Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a timeless treat with a golden crust and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb, then this Delicious Pound Cake is about to win a permanent spot in your baking repertoire. There’s just something so nostalgic and comforting about a loaf cake whose scent fills the kitchen with buttery, vanilla dreams. Whether you eat it plain, dress it up with fruit, or sneak a slice for breakfast, this recipe achieves everything you love about classic pound cake: irresistible simplicity, luscious flavor, and a perfectly tender crumb.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Honestly, Delicious Pound Cake is all about simple, quality ingredients working their magic together. From the creamy richness of butter to the aromatic hint of vanilla, every component has its unique role in creating that signature taste and plush texture.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The star of the show, unsalted butter provides richness and a soft crumb — make sure it’s at room temperature for perfect creaming.
- Granulated Sugar (1 ½ cups): Not just for sweetness; sugar helps whip air into the batter, making the cake light yet decadent.
- Large Eggs (4): Eggs bind the ingredients together and add essential structure and moistness to every slice.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The foundation of classic pound cake; just the right balance for structure and tenderness.
- Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift so the loaf has a lighter, more modern crumb.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Brightens all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Whole Milk (½ cup): Adds needed moisture for a soft, luxurious cake—don’t substitute with low-fat!
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A must for that classic aroma; pure vanilla makes a world of difference.
How to Make Delicious Pound Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s piping hot by the time your batter is ready. Go ahead and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan (a little extra butter is never a bad thing), making sure to get into the corners. This helps your Delicious Pound Cake release easily after baking and gives the sides that beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat that softened butter together with the granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and incredibly fluffy. This step is where all those tiny air pockets form, promising you the plush, cloud-like texture that makes Delicious Pound Cake so memorable. Don’t rush—it takes about 3–5 minutes with an electric mixer!
Step 3: Add Eggs, One at a Time
Crack in the eggs, adding them one by one, and beat well after each addition. This keeps the batter silky and prevents it from curdling. You’ll notice the mixture becoming satiny smooth and a gorgeous yellow—proof of all the rich goodness going into your loaf.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. This step might seem small, but it ensures an even rise and keeps your Delicious Pound Cake perfectly tender. Pre-whisking prevents any lumps, so everything blends seamlessly in the batter.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamed ingredients, alternating with the whole milk—starting and ending with flour. Stir gently after each addition, pausing to scrape down the sides. This little dance of wet and dry gives your cake a delicate crumb and a dreamily even texture.
Step 6: Stir in Vanilla and Prepare to Bake
Gently fold in the vanilla extract until just combined. You don’t want to overmix at this point—just a few quick turns of the spatula. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for a picture-perfect finish.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The aroma is going to tempt you, but resist opening the oven too soon! When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), it’s ready. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack so it cools completely and sets up into the best Delicious Pound Cake you’ve ever made.
How to Serve Delicious Pound Cake
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all you need for understated beauty, but Delicious Pound Cake loves company! Try fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a little drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. For a burst of extra flavor, you can zest a bit of lemon or grate dark chocolate over each slice just before serving.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out your dessert table, Delicious Pound Cake slices sit happily beside scoops of vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or even a berry compote. For something savory-sweet, serve it with tea sandwiches at a brunch or with salty roasted nuts for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Cut the cooled cake into cubes to build a trifle with layers of cream and fruit, or grill thick slices for a toasty twist. You can even toast slices and top with ricotta and honey for an elegant breakfast or dessert. Delicious Pound Cake is truly the blank canvas of desserts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), wrap the cooled Delicious Pound Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps lock in moisture so every bite remains as soft and buttery as the first.
Freezing
Delicious Pound Cake freezes wonderfully! Allow the loaf to cool completely, then double-wrap in plastic wrap and slip it into a freezer bag. You can freeze slices or the whole cake for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before serving.
Reheating
To refresh your Delicious Pound Cake, pop individual slices in a toaster oven for a minute or two—or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds. This revives that fresh-from-the-oven taste and elevates the flavor of stale slices!
FAQs
Can I add citrus or other flavors to my pound cake?
Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a bright twist, or a splash of almond extract for that extra special aroma. Delicious Pound Cake is a fantastic base for subtle flavor experiments.
Why does my pound cake sometimes come out dense?
Overmixing can make pound cake tough, or your butter might not have been soft enough to properly cream. Make sure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for a light, springy crumb.
Is it possible to make Delicious Pound Cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a trustworthy 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. The texture will change slightly, but the cake should still be moist and flavorful.
Can I use a bundt pan instead of a loaf pan?
You can! Simply grease the bundt pan thoroughly and adjust your baking time, checking for doneness starting around 45 minutes. The shape will be different but it’s still the same Delicious Pound Cake taste you love.
What’s the best way to achieve a golden crust?
Greasing your pan well and baking at the right temperature are key. If your cake browns too quickly on top, tent it loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes. That way, the inside cooks perfectly and the top is an irresistible golden brown.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely joyful about pulling a homemade Delicious Pound Cake from the oven, letting it cool just enough, then sneaking a warm slice with your favorite topping. I hope this easy, classic recipe brings a burst of comfort and simple pleasure to your kitchen. Happy baking!
Print
Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of this Delicious Pound Cake. A classic dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Stir in vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the pound cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- This pound cake is perfect on its own or served with whipped cream and berries.
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
