If you’re searching for a timeless dessert that feels like a warm hug in cake form, this Delicious Pound Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. With its rich buttery flavor, tender crumb, and subtle vanilla aroma, this pound cake quietly steals the show at any gathering or cozy afternoon tea. It’s a classic treat that never goes out of style but feels fresh every single time you bake it. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for celebrations, casual snacks, or when you just want to fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but incredibly effective together, each playing a crucial role in making your pound cake perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully golden. From the creamy butter giving richness to the pure vanilla extract enhancing aroma, every component adds something special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the cake’s signature buttery richness and tender crumb, so make sure it’s properly softened for easy creaming.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create that lovely light texture when creamed with butter.
- 4 large eggs: Adds moisture, structure, and richness—be sure to add them one at a time for the best emulsion.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy but soft base of the cake, giving it that classic pound cake heft.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle lift without compromising the dense, satisfying texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cake.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and keeps the batter smooth, resulting in a tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with warm, inviting aroma and flavor that lingers beautifully.
How to Make Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and greasing a 10-inch bundt pan or loaf pan. This step ensures your cake will have that perfect shape and won’t stick, making the final presentation effortlessly beautiful.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This process usually takes 3 to 5 minutes and is essential to create the tender texture of this Delicious Pound Cake Recipe.
Step 3: Add Eggs One by One
Incorporate the eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This careful mixing helps the batter emulsify properly, ensuring every slice is smooth and tender.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This not only distributes the leavening agent evenly but also prevents lumps, giving you a perfectly uniform cake texture.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk, and start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. This careful folding ensures your batter stays airy and light without overmixing.
Step 6: Stir in the Vanilla Extract
Finally, fold in the vanilla extract to infuse your cake with that signature warm, sweet fragrance that makes each bite so inviting.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling a perfectly baked pound cake ready to make your kitchen smell like heaven.
Step 8: Cool and Unmold
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cake firm up while keeping moisture locked inside.
How to Serve Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream complement the rich flavors without overshadowing them. For extra flair, fresh berries or a drizzle of lemon glaze add a burst of color and brightness that makes every slice irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your pound cake with seasonal fruit or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert that feels anything but simple. A cup of hot tea or coffee alongside really brings out the buttery depth of this delicious treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve slices with a fresh berry compote or a spread of mascarpone cheese topped with cinnamon. You can even transform leftover cake into decadent trifles layered with fruit and cream—a perfect way to enjoy your Delicious Pound Cake Recipe in a new and exciting way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pound cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Keeping it well-covered prevents the cake from drying out and preserves the moist, tender texture you love.
Freezing
This Delicious Pound Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the pound cake warm, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes or briefly microwave for 15 to 30 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and enhances the buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter for oil in this Delicious Pound Cake Recipe?
While you can use oil instead of butter, the flavor and texture will differ significantly. Butter provides the characteristic richness and crumb that defines this cake, so it’s best to stick with butter for authentic results.
What pan works best for baking this pound cake?
A 10-inch bundt or loaf pan is ideal for even baking and classic presentation. If using a different size, adjust the baking time accordingly and watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
Can I add other flavors to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of almond extract, citrus zest, or even a handful of fresh berries can bring exciting twists to the classic recipe. Just remember to keep additions balanced to not overwhelm the delicate buttery base.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely! The steps are straightforward, and the mixing technique is simple, making this Delicious Pound Cake Recipe a wonderful starting point for anyone new to baking classic cakes.
How do I know when the pound cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake after about 60 minutes. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If batter sticks to the toothpick, continue baking while checking every 5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a slice of homemade pound cake that fills every corner of your home with warmth and comfort. I hope you’ll give this Delicious Pound Cake Recipe a try and make it your own, adding your favorite touches and sharing it with those you love. It’s a simple yet unforgettable way to celebrate life’s sweetest moments.
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Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Delicious Pound Cake is a moist, buttery dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, it delivers a rich, tender crumb with a subtle sweetness and a golden crust.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 10-inch bundt or loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps aerate the batter for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully blended and to maintain the batter’s texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt within the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter-egg mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk—start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter and making the cake tough.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the pure vanilla extract to infuse the batter with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes to set, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a bit of citrus zest to the batter.
- This cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
