Pound Cake Recipe

Classic lemon pound cake on rustic wooden background

Print Recipe

Learn how to make this scrumptious and delicious pound cake recipe. A delectable dessert for any occasion.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pound cake, pound cake recipe

Calories: 350kcal

Equipment

1 Loaf pan
1 Toothpick
1 Wire rack
1 Stand mixer
1 Spatula
1 Plate

Ingredients

Butter
Sugar
Eggs
Flour

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to the required temperature, usually 325°F. This ensures that the oven is ready when you need to bake the cake.
Make sure that all the ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This is especially important for the butter and eggs. Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily and create a smoother batter.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together on low speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 8 minutes. Be patient and don't rush this step, as it is crucial to the texture of the cake.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure that everything is well mixed.
Slowly add the flour and salt to the mixture, mixing on low speed until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
Once the batter is ready, pour it into a greased and floured loaf pan, making sure that the batter is evenly distributed. Smooth the top of the batter with a spatula.
Once the batter is ready, pour it into a greased and floured loaf pan, making sure that the batter is evenly distributed. Smooth the top of the batter with a spatula.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the cake to set properly and ensures that it is easy to slice.

Notes

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pound Cake

Pound cake is a classic and simple dessert that is loved by many. It's a rich and buttery cake with a velvety crumb and a golden crust. However, making the perfect pound cake can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make a moist, heavy, tender, and dense homemade pound cake that will impress your guests.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

One of the cardinal rules of pound cake baking is to use room temperature ingredients. This means that you should take your eggs, butter, and any other dairy products out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start baking. Room temperature ingredients will mix together more easily, resulting in a smoother and more even batter.

Cream the Butter and Sugar Well

The key to a buttery and tender pound cake is to cream the butter and sugar well. Creaming incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Beat softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This can take up to 5 minutes with an electric mixer.

Add Eggs One at a Time

When adding eggs to the batter, make sure to add them one at a time. This will prevent the batter from curdling and ensure that each egg is fully incorporated. Beat the batter well after each addition.

Measure Ingredients Accurately

Pound cake is called pound cake for a reason. Traditionally, it was made with a pound of sugar, a pound of eggs, a pound of butter, and a pound of flour. While most modern recipes don't use such large quantities, it's still important to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients, as this will give you the most precise measurements.

Don't Overmix the Batter

Overmixing the batter can result in a tough and dry pound cake. Mix the batter until all the ingredients are just incorporated. Don't mix it for too long, as this will cause the gluten in the flour to develop and make the cake tough.

Bake the Cake Slowly

Pound cake needs to be baked slowly to ensure that it cooks evenly. Bake it at a low temperature (around 325°F) for about an hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Don't rush to turn the cake out of the pan. Let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before removing it.

By following these tips and tricks, you can make a perfect pound cake that is moist, heavy, tender, and dense. Experiment with different flavors and variations to make this classic dessert your own.