Pound cake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. Known for its rich, buttery flavor and dense, moist texture, this cake is a favorite for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a simple dessert to serve at a family gathering or an elegant treat for a special occasion, pound cake is always a great choice. This guide will take you through the steps to create a delicious pound cake from scratch, ensuring that your cake turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients for Amazing Pound Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Amazing Pound Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to aerate the flour and ensures that your cake will be light and fluffy.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which helps the cake rise.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated and helps to create a smooth batter.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Alternate Adding Flour and Milk: With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
About the Main Ingredients
Butter
Butter is a key ingredient in pound cake, providing rich flavor and moisture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. Make sure the butter is at room temperature to ensure it creams properly with the sugar.
Sugar
Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb. Beating the sugar with the butter incorporates air into the batter, which is crucial for the cake’s texture.
Eggs
Eggs provide structure and stability to the cake. Adding them one at a time ensures they are fully incorporated, preventing the batter from splitting.
Flour
All-purpose flour is the foundation of the cake, giving it structure. Sifting the flour helps to aerate it, resulting in a lighter cake.
Milk
Whole milk adds moisture and richness to the cake. Alternating the addition of milk and flour helps to create a smooth, well-mixed batter.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the pound cake, adding a sweet, aromatic note.
By following these steps and using high-quality ingredients, you’ll be able to bake an amazing pound cake that is sure to impress. Whether enjoyed plain or with a drizzle of glaze, this classic dessert is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
