautifully at room temperature when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to three days. This allows the cake’s flavors to settle and develop even more.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the cooled cake and freeze the pieces individually wrapped. They can be frozen for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy your favorite treat anytime without loss of texture or flavor.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, gently reheat slices in a warm oven or microwave for a few seconds. This refreshes the cake’s softness and enhances its buttery richness, almost like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is key to the flavor and structure of this pound cake, so substituting it with margarine or oil may alter the taste and texture significantly. If necessary, use high-quality butter substitutes but expect a slight difference.
Why does my pound cake sometimes turn out dense?
Dense cake can result from overmixing the batter, not creaming the butter and sugar adequately, or baking at too high a temperature. Follow the steps carefully, and make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Can I add flavors other than vanilla?
Absolutely! Adding lemon or orange zest adds a beautiful citrus twist, or you can incorporate almond extract for a nutty note. Just be mindful of the quantities so flavors don’t overpower the cake’s delicate balance.
Is it okay to bake this in a loaf pan instead of a bundt pan?
Yes, both work well. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if needed and grease your pan properly to avoid sticking.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
When stored correctly at room temperature, this pound cake stays fresh and moist for up to three days. For longer enjoyment, freezing is your best option.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Delicious Pound Cake Recipe has stood the test of time—it’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you want to treat yourself, you’re in for a deliciously tender, buttery slice of happiness. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a cherished part of your own kitchen traditions.
Print
Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Homemade Pound Cake is rich, buttery, and moist with a perfect crumb. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, it delivers a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The cake features a delicate vanilla flavor and can be customized with citrus zest for a fresh twist.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 10-inch bundt or loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to ensure even incorporation and a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently after each addition to keep the batter smooth and avoid overmixing.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the batter.
- Transfer Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 70 to 80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a citrus twist, add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a refreshing flavor.
- The cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cake tightly wrapped and thaw at room temperature before serving.
