If you’re looking for a timeless classic that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aromas, this Delicious Pound Cake Recipe is just what you need. It’s a marvel of simplicity, capturing the perfect balance of buttery richness, subtle vanilla essence, and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, this cake is endlessly satisfying, making it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering or a sweet moment of everyday indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that iconic pound cake texture and flavor. The combination is simple yet powerful, offering you a foolproof way to bake a cake that’s moist, dense, and beautifully golden.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and a tender crumb while balancing sweetness.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
- 4 large eggs: Add structure and moisture for a perfect rise and texture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Gives a lovely, warm aroma that enhances the buttery taste.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base providing body and substance to the cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake lift to the right lightness without losing its dense character.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and keeps the crumb soft and tender.
How to Make Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F so it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a bundt pan; this ensures your pound cake releases easily and keeps its beautiful shape after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process takes about 3 to 4 minutes and is crucial for aerating the batter, resulting in a delicate yet dense cake texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Incorporate the eggs slowly, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully blended before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with that classic warm flavor that everyone loves in a pound cake.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to distribute the leavening evenly. Gradually add this dry mix to your butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the crumb tender and soft.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cake set, making slicing easier and neater.
How to Serve Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes simplicity is best, and a dusting of powdered sugar can be the perfect touch. For a bit more zest, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the top. Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the buttery cake.
Side Dishes
This pound cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Whipped cream complements the dense texture perfectly, especially when topped with fruit preserves or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the cake and serving it as French toast or as a base for a trifle layered with custard and fruit. You can also elevate it by adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce and toasted nuts, transforming it into a dessert that feels effortlessly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pound cake fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain the moist, tender crumb and keeps it from drying out.
Freezing
This Delicious Pound Cake Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your pound cake warm, gently reheat slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. Warming enhances the buttery aroma and softens the texture, making each bite even more delightful.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but be sure to omit or reduce the additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the cake too salty. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level perfectly for the best flavor balance.
Is it necessary to use whole milk?
Whole milk adds richness and moisture that supports the cake’s tender crumb, but you can substitute it with 2% milk or even a non-dairy milk alternative; the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add flavor variations to this pound cake?
Absolutely! Try adding citrus zest, almond extract, or a handful of fresh berries folded into the batter to create your own unique twist while keeping the essence of this classic recipe.
What’s the best pan to use for baking pound cake?
A 9×5-inch loaf pan is traditional, but a bundt pan works wonderfully too and adds a beautiful shape to your cake. Just make sure to adjust baking times slightly if needed.
How do I know when the pound cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs for the cake to be perfectly baked without being dry.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Pound Cake Recipe is a true kitchen gem that will quickly become one of your favorites. Its dependable simplicity and buttery, tender crumb make it an incredible treat whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving some comforting homemade sweetness. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Pound Cake is a classic American dessert featuring a rich, buttery texture and a tender crumb. Made with simple pantry ingredients like unsalted butter, sugar, and vanilla, this pound cake is perfect for any occasion and can be served plain or enhanced with a glaze or toppings such as whipped cream and berries. It’s easy to prepare with basic mixing and baking techniques, resulting in a moist, flavorful cake that holds up well for leftovers or freezing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add eggs gradually: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure even incorporation and smooth batter.
- Mix in vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to add aromatic flavor throughout the cake.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Alternate dry and milk additions: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter and ensure a tender texture.
- Transfer batter to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and helping it set properly.
Notes
- For added flavor, top with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- This cake freezes well—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to preserve freshness.
- Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, or ice cream for an extra special dessert presentation.
