A rich, buttery, and dense cake, perfect for any occasion. This recipe yields a moist and tender pound cake with a beautiful golden crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk, at room temperature
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or a 10 inch bundt pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This typically takes 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If using a bundt pan, baking times could vary, so monitor it closely.
- Cool:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve your delicious pound cake. You can dust it with powdered sugar or top it with your favorite glaze or fruit.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to ensure the cake is fully baked.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
- Pound cakes can be stored very well, wrapped tightly, at room temperature for a couple of days.
Enjoy your baking!