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Classic Pound Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 242 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Classic Pound Cake is a buttery, moist, and tender dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, salt, and whole milk, this cake offers a rich flavor and a delicate crumb. Its straightforward preparation and baking method make it an easy yet impressive homemade treat that pairs wonderfully with fresh berries and whipped cream.


Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a standard loaf pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step incorporates air that helps give the cake a tender texture.
  3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the batter and build structure.
  4. Mix in Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor depth to the cake.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt within the flour.
  6. Add Dry Ingredients and Milk Alternately: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Mix just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
  7. Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For an extra burst of flavor, add lemon zest or a splash of almond extract to the batter.
  • Pound cake pairs excellently with fresh berries and whipped cream for a delightful dessert.