Pound Cake Recipe
Explore the best pound cake recipe for moist, buttery perfection! Simple steps for a classic dessert favorite. Bake your way to deliciousness now!
- Publisher: Recipe Volt
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dessert
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 10 slices
- Calories: 330 calories
Pound Cake
Pound cake is a classic dessert loved for its rich, dense texture and buttery flavor. Its origins date back centuries, with recipes tracing back to the early 18th century. The name "pound cake" reflects its original recipe, which traditionally called for a pound each of four main ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. This straightforward ratio made it easy to remember and replicate.
Over time, pound cake recipes have evolved, with variations incorporating additional ingredients like vanilla extract, milk, and leavening agents such as baking powder or baking soda to lighten the texture. Despite these adaptations, pound cake retains its signature characteristics of being moist, dense, and buttery.
Pound cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It's delicious served plain with a cup of coffee or tea, but it also makes an excellent base for other desserts. Slices of pound cake can be topped with fresh berries and whipped cream for a simple yet elegant treat, or used to make indulgent desserts like trifle or layered cakes.
Its simplicity and delicious taste have made pound cake a beloved dessert around the world. Whether served as a comforting homemade treat or as part of a fancy dessert spread, pound cake continues to be a timeless favorite for generations to come.
Recipe
Discover the ultimate guide to perfecting your pound cake! From classic recipes to creative twists, unlock baking secrets for irresistible results.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk, room temperature
Method Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the pound cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve as is, or with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
Enjoy your delicious homemade pound cake! It's perfect for any occasion or just as a tasty treat.
Recipe Video
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Recipe Tags: Pound Cake, Pound Cake Recipe, Recipe
Servings
Serving pound cake is a delightful experience, and there are several ways to enjoy this classic dessert:
- Plain and Simple: Serve slices of pound cake on their own for a delicious and satisfying treat. The rich, buttery flavor of the cake is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
- With Fresh Fruit: Enhance the flavor and presentation of pound cake by serving it with fresh fruit. Top slices with berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and freshness. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
- As a Dessert Base: Pound cake serves as an excellent base for creating other desserts. Use slices to make trifles by layering them with pudding, whipped cream, and fruit. You can also use pound cake slices to make ice cream sandwiches or as a base for grilled or baked desserts like strawberry shortcake.
- Grilled or Toasted: For a unique twist, try grilling or toasting slices of pound cake. This adds a delicious caramelized flavor and slightly crispy texture to the cake. Serve with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.
- Dressed Up for Special Occasions: Dress up pound cake slices for special occasions by drizzling them with chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or fruit compote. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an elegant finishing touch.
Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are all at room temperature before beginning. Room temperature ingredients mix together more easily and result in a smoother batter.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar Thoroughly: Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is key to achieving a tender pound cake with a fine crumb. Beat them together for several minutes until the mixture is pale in color and fluffy in texture.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: Once you start adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter and sugar mixture, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough and dense cake. Mix until there are no more visible streaks of flour, then stop.
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt together before adding them to the batter helps ensure they are evenly distributed and prevents lumps in the final cake.
- Use a Loaf Pan: Pound cake traditionally bakes in a loaf pan, which helps it develop its characteristic shape and texture. Make sure to grease and flour the pan well to prevent sticking.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so it's important to check for doneness before removing the cake from the oven. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, the cake is done.
- Cool the Cake Properly: Allow the pound cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cake properly helps it set and ensures it maintains its shape.
- Store Properly: Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Pound cake can also be frozen for longer storage—wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Ingredient Substitutes
If you're looking to make substitutions in a pound cake recipe, here are some options:
- Butter: You can substitute butter with an equal amount of margarine or vegetable shortening. Keep in mind that using margarine or shortening may alter the flavor and texture of the cake slightly.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar can generally be replaced with an equal amount of brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also use alternative sweeteners such as coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup, though these may affect the texture and taste of the cake.
- Eggs: If you're vegan or have an egg allergy, you can substitute each egg with a "flax egg" or "chia egg." To make a flax or chia egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Alternatively, you can use commercial egg replacers available at many grocery stores.
- Flour: All-purpose flour can usually be replaced with an equal amount of cake flour for a lighter texture, or with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor. You can also experiment with gluten-free flour blends if you're avoiding gluten.
- Milk: If you're lactose intolerant or vegan, you can substitute cow's milk with almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk alternative. Make sure to use an unsweetened variety to avoid altering the flavor of the cake too much.
- Vanilla Extract: If you don't have vanilla extract on hand, you can omit it altogether or substitute it with other flavorings such as almond extract, lemon extract, or even rum or bourbon for a unique twist.
Remarks
Ready to impress with your newfound pound cake mastery? Whether for a cozy night in or a special occasion, savor the sweet success of homemade perfection. Happy baking!