Heavenly South Carolina Pound Cake Recipe
Welcome, dear culinary enthusiasts, to this exquisite South Carolina Pound Cake recipe. A rich and velvety dessert that will not only capture your senses but also transport you to the comfort and warmth of the southern United States. This delicacy has been a staple in southern households for generations, and today, I am honored to share with you my take on this old-fashioned classic.
As a chef specializing in baking, I can assure you that nothing quite compares to the taste of a rich pound cake straight from the oven. The golden crust, the sweet aroma, and the delicate texture make it an irresistible treat for any occasion. And when it comes to pound cakes, no place does it better than South Carolina – known for its impressive cuisine.
So why not indulge in a piece of southern hospitality with my easy-to-follow South Carolina Pound Cake recipe? Allow yourself to be transported to the motherland of southern baking as you take your first bite into this scrumptious creation. Join me on a journey of flavors and experience the taste of true southern sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I must admit, my South Carolina pound cake recipe is something special. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a rich, buttery, old-fashioned southern pound cake made with quality ingredients to bring people together. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to sit with friends and family, savoring every bite and enjoying the moment.
This pound cake recipe is so versatile too. Whether you’re baking for a party or craving a slice with your morning coffee, it’s perfectly suited for any occasion. Every bite is guaranteed to be moist, tender and deliciously satisfying.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can whip up a perfect pound cake, even if you’re not an experienced baker. All you need is butter, flour, sugar, eggs and a handful of other easily accessible ingredients.
When it comes to making this recipe, there’s no need to rush out and buy special equipment either. You only need a few utensils that most home cooks already have on hand – nothing fancy required! Not having an air fryer or a bakery-grade mixer should not be a hindrance in making this classic dessert.
And let me tell you – the aroma wafting from your oven as this delicious cake bakes will make your mouth water and your taste buds tingle with anticipation. The lemon-colored crust of this golden loaf cake alone will make your heart skip a beat!
Trust me when I say that once you try this recipe for yourself, it will quickly become one of your go-to dessert options. It doesn’t matter if you’re from the mother South or not – anyone who loves great tasting desserts will appreciate the goodness of my South Carolina Pound Cake Recipe!
Ingredient List
- 3 cups sifted cake flour 1
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups butter, room temperature
- 6 large eggs, room temperature and beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 cup milk
Nothing beats using fresh ingredients when it comes to making a cake from scratch. For this South Carolina pound cake recipe, you will need to purchase or have in your pantry some baking essentials such as baking powder and cake flour. It is important to use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for this recipe because it helps produce a lighter and more delicate crumb texture. I suggest measuring the flour with a kitchen scale for accuracy; but if you don’t have one, spoon the flour into a measuring cup and level off with a knife to avoid compacting the flour. Be sure to use unsalted butter to regulate the amount of salt in the recipe. For the eggs and milk, I recommend that you take them out from your fridge earlier so they come up to room temperature. This will help ingredients blend easier and produce a softer crumb texture when baked.
The Recipe How-To
Now the fun and exciting part – let’s make the South Carolina Pound Cake! This old-fashioned southern pound cake recipe is a true classic, and nothing quite compares to the rich and buttery taste of this dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 cups of sugar
- 6 large eggs (room temperature)
- 4 cups of cake flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a Bundt pan or two loaf pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl or stand mixer, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add sugar, beating on medium-high speed for another 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down sides as you go.
- Reduce the mixer speed to its lowest setting and add in four eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each egg before adding the next.
- Once eggs are combined with the mixture, add in the dry ingredients you mixed together earlier in three additions alternating with milk in two additions. Be sure to scrape down sides as you go so everything is well-combined.
- Add in vanilla extract and beat the batter on low speed for another minute.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan/s evenly then smooth out tops with a rubber spatula.
- Bake for about 90 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of your cake(s).
- Leave the cake(s) to cool for about 15 minutes before removing from pan/s and transferring onto a wire rack.
- Once completely cooled, you can dust the cake(s) with powdered sugar or glazed with your favorite icing.
Enjoy your delicious South Carolina Pound Cake!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making a South Carolina Pound Cake, there are many ways to switch up the recipe and create your own unique twist on this classic dessert. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
– Flour: If you don’t have cake flour, you can make your own by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of cornstarch. Sift the mixture together before using in the recipe.
– Butter: Unsalted butter is best for baking, but if it’s all you have, simply reduce the salt called for in the recipe by half. You can also try using margarine or vegetable oil instead of butter for a slightly different flavor.
– Sugar: While white granulated sugar is traditional in this pound cake recipe, you can experiment with different types of sugar for added flavor. Try using brown sugar or coconut sugar for a more complex taste.
– Eggs: This recipe calls for 5 large eggs, but you can use 6 medium eggs instead if that’s what you have on hand. You can even try replacing some of the whole eggs with egg yolks, which will add richness and depth to the cake.
– Flavorings: While vanilla extract is usually used in this recipe, you can swap it out for other extracts such as almond or lemon for a different flavor profile. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
– Loaf Cake: If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can bake this pound cake in two 9×5 inch loaf pans instead. Adjust the baking time accordingly – start checking for doneness after about an hour in the oven.
– Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together.
With so many substitutions and variations available, there are endless ways to create your own unique twist on the classic South Carolina Pound Cake recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun in the kitchen – who knows, you may just discover your new favorite dessert!
Serving and Pairing
Nothing quite like a slice of warm, buttery, and soft South Carolina pound cake on the side of a hot cup of tea or coffee. This simple yet elegant dessert can be served in many ways to match your mood or occasion.
To emphasize the cake’s natural flavor and texture, a light dusting of powdered sugar on top is all you will need. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent twist. Another great idea for more tanginess is to sprinkle some berries and drizzle the cake with syrup.
If you want to mix things up, try adding caramel glaze or chocolate ganache on top of the cake. These toppings will give the cake a bold twist and make it perfect for celebrations such as birthdays or holidays.
For pairing, this Southern classic pairs beautifully with both fruity and robust drinks such as hot cocoa, fruit juice, lemonade, red wine, among others. The cake also complements well with various types of cheeses such as blue cheese, cheddar cheese, and gouda.
Whether you decide to enjoy it alone or share it with friends and family; this South Carolina pound cake never disappoints!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Nothing is better than a freshly baked South Carolina Pound Cake, but I understand that it can be difficult to find time in your busy schedule to bake one fresh every time you crave it. Thankfully, there are ways to make sure your pound cake stays fresh and delicious, even when made ahead or stored for later!
Make-ahead:
If you want to prepare the cake ahead of time, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions and let it cool completely. Afterward, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap and/or aluminum foil before storing it in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature. If you need to store it for longer or want to freeze the cake, individually slice it first before wrapping and storing in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake on the counter for several hours before frosting or dressing it up.
Storing:
If you have any leftover pound cake or only wish to eat a slice at a time, keep it fresh by storing in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. You can store up to two slices per portion and place them in the fridge for up to five days. Remove from the fridge 20-30 minutes before serving to come back down to room temperature.
Reheating:
There are many ways you can reheat your pound cake slices, depending on your preference. You can simply toast them on the stove or grill for a few minutes or place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for five minutes. Another option is to warm individual slices of pound cake in the microwave for 10 seconds each. However, be careful with over-microwaving as this can dry out your pound cake.
Remember that reheating your pound cake can affect its texture, but don’t worry too much about it! The Southern Pound Cake has been satisfying sweet tooths for decades, and no matter how you serve the cake, it will always be delicious!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your South Carolina Pound Cake comes out as perfectly delicious as it should be, here are some helpful tips that you can follow:
Firstly, it is important that your ingredients, specifically the eggs and butter, are all at room temperature. This will make it easier to cream together the butter and sugar in the beginning stages of the recipe. When creamed properly, this will help create a light and airy crumb in the cake.
Secondly, when adding in the eggs, make sure they are beaten well until lemon colored. Beating air into the eggs properly will give the cake its light and fluffy texture.
Thirdly, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt before adding it to your wet ingredients. This will ensure that there are no lumps in your dry mix and also distribute each ingredient evenly.
Fourthly, use good quality butter for this recipe – preferably unsalted. Old fashioned Southern pound cakes were often made with homemade butter made from fresh milk, so using high-quality store-bought butter will help to replicate that rich and indulgent flavor.
Finally, do not under or overbake the cake. The perfect South Carolina Pound Cake has a golden crust with a moist yet slightly dense crumb inside. To test for doneness use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake – it should come out clean; or lightly press a finger into the top of the cake – it should spring back up without leaving an indentation.
By following these tips closely, you can make sure that your South Carolina Pound Cake turns out velvety smooth with a rich buttery flavor – truly reminiscent of those old-fashioned Southern pound cakes we all know and love!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this South Carolina Pound Cake Recipe is truly one of the best out there. It’s a tried and true recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation in the southern part of the United States. Nothing quite compares to its rich and dense texture, which is made possible by the perfect balance of key ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and cake flour.
Whether you’re looking for a dessert to bring to a potluck or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth at home, this pound cake will satisfy any craving. With easy-to-follow instructions and substitutions provided, you’ll be able to make it your own with your personal touch.
So why wait? Try out this South Carolina Pound Cake Recipe today, and discover for yourself why it’s known as one of the best pound cake recipes around. Whether you bake it in a traditional loaf pan or experiment with different shapes and sizes using an air fryer, rest assured that you won’t be disappointed with the results. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds (and friends and family) will thank you!
South Carolina Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 3 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup Crisco
- 5 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup milk
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Have Eggs and milk and butter at room temperature.
- Cream Crisco,butter and sugar for 15 to 20 minutes (til sugar is no longer grainy.I put one egg at a time and beat well after each egg.I alternate flour with milk by pouring some flour then some milk till all is gone.then I add 1 teaspoon baking powder and1 teaspoon Vanilla.1continue beating til all is blended.
- Bake 1 hour and 15 to 20 minutes.
- Check will tooth pick after an hour and every 5 minutes after that.
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.