Pound cake is a timeless dessert that has been loved for generations. Originally named because it used a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, this cake is rich, moist, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream, this old-fashioned pound cake never goes out of style.
🕒 Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 slices
🥘 Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan
- Cooling rack
🥩 Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for richer texture)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract for variation)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Butter: Use real butter for authentic flavor and richness.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter.
- Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; you can swap with buttermilk for a tangy twist.
- Extracts: Vanilla is classic, but lemon or almond extract can add unique flavor.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Grease and flour a loaf or bundt pan, or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Step 3: Add Eggs
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Combine Batter
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk.
- Stir in vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Slice and serve plain, with powdered sugar, or alongside berries and cream.
🍽 Nutrition Facts (per slice, approx.)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
💡 Tips & Variations
- Citrus twist: Add 1 tbsp lemon or orange zest to the batter.
- Marble effect: Swirl in ½ cup melted chocolate before baking.
- Glaze it: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze for extra sweetness.
- Storage: Keeps fresh at room temperature up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
