Pound cake is a classic dessert known for its rich, buttery flavor and dense texture. It’s a simple cake that gets its name from the traditional use of a pound each of flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. This makes it a delightfully easy recipe to remember and a joy to make and eat.
Classic Pound Cake Recipe:
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (453g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 pound (453g) granulated sugar
- 1 pound (453g) all-purpose flour
- 1 pound (453g) eggs (about 9 large eggs)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or two loaf pans.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which should take about 5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour and salt.
- Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until the flour is incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once cool, dust the pound cake with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and serve as is, or with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Pound cake is delightful in its simplicity, but it also serves as a versatile base for many dessert variations. You can add citrus zest, almond extract, or fold in fresh berries before baking for a different twist. Whether served at an elegant tea party or as a comforting treat, pound cake is a timeless dessert that’s sure to please any palate. Enjoy the dense and buttery slices of this classic cake, and savor each bite!