Hello and welcome to my blog! Today, I am thrilled to share with you my all-time favorite pound cake recipe. This deliciously moist cake is not only easy to make, but it also serves as the perfect base for any dessert. Whether you’re looking to make a simple and homey dessert for your family or a fancy treat for guests, this ultimate pound cake recipe has got you covered.
Pound cake has been enjoyed for centuries, and for good reason. The classic dessert is rich, buttery, and satisfyingly sweet. With this recipe, you can enjoy all of the traditional flavors of a pound cake while elevating it to a whole new level. The texture of this cake is light and airy, and the crumb is perfect for soaking up deliciously sweet syrups and sauces. Plus, once you’ve mastered this recipe, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own unique version of this classic dessert.
Delicious Pound Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a classic cake that never gets old, then you need to try the pound cake. This dense and rich cake dates back to the 1700s, originating in England. The name “pound cake” comes from the traditional recipe that used a pound of each main ingredient – flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. However, modern variations have tweaked the recipe to reduce the amount of each ingredient while still maintaining the rich and buttery flavor.
History of Pound Cake
The pound cake has been a beloved dessert for centuries. It was first referred to in the late 18th century by European bakers who were making butter cakes that weighed one pound each. The recipe soon spread to other parts of the world and was particularly popular in America during the 19th century. Today, pound cake is still a favorite in households all over the world, and there are many variations of the recipe.
Ingredients and Measurements
The ingredients for a classic pound cake are simple and straightforward. You will need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour (250g)
- 1 cup of butter, softened (225g)
- 2 cups of sugar (400g)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of whole milk (120ml)
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
When measuring your ingredients, it’s important to be precise to get the perfect cake. Use a kitchen scale to measure the flour, sugar, and butter. Use a measuring spoon for the baking powder and salt. For the liquids, use a measuring cup and be sure to level off the top of the cup to get an accurate measurement.
Directions to Bake a Pound Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch (25cm) loaf pan with butter and dust with flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy and light in color.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve plain or with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
With its rich and buttery flavor, the pound cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a weekday treat, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more!
Variations of Pound Cake Recipe
The classic pound cake recipe is a delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. However, you can always add some twist to the basic recipe to make it more exciting. Below are some variations of pound cake recipe that you can try at home:
Chocolate Pound Cake
If you are a chocolate lover, then this variation is for you. Adding cocoa powder to the mix can bring a twist and add a rich taste that everyone will love. Here’s how to make a chocolate pound cake from scratch:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp of baking powder, and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with 1/2 cup of whole milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar, serve and enjoy!
Other Variations
A classic pound cake is easy to adapt by adding your favorite flavors or mix-ins. Here are some delicious toppings that can change the taste of a classic pound cake:
- Blueberry: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before baking
- Lemon: Add 2 tsp of grated lemon zest and substitute 1/4 cup of lemon juice for the milk
- Almond: Add 1 tsp of almond extract and 1/2 cup of sliced almonds to the batter
- Coconut: Add 1/2 cup of toasted shredded coconut to the batter
Be creative and experiment with your favorite flavors and combinations to make your pound cake unique and delicious.
Serving Suggestion
Wondering what to pair with a slice of delicious pound cake? Here are some serving suggestions that will take your dessert to the next level:
- Whipped cream: Top your pound cake with a dollop of whipped cream and your favorite berries for a refreshing taste
- Ice cream: Serve your pound cake with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a richer flavor
- Jam: Spread your favorite jam over a slice of pound cake for a sweet and tangy taste
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over a slice of pound cake for a decadent treat
There you have it, some variations of pound cake recipe and serving suggestions that you can try at home. Enjoy!
Thanks for Reading, Happy Baking!
Thank you for taking the time to read our ultimate pound cake recipe. We hope that you’ve found it helpful and that it inspires you to try baking your own delicious pound cake. From its moist and buttery texture to the easy-to-follow steps, we think this pound cake recipe is definitely a winner. So, grab your apron and start baking your own pound cake masterpiece today!
Don’t forget to visit us again for more amazing recipes and baking tips. We love to share our passion for all things sweet and delicious, and we hope that you’ll enjoy our future articles too. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, we have something for everyone. So, stay tuned and happy baking!
FAQ
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter. But, we highly recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
2. Can I substitute all-purpose flour with self-raising flour?
No, you can’t substitute all-purpose flour with self-raising flour as it already contains leavening agents. However, if you only have self-raising flour, you can omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe.
3. Can I use a bundt pan instead of a loaf pan?
Yes, you can use a bundt pan instead of a loaf pan. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
4. Can I add fruits or nuts to the pound cake?
Yes, you can add fruits or nuts to the pound cake batter. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces, and adjust the baking time accordingly.
5. How long does the pound cake last?
The pound cake can last for up to 3-4 days at room temperature, or up to 1 week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
6. Can I freeze the pound cake?
Yes, you can freeze the pound cake for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and thaw it at room temperature before serving.
7. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, you can use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer. Just make sure to mix the batter until it becomes smooth and creamy.
8. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. It will give the pound cake a finer texture, but make sure to adjust the amount accordingly as cake flour weighs less than all-purpose flour.
9. Can I use a different flavoring instead of vanilla extract?
Yes, you can use a different flavoring instead of vanilla extract. You can try using almond extract, lemon extract, or any other flavor that you like.
10. Can I make the pound cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make the pound cake gluten-free by using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour for a nuttier flavor. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.