Moist Vanilla Pound
Moist Vanilla Pound is the perfect cake for any occasion. Its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb make it a delightful treat for birthdays, afternoon tea, or even as a comforting dessert after dinner. This recipe stands out for its simplicity and the use of common pantry ingredients, ensuring you can whip it up without hassle. Enjoy this classic vanilla pound cake that’s not only delicious but also incredibly moist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla extract and butter creates a rich taste that everyone will adore.
- Versatile: This cake pairs beautifully with fruits, whipped cream, or simply enjoyed on its own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual gathering or a festive celebration, this cake fits right in!
- Store Well: The Moist Vanilla Pound stays fresh for days when stored properly.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin baking your Moist Vanilla Pound, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Loaf tin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sieve
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients for a light texture.
- Loaf tin: Specifically shaped to create the classic pound cake form.
- Sieve: Helps aerate the flour and mix dry ingredients evenly.
Ingredients
Best Pound Cake recipe, buttery, flavorful, moist cake|Simple & Easy recipe to give you a perfect soft, rich, delicious traditional vanilla pound cake.
Dry Ingredients
- 225 g or 1 3/4 cups Plain / All purpose flour (sieved)
- 2 Teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 175 g or 3/4 cup softened butter
- 150 g or 3/4 cups regular sugar
- 2/3 Cup or 150 ml Milk
- 2 Large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 & 1/2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
How to Make Moist Vanilla Pound
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 170°C (325°F). Grease and line your baking tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients. Sift the flour into a mixing bowl and add the baking powder and salt. This step ensures even mixing.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and light in color. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add Eggs Gradually
Slowly incorporate the beaten eggs into the creamed mixture while mixing on low speed. If it starts to curdle, add a spoonful of flour to stabilize it. Continue until all eggs are combined, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add half of the milk along with half of the sieved flour to the batter. Mix on low speed until just combined. Then add the rest of the milk followed by gently folding in the remaining flour until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Pour the cake mixture into your prepared loaf tin. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
Use a skewer to test if your cake is done—insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your deliciously Moist Vanilla Pound! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for freshness.
How to Serve Moist Vanilla Pound
Serving Moist Vanilla Pound cake is a delightful experience that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these serving suggestions will enhance the flavor and presentation of your cake.
Classic Slice with Tea
- Pair a slice of Moist Vanilla Pound with a warm cup of tea for a comforting treat.
Fresh Berries
- Add fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Whipped Cream
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top or alongside for an extra creamy texture.
Ice Cream Scoop
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the flavors perfectly, creating a rich dessert experience.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for added decadence and visual appeal.
Toasted Nuts
- Sprinkle some toasted almonds or walnuts on top to add a crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Perfect Moist Vanilla Pound
To achieve the perfect Moist Vanilla Pound, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your baking game.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better emulsification, which leads to a lighter texture.
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Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid developing gluten, which can make your pound cake dense rather than moist.
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Test for doneness: Use a skewer to check if it comes out clean. This indicates that your cake is perfectly baked without being dry.
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Cool properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it. This helps retain moisture and prevents breaking.
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Store correctly: Keep your pound cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness longer.
Best Side Dishes for Moist Vanilla Pound
Pairing your Moist Vanilla Pound with complementary side dishes can create a balanced meal or snack. Here are some delicious options:
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and acidity alongside the rich cake.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a deliciously creamy contrast that enhances your dessert experience.
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Coffee: A strong cup of coffee provides a robust counterpoint to the sweetness of the pound cake.
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Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese can add richness that balances the pound cake’s sweetness.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade caramel sauce over each slice adds an indulgent touch that’s hard to resist.
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Custard: A side of silky custard offers additional creaminess and pairs well with vanilla flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking a Moist Vanilla Pound, it’s easy to make errors that can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much after adding flour can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise measurements. Inaccurate amounts can alter the cake’s moisture and flavor.
- Skipping the Oven Preheating: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the cake rise properly.
- Not Testing for Doneness: Rely on time alone; check your cake with a skewer. It should come out clean when the cake is finished baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
Freezing Moist Vanilla Pound
- Freeze wrapped slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
- Can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Moist Vanilla Pound
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Moist Vanilla Pound:
How do you make pound cake moist?
To achieve a moist pound cake, be sure not to overmix your batter and use room-temperature ingredients.
What does pound cake taste like?
Pound cake has a rich, buttery flavor with a tender crumb, often enhanced by vanilla extract.
Why does my pound cake crack on top?
A cracked top may indicate that your oven was too hot or that the batter was mixed too vigorously.
How long should you beat a pound cake?
Beat the batter until light and fluffy but stop as soon as it’s well combined—usually around 3-5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Moist Vanilla Pound recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding citrus zest, nuts, or chocolate chips for added flavor. Try it today and experience its soft, rich texture that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee!
Moist Vanilla Pound
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Moist Vanilla Pound, a classic cake that promises to elevate any gathering. This easy homemade pound cake features a rich buttery flavor and an incredibly tender crumb, making it a comforting dessert for birthdays, afternoon tea, or simply as an after-dinner treat. With simple pantry staples and straightforward preparation, you can whip up this classic vanilla loaf without any hassle. Enjoy its versatility—serve it plain, with fresh berries, or drizzled in chocolate for an elevated dessert experience. As it remains moist for days when stored properly, you can savor each slice at your leisure.
Ingredients
- 225 g (1 3/4 cups) plain/all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 175 g (3/4 cup) softened butter
- 150 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 150 ml (2/3 cup) milk
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (325°F). Grease and line a loaf tin with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Gradually add the beaten eggs while mixing on low speed; incorporate the vanilla extract.
- Alternately mix in half of the milk and half of the dry ingredients until just combined; repeat with remaining milk and flour.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake for about 60-65 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Classic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 70g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
