If you have a soft spot for classic comfort desserts, then this Delicious Pound Cake Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire. It’s rich, buttery, and tender—an all-time crowd-pleaser that manages to be both simple and utterly satisfying. Each bite balances a golden crumb with a delicate vanilla aroma, making it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving a sweet afternoon treat or planning a cozy gathering with friends. This cake’s timeless charm lies in its flawless blend of easy-to-find ingredients that transform into a luscious dessert you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this Delicious Pound Cake Recipe is straightforward, thanks to a handful of pantry staples that each play a vital role. Every ingredient adds to the cake’s moist texture, rich flavor, and beautiful rise, ensuring perfection with every bake.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings a rich, creamy flavor and keeps the cake moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while helping to create a tender crumb.
- 4 large eggs: Provide structure and contribute to the cake’s dense, satisfying texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake, supporting the rise and creating crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent for a light, fluffy finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake batter.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses the recipe with a warm, inviting aroma.
How to Make Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9×5-inch loaf pan is essential to prevent sticking and to help the cake brown evenly on all sides. A well-prepared pan means your cake will come out with a perfect shape every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
The magic of this Delicious Pound Cake Recipe begins here. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this process creates tiny air pockets that ensure a tender crumb and lovely rise.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Incorporate the eggs gradually, beating well after each addition. This technique helps maintain the batter’s smoothness and prevents curdling, making for a beautifully uniform texture in the finished cake.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This blending guarantees that the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed, which is key for an even bake.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Add the dry mixture to the butter and egg batter slowly, alternating with the whole milk. This step ensures the batter stays smooth and moist, striking a perfect balance between density and tenderness.
Step 6: Stir in Vanilla Extract
Fold in the pure vanilla extract just until combined, allowing the flavors to shine without over-mixing—which can toughen the cake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This hands-off wait time lets your kitchen fill with that wonderful sweet scent of vanilla and butter.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling completely before slicing ensures each piece holds together beautifully and delivers that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Serve Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake is a perfect blank canvas for toppings. Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich cake. For warmer serving options, consider a drizzle of honey or a light citrus glaze to complement the vanilla notes.
Side Dishes
Pair your slice of pound cake with a scoop of vanilla or berry ice cream for an indulgent treat. Fresh fruit salads also work wonderfully, adding a juicy burst of sweetness and texture variety that balances the cake’s buttery richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving thick slices of this Delicious Pound Cake Recipe layered with mascarpone and fresh fruit as a stunning dessert parfait. Or, for a festive twist, sandwich the cooled pound cake with lemon curd or chocolate ganache to elevate your presentation and flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover pound cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to three days, maintaining its moistness and flavor without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to savor this Delicious Pound Cake Recipe later, freezing is your friend. Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can last up to three months in the freezer and thaws quickly at room temperature—ready whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers near fresh, warm your slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or a few minutes in a low oven. This helps revive its soft texture and intensifies the buttery aroma, making every bite feel homemade.
FAQs
Can I substitute the whole milk with a dairy-free option?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk can be used in equal amounts to keep the cake moist and flavorful without dairy.
What can I add to the batter to boost flavor?
A teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest can add a lovely twist to the classic flavor without overwhelming the cake’s natural richness.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your pound cake is perfectly baked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend made for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture just right.
Is it possible to make this cake in a different pan?
Yes, but baking times may vary. A bundt pan or a round cake pan will work well, just keep an eye on the baking time and test doneness regularly.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Pound Cake Recipe is a true delight, blending simplicity and flavor in a way that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a quiet moment yourself, this cake never fails to impress. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to classic dessert for years to come.
Print
Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Pound Cake recipe is a classic American dessert featuring a moist, buttery texture and a rich vanilla flavor. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, this pound cake is easy to prepare and ideal for serving with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Butter and Sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth and well-emulsified batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and sugar blend, alternating with the whole milk. Stir gently to combine after each addition but avoid overmixing to preserve cake’s softness.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the pure vanilla extract until just incorporated, enhancing the cake’s flavor without overpowering it.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and gently smooth the surface with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract or a zest of lemon to the batter before baking.
- This pound cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries and whipped cream.
