Classic Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe You'll Love

There's something about the simplicity and purity of a well-made pound cake that captures the essence of home cooking. A classic old-fashioned pound cake is a timeless dessert that boasts a dense yet tender texture, rich butter flavor, and an elegant simplicity that makes it perfect for both everyday indulgence and special occasions. Today, we're delving deep into the art of baking a pound cake that will become a staple in your recipe collection, one that you'll love for its rich history and straightforward charm.

The History of Pound Cake

The origins of the pound cake can be traced back to the early 18th century in Britain. Initially, it was made by using a pound each of four key ingredients: flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. This simple formula provided a straightforward approach to baking, ensuring that even those without formal culinary training could produce a delicious result.

Ingredients for Classic Pound Cake

Here's what you'll need to make a traditional pound cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of whole milk

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pound Cake

Preparation

Before you start:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Grease and flour a 10-inch tube or Bundt pan. The Bundt pan will give your cake its distinctive shape and ensure an even bake.
• Set out all your ingredients, ensuring the butter is soft but not melted.

Mixing the Batter

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step can take about 5-7 minutes and is crucial for incorporating air, which affects the cake's texture.
2. Add the Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. This process can take a while, but patience here will pay off with a smooth, velvety batter.
3. Stir in the Vanilla: Once the eggs are mixed in, add the vanilla extract. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the other ingredients.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Alternate Adding Ingredients: To prevent the batter from becoming too dense, alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
6. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Baking

• Place the cake in the oven and bake for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. A toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center should come out clean.
• Keep an eye on your cake, as oven temperatures can vary; if it's browning too quickly, cover the top loosely with foil.
• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

While the pound cake is delicious on its own, consider these serving ideas:

• Simple Dusting: Dust with powdered sugar for a quick and elegant finish.
• With Berries: Serve slices with fresh berries and whipped cream for a summery treat.
• Glazed: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice for a bit of zing.
• As a Base: Use it as a base for ice cream, fresh fruit, or custard for an indulgent dessert.

🍰 Note: For an extra touch of luxury, add a dollop of vanilla bean custard alongside your slice of pound cake.

Variations to Explore

Here are some variations to make your pound cake unique:

• Flavor Additions: Include citrus zest, almond or lemon extract, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor diversity.
• Swirls and Layers: Swirl in a ribbon of chocolate or fruit purée for a visual appeal and flavor contrast.
• Filled: Create a filled pound cake by cutting it in half horizontally and spreading a layer of ganache or fruit compote in between before reassembling.

Tips for the Perfect Pound Cake

Here are some tips to ensure your pound cake turns out perfectly:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients (especially butter and eggs) helps the cake mix more evenly.
• Careful Beating: Overmixing can cause toughness in the cake, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Pan Preparation: Ensure your pan is well greased and floured to avoid sticking.
• Don't Overbake: Check the cake regularly towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dryness.

With this recipe and these tips in your culinary arsenal, you're well on your way to mastering the art of the classic old-fashioned pound cake. Its simplicity allows for personal touches, yet its rich, buttery essence remains unchanged. Remember, baking is not just about following a recipe; it's about celebrating tradition, engaging your senses, and creating memories in your kitchen.

To wrap up, making a pound cake is an exercise in precision, patience, and love for the craft. Whether you choose to serve it plain, glazed, or with a myriad of toppings, this cake is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking. So, next time you're looking for a dessert to impress or simply comfort, give this pound cake a try. It might just become the most beloved recipe in your repertoire, and one that you'll truly love.

Can I make pound cake in advance?

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Absolutely, pound cake can be made ahead of time. It often tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the cake for up to three months.

What can I use if I don’t have a tube pan?

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If you don’t have a tube pan, you can use a standard loaf pan or two smaller loaf pans. However, baking time will vary, so start checking for doneness around 50 minutes for a single loaf, or 40 minutes if using smaller loaf pans.

How do I know when my pound cake is done?

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The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Also, if the top of the cake feels springy and does not sink when lightly touched, it’s a good indicator that the cake is ready.

Why is my pound cake dry?

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Dryness can result from overbaking or using too much flour. Check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer, as ovens can run hot, and ensure you measure your ingredients accurately.