Description
Sumptuous classic buttery pound cake whisks bakers into a world of rich, golden deliciousness. Dense, velvety slices promise pure comfort with each heavenly bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) sugar
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Thoroughly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter and flour, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Using an electric mixer, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and dramatically increased in volume, creating a light, airy texture.
- Incorporate eggs individually, beating thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a silky batter, then gently stir in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Transfer batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a perfectly level surface.
- Position pan in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, baking for approximately 55-60 minutes until a inserted toothpick emerges completely clean.
- Remove cake from oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling initial cooling and structural stabilization.
- Carefully transfer cake to a wire cooling rack, letting it cool completely to room temperature before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Softening butter beforehand ensures smooth, even mixing and prevents lumpy batter.
- Room temperature eggs blend more easily and create a more uniform cake texture.
- Sifting dry ingredients removes clumps and helps achieve a lighter, more delicate crumb.
- Avoid overmixing batter after adding flour to prevent a tough, dense pound cake.
- Allow cake to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structural integrity.
- Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 4 days to preserve moisture.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Add lemon zest or almond extract for subtle flavor variations without changing core recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg