Delicious Holiday Pound Cake Recipe for Festive Season
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to a recipe that will take your taste buds to the next level: the Holiday Pound Cake Recipe. What makes this recipe so special, you might ask? Well, let me tell you.
First of all, this cake is not your ordinary fluffy, light-as-air cake. No, no. This cake is dense, moist and buttery in a way that only pound cakes can be. It has just the right balance between sweetness and richness, making it the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering or Sunday afternoon tea.
But what sets this particular pound cake apart are the delicious ingredients that bring out its unique flavor profile. I’m talking about sweet citron and crunchy walnuts that will add a zesty twist to each bite. The hint of vanilla extract perfectly complements these flavors bringing warmth and comfort to your soul.
So if you are looking for the ultimate dessert for your next holiday party or even just a weekend treat for yourself, look no further; this Holiday Pound Cake Recipe will be your new go-to. Trust me on this one – once you try it, you won’t be able to get enough!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
“Folks, let me tell you about this Holiday Pound Cake recipe. You’re gonna love it. Trust me, there’s a reason why it’s been at the top of my baking list for years.
Firstly, this cake is dense and moist, but not too heavy. It is perfect for any holiday gathering or special occasion. And don’t worry, it has just the right amount of sweetness – not cloyingly sweet like some desserts can be.
The combination of walnuts and citron gives this pound cake a lovely texture and flavor. And that’s not all! It also includes vanilla extract and baking powder for extra tastiness.
The ingredients are easy to find and simple to combine, making it an effortless dessert to whip up. You can even have your kids help you out with the baking – it’s that easy!
So, if you want to impress your guests with the perfect dessert and make their mouths water with anticipation, then the Holiday Pound Cake recipe is undeniably for you. I guarantee that once you take your first bite, you’ll see how it’s different from all the other cakes out there – deliciously unique!
So don’t wait any longer, get to baking this wonderful pound cake today! “
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredients needed for our Holiday Pound Cake Recipe.
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shortening
- 6 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Other ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup citron
You can easily find all the ingredients required for this recipe at your local grocery store. Make sure to get fresh walnuts and citron. The use of high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your pound cake.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have listed all the ingredients required for this holiday pound cake recipe, let’s dive into how to bake it. Trust me, the steps are straightforward, and you can make a beautiful cake without many efforts.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Step 2: Grease the Bundt Pan
Take a bundt pan or any other pan of your choice, and with a pastry brush, grease it with vegetable oil.
Tip: Alternatively, you can use unsalted butter to grease the bundt pan.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, take powdered sugar and shortening and beat them together until it is creamy. Add 4 large eggs one at a time and continue beating it until everything is smooth.
Tip: It’s important to use softened shortening for this step.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sieve flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt together. Add these dry ingredients slowly to the wet mixture prepared in the third step while continuously stirring.
Step 5: Add Flavorings
After combining both dry and wet ingredients, add flavorings such as vanilla extract or any other extract of your choice. Mix them well with the batter.
Step 6: Add Nutmeg Powder
Add some grated nutmeg powder to the batter to give it some extra flavor. Mix everything thoroughly with a spatula.
Step 7: Fold in Nuts and Citron
Now fold in some candied citron and chopped walnuts into the batter.
Tip: If you want to avoid nuts, you can opt for cranberries or chocolate chips as an alternative.
Step 8: Pour into Pan
After mixing everything well together, pour the batter into the prepared greased bundt pan.
Step 9: Bake the Cake
Bake for about an hour in the preheated oven or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Step 10: Take out the Cake
After ten minutes, take out of the cake from the prepped pan and transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Your holiday pound cake is now ready to serve and eat!
Tip: You can add some powdered sugar as a topping while serving or ice it with some cream cheese frosting.
There you have it, baking an amazing holiday pound cake isn’t that difficult. Just follow these steps correctly, and you will have a delicious dessert for your friends and family!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to add your own spin to this holiday pound cake recipe? Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique dessert. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:
– Walnuts: Not a fan of walnuts? Try substituting them with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
– Citron: While citron adds a lovely citrus note to this pound cake, you can also try using dried cherries, cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
– Eggnog: If you’re not a fan of eggnog, you can substitute it with buttermilk for a tangier taste or use heavy cream for a richer texture.
– Cheese pound cake: If you want to switch things up, swap out the cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different creamy flavor.
– Bundt cake: Not in the mood for a traditional pound cake? Try making this recipe in a bundt pan – it’s the perfect option for serving at holiday parties!
No matter which substitutions and variations you choose, always remember to follow the basic measurements and steps of the original recipe. This way, you’ll end up with the perfect dessert that fits your personal preferences. Happy baking!
Serving and Pairing
Once you have baked your perfect Holiday Pound Cake, it’s time to think about serving and pairing it. When it comes to serving pound cake, there’s no need for anything fancy; simply slice pie-like wedges from the cake and serve them with tea or coffee.
If you want to jazz it up a bit, add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top. Or, if you want to go all out for a special occasion, try drizzling a caramel sauce over the top of the cake for an added touch of decadence.
As for pairing, holiday pound cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. But, the key to finding the perfect complementary beverage partner comes down to the flavors in the pound cake itself. If you’ve made a citrusy cranberry pound cake, try pairing it with a glass of crisp white wine or even champagne. On the other hand, if you decided to make an eggnog or rum pound cake, pair it with a nice mug of hot cocoa or eggnog for a fun holiday twist.
Overall, the best way to enjoy this classic old-fashioned cream cheese pound cake is by savoring each bite and washing it down with your favorite beverage. One thing’s for sure – this cake will be the perfect dessert for any holiday season gathering.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Nothing beats the convenience of being able to make a dessert ahead of time, especially if you’re entertaining during the holiday season. The Holiday Pound Cake Recipe can be made ahead of time and stored well in advance without losing its delicious flavors. This recipe makes a perfect dessert, no matter what occasion or cravings you have.
Once baked and cooled, it is essential to store the pound cake properly to maintain its moisture and freshness. You can store the cake at room temperature, tightly covered for up to three days. Ensure that you wrap it with plastic wrap as it will prevent air from drying it out.
If you want to store it longer for about a week or two, the best way is to freeze it. First, wrap the pound cake with a double layer of plastic wrap and then cover it entirely with a sheet of aluminum foil. The combination helps keep out any potential frostbite that we do not want on our pound cake! Freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating the pound cake is just as easy as baking it. All you need is an oven, and within minutes your pound cake will taste like it came straight from the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice away the desired amount of pound cake, wrap each slice in aluminum foil or parchment paper before placing them in the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
With these storage tips and reheating methods at hand, there’s no excuse not to enjoy this delightful Holiday Pound Cake Recipe whenever your taste buds crave something cozy and sweet!
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating a perfect pound cake can be both an art and a science. To ensure that your Holiday Pound Cake recipe comes out perfectly every time, I’ve gathered some helpful tips that I’ve learned through my years in the kitchen.
1. Room Temperature Ingredients
Before beginning your recipe, be sure to allow all ingredients, especially the cream cheese and butter to come to room temperature. This can help ingredients to incorporate better during mixing and make the final cake smoother.
2. Proper Mixing Techniques
When mixing your ingredients, don’t overdo it! Over-mixing the batter will cause air bubbles to form and create a dense, uneven cake. Mix the ingredients slowly until just combined for a light and fluffy pound cake.
3. Sifting and Measuring Flour
Your flour can settle over time causing it to become densely packed in the container or bag. It is important to sift your flour before measuring it out for your recipe. This will help ensure that you don’t use too much flour which will cause your batter to be too thick.
4. Avoiding Overbaking
The key to a moist holiday pound cake is taking it out of the oven at just the right time. Use a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center of the cake as a guide; the toothpick should come out clean but still slightly moist when removed from the cake. If it is completely dry, then you have overbaked and your cake may be dry.
5. Letting It Cool
Once your holiday pound cake is finished baking in the oven, be sure to let it cool inside of its baking dish for at least 5-10 minutes before removing it from the pan onto a wire rack. Allowing it to cool completely prevents it from breaking apart and ensures that you’ll have a perfectly formed and beautifully-presented dessert.
With these helpful tips in mind, you’ll find that baking homemade holiday pound cakes become much easier and fun. Don’t forget to experiment with different flavors and decoration, such as bundt cake layers, eggnog frosting, cranberry or red velvet addition, making each pound cake your own unique creation!
Bottom Line
Are you ready to impress your friends and family this holiday season with a showstopping dessert? Look no further than this holiday pound cake recipe. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also versatile and can be customized to your liking with substitutions and variations.
Whether you choose to add walnuts and citron for some extra texture or opt for a festive cranberry or eggnog flavor, this pound cake is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. And don’t forget about its classic old-fashioned cream cheese pound cake variation that will always be a crowd-pleaser.
With its fluffy texture and rich flavor, this pound cake is the perfect dessert to pair with a cup of tea or coffee during the holiday season. You can even impress your guests by serving it on a dessert platter topped with powdered sugar and fresh cranberries.
So why not make this holiday pound cake recipe your go-to dessert for all your holiday celebrations? With its simple instructions and tips for perfect results, you’ll have a delicious cake that’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it out today, and you won’t regret it!
Holiday Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups sliced citron
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Cream shortening and add the sugar slowly, beating in well.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add vanilla and add the sifted dry ingredients, mixing well.
- Stir in citron and nuts.
- Bake in 2 regular sized greased loaf pans at 325* for 1 hour.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.