If you’re looking for a timeless dessert that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone, look no further than the Vanilla Pound Cake. With its rich flavor, moist texture, and versatility, this classic cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for afternoon tea, a family gathering, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy on your own, this pound cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
What is Vanilla Pound Cake?
A Vanilla Pound Cake is a traditional American dessert made from simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Known for its rich flavor and dense, yet soft texture, pound cakes were originally called “pound cakes” because the recipe called for one pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. While the original recipe has evolved over time, the essence of the cake remains the same: a deliciously rich dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Unlike lighter, airy cakes like angel food cake or sponge cake, the pound cake has a denser, more substantial texture. This makes it the ideal dessert to serve with a variety of toppings, from whipped cream and berries to a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Origin of Vanilla Pound Cake
The origin of the pound cake can be traced back to the early 18th century. Pound cakes were originally baked in Europe, where the simple ratio of ingredients made it an easy recipe to remember. The name “pound cake” comes from the fact that the recipe traditionally called for one pound of butter, one pound of sugar, one pound of eggs, and one pound of flour.
The recipe eventually made its way to the United States, where it became a popular choice for special occasions and holidays. Over time, variations of the basic recipe emerged, with flavorings like vanilla, almond, lemon, and chocolate being added to enhance the cake’s taste. Today, the Vanilla Pound Cake remains one of the most popular versions of this classic dessert.
Ingredients for Vanilla Pound Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Vanilla Pound Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
Step-by-Step Directions for Preparing Vanilla Pound Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to bake your cake evenly. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or a loaf pan. The greasing and flouring will help prevent the cake from sticking to the pan after baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until the butter and sugar become light and fluffy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving the cake its light texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar are well creamed, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to add a rich, aromatic flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the cake.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cake rise properly during baking.
5. Mix the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start with the flour mixture, add some milk, then more flour, and finish with the remaining milk and flour. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing the batter, as this could result in a dense cake.
6. Pour into Pan
Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed in the pan to ensure an even bake.
7. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.
8. Cool
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking. After 15 minutes, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve
Once the cake has cooled, slice and serve! You can enjoy the Vanilla Pound Cake plain, or dust it with powdered sugar for a simple touch of sweetness. For an extra treat, drizzle it with a glaze or serve with fresh whipped cream and berries.
Variations of Vanilla Pound Cake
While this recipe is for a classic Vanilla Pound Cake, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your taste:
- Lemon Pound Cake – Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and replace the vanilla extract with lemon extract for a citrusy twist.
- Almond Pound Cake – Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract to give the cake a nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Pound Cake – Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking for a delightful surprise in every bite.
- Coconut Pound Cake – Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors to make the pound cake your own!
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the amount of salt. If you only have salted butter, you can omit the additional salt from the recipe.
2. How can I make the cake extra moist?
For a super moist pound cake, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. You can also add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for added moisture.
3. Can I freeze pound cake?
Yes, you can freeze pound cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
4. How do I know when my pound cake is done?
The best way to test for doneness is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
5. Can I make this recipe without a mixer?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand, but it will take a little more effort to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A hand whisk or electric hand mixer will work best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Vanilla Pound Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that can be customized to suit your preferences. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a great recipe for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you choose to serve it plain, with a glaze, or paired with fresh fruit, this cake is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delicious slice of this classic Vanilla Pound Cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
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Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe: A Classic Dessert for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Vanilla Pound Cake is a traditional American dessert made from simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Known for its rich flavor and dense, yet soft texture, pound cakes were originally called “pound cakes” because the recipe called for one pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. While the original recipe has evolved over time, the essence of the cake remains the same: a deliciously rich dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or loaf pan.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix the Batter:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Pour into Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt or loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve:
- Slice and serve plain, or dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze if desired.
Notes
This classic vanilla pound cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze, or a scoop of your favorite ice cream. For a twist, try adding lemon zest or almond extract to the batter. It also pairs beautifully with fresh berries and whipped cream!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Vanilla Pound Cake