Here’s a complete guide for making a classic pound cake, plus tips to make it extra moist and flavorful.
What is Pound Cake?
- Traditionally, pound cake gets its name from the original recipe: 1 pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
- Dense, buttery, slightly sweet, and perfect for tea or dessert.
- Modern recipes often scale down ingredients and add flavorings like vanilla, lemon, or almond extract.
Classic Pound Cake Recipe
Serves: 8–10
Ingredients
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract)
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk (optional, for extra moistness)
Instructions
1. Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
- Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
3. Add Eggs and Extract
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Stir in vanilla or almond extract.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Ingredients
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk if using.
- Mix until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the cake tender.
6. Bake
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool
- Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Citrus Pound Cake: Add 1 tbsp grated lemon or orange zest to the batter.
- Glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or chocolate ganache.
- Mini Bundts: Bake in mini bundt pans for individual servings.
- Texture: For a lighter cake, sift the flour before mixing.
💡 Fun fact: Pound cake is incredibly versatile—you can fold in berries, nuts, or chocolate chips for a flavored version while keeping the classic texture.
If you want, I can also give a super-moist “one-bowl” pound cake recipe that’s perfect for beginners and reduces cleanup.
Do you want me to do that?
