Classic Pound Cake Recipe

Pound Cake: A Classic Dessert

Pound cake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its name comes from the fact that the original recipe called for a pound each of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. While modern recipes have been adjusted to include less of each ingredient, pound cake is still a delicious and satisfying dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

To make this classic pound cake recipe, you will need:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt
• 1/2 pound (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5mL) vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120mL) whole milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk and beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

9. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Variations

This classic pound cake recipe is delicious on its own, but you can also add different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Here are some ideas:

• Lemon Pound Cake: Add the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the batter.
• Chocolate Chip Pound Cake: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before pouring it into the pan.
• Almond Pound Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the batter and top the cake with sliced almonds before baking.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Options

If you follow a vegan or gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy pound cake. Here are some substitutions you can make:

• Vegan Pound Cake: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) instead of eggs.
• Gluten-Free Pound Cake: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the batter to help it bind.

Conclusion

Pound cake is a classic dessert that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you enjoy it plain or with added flavors and ingredients, pound cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

FAQ

What is a Pound Cake?

A Pound Cake is a type of cake traditionally made with a pound of each of four ingredients: flour, butter, eggs, and sugar.

Can I make Pound Cake without a KitchenAid mixer?

Yes, you can make Pound Cake without a KitchenAid mixer. You can use a hand mixer, a whisk, or even mix the ingredients by hand.

Can I substitute the butter for margarine?

It is not recommended to substitute butter for margarine in Pound Cake, as it can affect the texture, flavor, and overall quality of the cake.

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it will result in a softer, more delicate cake texture.

How long does Pound Cake last?

Pound Cake can last up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I add other flavorings to the Pound Cake batter?

Yes, you can add other flavorings such as vanilla extract, lemon zest, or almond extract to the Pound Cake batter.

Can I make Pound Cake in advance?

Yes, you can make Pound Cake in advance. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Can I add fruits or nuts to the Pound Cake batter?

Yes, you can add fruits or nuts such as blueberries, raspberries, or chopped walnuts to the Pound Cake batter for added texture and flavor.

How do I know when the Pound Cake is done baking?

You can use a toothpick or cake tester to check if the Pound Cake is done baking. Insert it into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, it is done.

Can I use a Bundt pan instead of a loaf pan?

Yes, you can use a Bundt pan instead of a loaf pan, but keep in mind that the baking time may vary. Make sure to grease and flour the pan before pouring in the batter.