Pound cake is a classic dessert that’s buttery, moist, and dense with a slightly crumbly texture. It’s named for the traditional recipe where the ingredients (butter, sugar, eggs, and flour) were used in a 1:1:1:1 ratio, typically a pound each! It’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Here’s a recipe for a classic pound cake that’s rich and delicious:
Classic Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional for a slightly lighter texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, adds a subtle flavor)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan, loaf pan, or two smaller loaf pans.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This can take about 4-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. The mixture should look pale and airy.
3. Add Eggs One at a Time:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
4. Sift the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder (if using).
5. Alternate Adding Flour and Milk:
- With the mixer on low, alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix or you might end up with a dense cake.
6. Add Flavoring:
- Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). This will give the cake a lovely depth of flavor.
7. Bake the Pound Cake:
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes for a bundt pan or about 50-60 minutes for a loaf pan, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, slice and serve!
Tips for the Perfect Pound Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly for a tender crumb.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
- Add-ins: If you like, you can add things like lemon zest, orange zest, or mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor.
Optional Glaze or Toppings:
- A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk or lemon juice can drizzle over the top.
- Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream for a perfect pairing!
Enjoy your classic pound cake—it’s a timeless treat that goes well with coffee, tea, or just as a sweet indulgence any time of day!