Old Fashioned Pound Cake
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe brings back sweet memories from my childhood. Its dense, buttery texture makes it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this traditional pound cake is versatile and delicious. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a must-try for both novice and experienced bakers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor: The rich butter and sugar combination creates a taste that never goes out of style.
- Versatile Base: This pound cake serves as a great canvas for toppings like fruit glazes or whipped cream.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can master this recipe.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake fits any celebration.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 12 servings, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here are the must-have items you’ll need to prepare your Old Fashioned Pound Cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Tube pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make creaming the butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
- Tube pan: This specific pan helps bake the pound cake evenly, allowing heat to circulate around the cake.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls can streamline the process of mixing ingredients separately before combining them.
Ingredients
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe is one my mother made often throughout my childhood. Dense and buttery, this traditional pound cake is the perfect blank canvas for a fruit glaze or whipped topping.
For the Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
How to Make Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease and flour a tube pan thoroughly to prevent sticking after baking.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. The mixture should be light in color, resembling a pale yellow.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add the large eggs, one at a time. Mix until each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour
Slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing it in gradually—about 1/2 cup at a time. This helps maintain a smooth batter.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared tube pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Down
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Once cooled slightly, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Pound Cake!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Serving Old Fashioned Pound Cake can elevate any gathering or meal. This classic dessert pairs well with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its rich flavor and texture.
Fresh Fruit
- Strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and serve them on the side for a refreshing contrast.
- Raspberries: The tartness of raspberries complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that balances the density of the cake.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or citrus zest for a unique twist.
Sauces
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over each slice for a decadent touch.
- Fruit Glaze: A simple fruit glaze made with powdered sugar and fruit juice can add sweetness and moisture.
Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla ice cream melts nicely over warm pound cake, creating a delicious contrast in temperature.
- Berry Sorbet: For a lighter option, serve with berry sorbet to enhance the fruity notes.
Nuts
- Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle toasted pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Almonds: Sliced almonds can also provide a delightful texture and taste.
How to Perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake
To achieve the most delightful Old Fashioned Pound Cake, consider these helpful tips. Each suggestion will help you create an even better version of this beloved dessert.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, leading to a lighter cake.
- Don’t rush the creaming process: Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is crucial. This step incorporates air, making your pound cake rise beautifully.
- Sift your flour: Sifting flour before measuring helps prevent lumps and makes it easier to incorporate into the batter evenly.
- Avoid overmixing: Once you add flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of lightness.
- Test for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Cool properly: Allow your cake to cool in the pan briefly before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Old Fashioned Pound Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this classic treat well.
- Fresh Berries: A mix of blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries adds freshness and color to your dessert plate.
- Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made with seasonal fruits makes an excellent topping that brings out flavors in the pound cake.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade caramel sauce provides sweetness that contrasts nicely with the buttery richness of the cake.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes give an extra crunch and tropical flavor perfect for enhancing each bite.
- Lemon Curd: Tangy lemon curd can brighten up the dish while adding a refreshing zing that pairs wonderfully with pound cake.
- Chopped Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves offer an aromatic touch that elevates your dessert presentation while complementing sweet flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Old Fashioned Pound Cake can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Not using room temperature eggs: Cold eggs can prevent proper mixing and may lead to a dense cake. Always use eggs at room temperature.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long after adding flour can make the cake tough. Mix just until combined to keep it tender.
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing and flouring your pan can result in sticking. Always prepare your pan properly to ensure easy removal.
- Ignoring baking times: Ovens vary, so check your cake a few minutes before the suggested time. An underbaked pound cake can be gooey inside, while overbaking will dry it out.
- Using different flour types: Using self-rising or whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose will change the texture. Stick with all-purpose flour for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap for easier access.
Freezing Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag.
Reheating Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and heat each slice for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Old Fashioned Pound Cake different?
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is denser and richer due to its simple ingredients and traditional mixing methods, making it a classic favorite.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe?
Yes! You can use margarine instead of butter or try a gluten-free flour blend, but these changes may alter the taste and texture slightly.
How do I know when my Old Fashioned Pound Cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready!
What can I serve with Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
This cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a light glaze. You can also enjoy it plain with coffee.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its dense texture makes it perfect for layering with fruits or enjoying simply on its own. Feel free to customize it with flavors like lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist!
Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is a timeless dessert that evokes nostalgia and warmth with every bite. Its dense, buttery texture makes it a beloved choice for any occasion, from family gatherings to quiet mornings with coffee. This traditional cake features simple, high-quality ingredients that come together effortlessly, resulting in a moist and flavorful treat. Whether enjoyed plain or adorned with fresh fruit and whipped cream, this classic pound cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour a tube pan thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
