Pound Cake Recipe: Pound cake is a dessert with a rich history, dating back to the 18th century when the original recipe called for a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
This simple formula became so beloved that it remains a classic dessert staple today, with countless variations to suit modern tastes.
Whether enjoyed plain, topped with fresh fruit, or drizzled with icing, pound cake’s dense yet tender crumb is what keeps it a beloved treat in many homes. This guide will take you through each step to create the perfect pound cake from scratch.
Ingredients for Traditional Pound Cake
To make a classic pound cake, you’ll need:
- Butter – 1 cup (softened to room temperature)
- Sugar – 2 cups
- Eggs – 4 large, at room temperature
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – a pinch
Each ingredient plays a specific role, so using high-quality and fresh ingredients ensures the best possible flavor and texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the essential equipment:
- Mixer (stand or hand mixer)
- Mixing bowls (preferably large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter or fine-mesh sieve for flour
- Spatula for folding batter
- Loaf or bundt pan for baking
- Wire rack for cooling
Optional but helpful tools include a pastry brush for greasing the pan and a cake tester to check for doneness.
Preparing Your Workspace and Ingredients
Cooking is always easier with a clean, organized workspace. Measure out each ingredient beforehand to ensure accuracy and avoid missing anything. For this recipe, make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature—this will help the batter blend smoothly and create the right texture in the finished cake.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature allows the cake to bake evenly, resulting in a tender crumb without over-browning. Preheating for at least 15-20 minutes ensures your oven is at the right temperature before the cake goes in.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Generously grease the inside of your loaf or bundt pan with butter or oil, and then lightly dust it with flour. This crucial step prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and gives it a nice crust. Shake out any excess flour to avoid clumps on the cake’s surface.
Step 3: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is called “creaming,” and it’s a key step for achieving a smooth texture in pound cake. Creaming incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cake rise and gives it a tender texture.
Step 4: Adding Eggs One at a Time
With the mixer still on medium speed, add the eggs one at a time. Be sure to mix well after each egg to fully incorporate it into the batter. This gradual process helps prevent the batter from curdling and ensures a smooth, cohesive mixture that bakes evenly.
Step 5: Sifting and Adding Flour
Sift the flour and salt together to remove any lumps and ensure even mixing. Gradually add the flour to the butter-egg mixture in small portions, mixing on low speed or folding by hand. This gentle approach prevents the batter from becoming too dense. Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to a tough cake.
Step 6: Adding Flavoring
For a classic pound cake, vanilla extract is typically used to enhance the cake’s rich, buttery flavor. Measure out 1 teaspoon and add it to the batter. Other extracts, like almond or lemon, can also be used if you want a different flavor profile. Just be cautious with the amount to keep the taste balanced.
Step 7: Combining All Ingredients
Now, gently fold the batter with a spatula to ensure that all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed, and make sure there are no unmixed pockets of flour or butter.
Step 8: Pouring Batter into the Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, using the spatula to spread it out evenly. Smooth the top of the batter to help the cake rise uniformly during baking. This step helps achieve a beautifully domed cake without any lopsided sections.
Step 9: Baking the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-75 minutes. As the cake bakes, it will rise and take on a golden color. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the cake is ready.
Step 10: Cooling the Cake
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this initial cooling, run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then carefully turn the cake out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This cooling step is important to maintain the cake’s texture and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Step 11: Serving Suggestions and Storage
Pound cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of glaze. To store, wrap any leftover slices in plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
Tips for a Perfect Pound Cake
Achieving the ideal pound cake requires attention to detail. Here are some additional tips to help ensure a perfect cake every time:
- Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix gently. Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Though traditional pound cake is simple, you can add flavors like lemon zest, almond extract, or even a tablespoon of cocoa powder for variations.
FAQs about Pound Cake Recipe
1. What is a Pound Cake?
Pound cake is a classic, dense cake made from equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, resulting in a rich, buttery flavor. It’s perfect on its own or served with fresh fruits and whipped cream.
2. What ingredients do I need for a pound cake?
The basic ingredients are butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Some recipes add baking powder, vanilla extract, or a bit of milk for extra moisture and flavor.
3. How long should I bake a pound cake?
Typically, bake it at 325°F (160°C) for 60-70 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Can I add flavors or toppings to a pound cake?
Yes! You can add lemon zest, almond extract, or even swirl chocolate into the batter. Pound cake also pairs well with powdered sugar, glazes, or fresh fruit toppings.
5. How should I store pound cake?
Wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Conclusion
Making a homemade pound cake from scratch is a rewarding process that results in a classic, rich dessert that everyone can enjoy. Each step, from creaming the butter to carefully folding in the flour, contributes to a perfectly dense yet tender crumb that’s ideal for any occasion.
References
To ensure accuracy and provide further reading, here are some reputable sources for learning more about making the perfect pound cake. These references offer valuable insights and tips to help you master this classic dessert:
- Food Network – A trusted source for recipes, tips, and baking techniques, Food Network provides in-depth articles and videos on pound cakes. Visit Food Network’s Pound Cake Guide.
- Bon Appétit – Known for its high-quality recipes and expert advice, Bon Appétit offers detailed pound cake recipes and tips to elevate your baking skills. Explore Bon Appétit’s Baking Tips.
- Allrecipes – With a wide collection of recipes and user reviews, Allrecipes shares valuable insights and variations on classic pound cake. Check Out Allrecipes’ Pound Cake Recipes.
- BBC Good Food – For international flavors and classic techniques, BBC Good Food provides tested recipes and baking guidelines for pound cake lovers. Visit BBC Good Food’s Pound Cake Page.
These references will guide you in creating a pound cake that’s moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured.
