Old Fashioned Pound Cake
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe is a timeless classic that brings back memories of comforting family gatherings. Its dense, buttery texture makes it a delightful treat for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to casual afternoon teas. The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility; it pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also warms the heart.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor: This pound cake features a rich and buttery flavor that evokes nostalgia.
- Versatile Base: Its neutral taste allows for endless toppings and pairings, making it suitable for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.
- Generous Servings: This recipe yields 12 servings, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- Satisfying Texture: The dense structure makes this cake incredibly satisfying without being overly sweet.
Tools and Preparation
To make the perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right tools will ensure your baking experience is smooth and successful.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tube pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Tube pan: This special pan helps the cake bake evenly and allows for easy removal after cooling.
- Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer saves time and ensures that your butter and sugar are creamed to perfection.
- Rubber spatula: A rubber spatula is great for scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients fully.
Ingredients
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that come together beautifully.
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. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly throughout.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease and flour a tube pan thoroughly. This prevents the cake from sticking once it’s baked.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light in color. Aim for a pale yellow mixture.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture. Mix until each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 5: Add Flour Gradually
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, incorporating about half a cup at a time. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Down
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before serving or glazing.
Enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Pound Cake as is or dressed up with your favorite toppings!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it plain or dressed up with toppings, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
Classic Whipped Cream
- Whip heavy cream with a touch of sugar and vanilla for a light, airy topping that complements the dense cake beautifully.
Fresh Berries
- Serve slices of Old Fashioned Pound Cake with an assortment of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the cake.
Fruit Glaze
- Drizzle a homemade fruit glaze over the top. A simple mix of powdered sugar and fruit juice will add a fresh burst of flavor.
Ice Cream
- Pair your slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo that elevates any meal.
Lemon Curd
- Spread a thin layer of lemon curd on top for a zesty kick that brightens the rich flavor of the pound cake.
Chocolate Ganache
- Pour warm chocolate ganache over each slice for an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
How to Perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake
To achieve the ideal texture and flavor in your Old Fashioned Pound Cake, follow these simple tips.
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Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better rise.
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Sift flour before measuring – This ensures you’re using the correct amount and leads to a lighter cake.
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Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than the desired lightness.
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Check oven temperature – An accurate oven temperature is crucial. Use an oven thermometer if unsure; this will help ensure even baking.
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Let it cool properly – Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Pound Cake pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some favorites to complement this delightful dessert.
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Honey Butter – A sweet spread made with softened butter and honey adds richness that enhances each bite.
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Caramel Sauce – Drizzling warm caramel sauce over pound cake creates an irresistible combination that’s sweet and decadent.
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Cinnamon Sugar Apples – Sauté sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar for a warm fruit topping that adds comfort to your dessert.
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Peach Compote – Fresh or canned peaches cooked down into a compote provide a delightful fruity contrast.
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Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with fruit and granola beside your slice for a refreshing breakfast option.
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Coffee or Tea – A hot cup of coffee or tea makes for an excellent pairing, enhancing the flavors of the pound cake while providing warmth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking an Old Fashioned Pound Cake can be simple, but certain mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are common pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Skipping room temperature ingredients – Using cold eggs or butter can prevent proper mixing, resulting in a dense cake. Always ensure they are at room temperature before starting.
- Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can make your pound cake dry. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurement.
- Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much after adding flour can create a tough texture. Mix just until incorporated for the best results.
- Ignoring baking time – Opening the oven too early can cause your cake to collapse. Stick to the recommended baking time and check doneness with a toothpick.
- Improper cooling – Letting your cake cool in the pan for too long can make it soggy. Cool for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Old Fashioned Pound Cake stays fresh for about 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Slice the cake before freezing for easy serving later.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers; it lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat slices for about 10 minutes for a warm treat.
- Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an Old Fashioned Pound Cake:
How do I achieve a lighter texture in my Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
To get a lighter texture, ensure you cream the butter and sugar well until light and fluffy before adding any eggs.
Can I use flavored extracts in my Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
Absolutely! Adding vanilla or almond extract can enhance the flavor of your pound cake beautifully.
What if my Old Fashioned Pound Cake is too dense?
A common reason for density is overmixing. Make sure to mix just until combined when adding flour.
How long does an Old Fashioned Pound Cake last?
When stored properly, it lasts up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 3 months if frozen.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe offers a delightful blend of buttery richness and simplicity. Its versatility makes it perfect for various toppings like fruit glazes or whipped cream. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors and enjoy this comforting dessert with loved ones.
Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is a delightful, nostalgic dessert that captures the essence of home baking. This classic recipe yields a rich and buttery cake with a dense texture, making it perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to afternoon teas. Enjoy it plain or elevate it with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of fruit glaze. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a heartwarming treat that brings comfort and joy to every slice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a tube pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually incorporate flour until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
