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