Moist and Delicious Pound Cake Recipe for Any Occasion
Welcome to my kitchen where I’ll be sharing with you one of my all-time favorite cake recipes – the perfect pound cake. Pound cakes have been a staple in British baking for centuries and with good reason. Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, this classic dessert has a rich, buttery flavor and a dense, yet tender crumb that is simply irresistible.
In its most traditional form, the pound cake gets its name from the weight of its ingredients – one pound each of sugar, butter, eggs, and flour. But fear not, this recipe has been tweaked for modern day baking, using just the right amount of ingredients to achieve that perfect balance between richness and lightness.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and promises delicious results. So let’s get started on making the best pound cake you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for the perfect pound cake recipe that is easy to make yet undeniably delicious? Look no further! This pound cake recipe is sure to become your new favorite. Here’s why:
First and foremost, this pound cake recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. All you need is sugar, butter, eggs, flour, and milk. The key to a perfect pound cake is using high-quality ingredients and measuring everything precisely. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Secondly, the texture of this pound cake is simply divine – it’s moist, tender and perfectly dense. It’s a classic cake recipe that has stood the test of time for a reason. Plus, it makes for the perfect base for creative variations such as chocolate chip, lemon or strawberry.
Thirdly, this pound cake recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it on its own with a cup of tea or coffee or dress it up with fresh berries and whipped cream for a show-stopping dessert. It also makes for great gifts or potluck contributions as bundt cakes are easy to transport and can feed a crowd.
Lastly, making this pound cake recipe is an excellent opportunity to try your hand at baking. It’s important to follow the recipe closely without making any substitutions or variations; this ensures the end result is exactly what you were expecting – a classic, perfect pound cake.
In conclusion, this easy old fashioned pound cake recipe is simply irresistible; tried and true which will impress everyone who tries it out. From simplicity and versatility to texture and taste trust me when I say you’ll love everything about it!
Ingredient List
To make a perfect pound cake, you need a blend of high-quality ingredients that will produce a rich and buttery taste. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 1 ½ cups of unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 3 cups of granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 cup of sweet milk
For an extra touch of flavor, you can also add a pinch of salt and grated lemon zest to the batter. Don’t worry about the metric system, we have all the ingredient amounts in cups and teaspoons to make it easier for you!
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the fun part – actually making the pound cake! Before we dive in, remember to preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and generously butter a 10-cup bundt pan.
Step 1: Cream butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 2 cups unsalted butter and 4 cups granulated sugar until they are light and fluffy. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add eggs
Next, add 8 large eggs into the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 3: Add flour mixture
In another bowl, sift together 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup sweet milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 4: Add vanilla extract
Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until well combined into the batter.
Step 5: Pour into pan and bake
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth out the top using a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for around 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
With this recipe, you’ll have a perfect pound cake suitable for any occasion. Enjoy it plain or add your favorite fruit topping such as freshly sliced strawberries or lemon glaze. Happy baking!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, don’t be afraid to get creative with your pound cake recipe. While the traditional recipe calls for a few key ingredients – namely butter, sugar, flour, and eggs – there’s plenty of room for experimentation with other flavors and textures.
One substitute is to swap out traditional vanilla extract for other extracts such as almond or lemon. These substitutes can add a unique flavor that works well with the sweetness of the cake. You can also try adding in fresh fruits or citrus zest to give your cake an extra pop of flavor. Strawberry and lemon are both popular options for this.
For those who love chocolate, there’s no reason why you can’t switch out regular flour for cocoa powder in this recipe. This creates a delicious chocolate pound cake that is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. Alternatively, if you want a lighter feeling pound cake, try substituting sour cream for part of the milk or butter called for in the recipe.
If you’re feeling particularly daring, try swapping out some of the ingredients entirely. For example, Ina Garten’s Perfect Pound Cake recipe includes sour cream instead of milk and cream cheese instead of all butter. These substitutes add moisture without compromising the structure of the cake.
Overall, don’t be afraid to experiment with different substitutions and variations when making your pound cake. With so many options available, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a variation that suits your tastes perfectly!
Serving and Pairing
A perfectly baked pound cake is a delight to serve and a treat to the taste buds. The inviting aroma of freshly baked cake can make you drool with anticipation. Serving a warm, freshly-baked pound cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream is sure to impress your guests.
The classic flavor of vanilla pound cake makes it versatile and easy to pair with many beverages. A cup of steaming tea or a mug of coffee is an ideal pairing for this simple yet flavorful cake. The citrusy tang of lemon or the sweetness of strawberry can elevate the flavor profile of your dessert table.
For a fancy presentation, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top, and serve it with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color. If you want to add some chocolate goodness to your pound cake, drizzle melted chocolate on the top for an indulgent treat.
Are you looking to take things up a notch? Try serving sliced pound cake with a tangy lemon glaze or top it off with fresh berries, whipped cream, and honey. It’s perfect for elevating any brunch menu or dinner party dessert!
Another great way to serve pound cake is by cutting it into cubes and layering them in a trifle dish with fresh fruits such as berries, peaches, or pineapple chunks. Add some whipped cream between layers for an elegant presentation.
In summary, pound cakes are versatile treats. They can be paired with many beverages, flavors, and toppings for different occasions. Get creative and enjoy experimenting!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making a perfect Pound Cake, there’s nothing quite like letting it rest for a day or two before serving. The flavors truly develop and reach their peak, making the cake even more delicious than when freshly baked. That being said, sometimes schedules get tight, and we need to have our Pound Cake ready in advance. Don’t worry; I have some tips on how to make this happen!
To make ahead, wrap your cooled Pound Cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to two days. If you need it for longer, you can transfer it to the fridge (still wrapped tightly) for up to a week.
When you’re ready to serve, remove the cake from the wrapping and place it on a platter or cake stand to bring back that freshly baked look. You can also warm the cake gently in the oven if you would like it slightly heated.
For reheating leftovers, wrap individual slices in microwave-safe plastic wrap and warm them up in 10-15 second increments until they become soft and warm again. Alternatively, you can toast slices of Pound Cake under the broiler until they become lightly golden brown.
And that’s it! With these tips on how to make-ahead, store and reheat your Pound Cake in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy this dessert conveniently without compromising its taste!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients and steps laid out for the perfect pound cake, it’s time to talk about some tips that will help you achieve ideal results.
1. Room Temperature Ingredients
Making sure your ingredients are at room temperature is crucial in baking a perfect pound cake. This means letting your eggs and butter sit out on the counter for at least an hour before starting the recipe. Room temperature ingredients will blend together more easily, creating a smoother batter and a lighter, fluffier cake.
2. Use Cake Flour
Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, making it ideal for baked goods that require a more delicate crumb. Substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a softer texture.
3. Don’t Overmix
While mixing the ingredients together, it can be easy to overdo it, but this causes gluten to develop – and this is bad news for your pound cake’s texture. Mix lightly until everything comes together—then stop! Overmixing will make your cake tough and dense.
4. Keep Your Oven Temperature in Check
Make sure your oven has reached the proper temperature before putting the pan inside. Also, avoid constantly opening and closing the oven door while the cake is baking as temperature changes can affect the final product. A constant oven temperature ensures a consistent result.
5. Precision is Key
Baking is an exact science, so being precise with measurements should never be overlooked because too much of one ingredient or too little of another can yield uneven or undesired results.
With these tips in mind and following the recipe closely, you are on your way to baking the perfect pound cake every time!
FAQ
Now that I have shared the ingredients, steps, tips, and serving recommendations for this heavenly pound cake recipe, it’s natural to have some questions regarding the preparation or the outcome. This is why in this section, I have gathered some answers to frequently asked questions about this recipe. So without further ado, let’s get into it!
How do I make sure my pound cake is moist?
If you want a velvety-soft and moist pound cake, there are a few tricks you can use. Personally, I love incorporating milk, baking powder, heavy whipping cream, or buttermilk to achieve the desired result. These ingredients may seem simple, but they have a magical impact on your recipe.
What’s the difference between bundt cake and pound cake?
Have you ever wondered what sets a pound cake apart from a bundt cake? Even though any cake can be baked in a bundt pan, pound cakes have their distinct characteristics. They typically have a dense texture and were originally made using a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
What causes a pound cake to be heavy?
If your cake is densely packed instead of light and airy, it is likely that the butter and sugar were not properly aerated. This could occur due to insufficient creaming time or the too-quick addition of sugar, eggs or flour into the mixture.
What does baking soda do to a pound cake?
In the realm of baking, there exist two agents that are integral to the leavening process. One of them is baking soda, which reacts instantly with acidic components and provides immediate leavening. The second agent is baking powder, which continues to react with heat in the oven and boosts leavening. By combining both these agents, most cake recipes can achieve the optimal leavening.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for the perfect dessert to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than this easy and delicious pound cake recipe. With its rich and buttery flavor and moist, tender crumb, this classic cake is sure to become an instant favorite.
Whether you choose to serve it plain or dress it up with fresh berries, a drizzle of chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream, this pound cake is a versatile canvas for all of your favorite flavors and toppings. So why not give it a try today?
With a few simple tips and tricks, like using room temperature ingredients, sifting your flour and baking at the right temperature, anyone can achieve bakery-worthy results. And with our handy substitutions guide, you can customize this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to baking, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t quite perfect. With time and practice, you’ll soon be whipping up the best pound cakes around!
Pound Cake Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup margarine
- 3 cups sugar
- 5 eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon flavoring
- 1 cup sweet milk
- 3 cups plain flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Cream butter, margarine and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and lemon flavoring. Add milk and flour.
- Bake at 350F for 45 minutes to an hour or until done.
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
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.