Old Fashioned Pound Cake
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Its dense, buttery texture makes it ideal for serving alongside fresh fruit, whipped cream, or enjoying on its own with a cup of tea. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because, this cake will surely become a beloved staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just four simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can bake this cake.
- Versatile Base: This pound cake serves as a perfect canvas for toppings like fruit glazes or whipped cream.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of butter and sugar provides a rich taste that is truly satisfying.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or an afternoon treat, this cake fits all events.
- Memory Maker: Baking this cake can evoke childhood memories, making it special for many families.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking your Old Fashioned Pound Cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tube pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Tube pan: This shape helps the cake bake evenly, providing the perfect rise and texture.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort while ensuring the butter and sugar are creamed to perfection.
- Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure no ingredients are left behind.
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. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from start to finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease and flour a tube pan thoroughly. This step is crucial to prevent sticking once your cake is baked.
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 pale yellow.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add the large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition until each egg disappears completely into the mixture.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour
Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour, adding it in increments of ½ cup. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your pound cake tender.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared tube pan. Bake 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 about 10-15 minutes. Then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your pound cake experience.
With Fresh Berries
- Strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and serve them on the side for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Blueberries: Toss a handful of blueberries over the cake for a burst of flavor and color.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Prepare whipped cream using heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract for a rich topping.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Add a hint of lemon or almond extract to your whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Drizzled with Fruit Glaze
- Berry Glaze: Make a simple glaze by heating berries with sugar until syrupy; drizzle it over the cake for added sweetness.
- Citrus Glaze: Combine orange juice and powdered sugar to create a bright glaze that complements the buttery flavor of the cake.
Served with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the density of the pound cake.
- Fruit Sorbet: For a lighter option, serve with fruit sorbet to enhance the fruity flavors of the cake.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- Brewed Coffee: Enjoy your pound cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.
- Herbal Tea: Pair it with herbal tea for a soothing experience that complements the cake’s richness.
How to Perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Making the perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success every time you bake.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter, resulting in a fluffier texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar Well: Take your time when creaming butter and sugar; aim for a light, fluffy mixture which contributes to the cake’s rise.
- Sift Flour Before Adding: Sifting flour removes lumps and helps aerate it, making it easier to mix into the batter without overworking it.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid a dense texture; overmixing can lead to tough cake.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct baking temperature; an inaccurate oven can affect baking time and results.
- Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan briefly before removing it. This helps maintain its shape and prevents breakage.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Pairing side dishes with Old Fashioned Pound Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some ideas that work wonderfully together.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and acidity that balances out the richness of the pound cake.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice elevates your dessert into something truly indulgent.
- Caramel Sauce: Sweet caramel sauce adds depth and richness, making each bite even more delicious.
- Nuts: Toasted almonds or walnuts give crunch and contrast against the soft texture of the pound cake.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream whipped into peaks; this adds unique flavor without overpowering.
- Custard Sauce: A classic custard sauce creates luxurious creaminess that pairs beautifully with every slice of pound cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Old Fashioned Pound Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Mixing Technique: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
- Wrong Ingredient Temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the batter. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature and butter is softened.
- Skipping Greasing: Not greasing the pan properly may cause the cake to stick. Always grease and flour your tube pan thoroughly before pouring in the batter.
- Incorrect Baking Time: Baking for too long or too short can ruin your cake. Keep an eye on it, and do the toothpick test to check doneness.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Removing the cake from the pan too soon can lead to breakage. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
Freezing Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Wrap pieces tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Lightly toast slices on a skillet over low heat until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions about making Old Fashioned Pound Cake that you might find helpful.
How can I make my Old Fashioned Pound Cake more flavorful?
You can add vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest to enhance flavor without changing the base recipe.
What makes this Old Fashioned Pound Cake unique?
This traditional recipe uses equal parts of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, resulting in a rich and dense texture that’s delightful.
Can I customize my Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
Absolutely! Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
How do I know when my Old Fashioned Pound Cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when your cake is fully baked.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it plain or dress it up with toppings like fruit glaze or whipped cream. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make it your own with different flavors or mix-ins!
Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the classic comfort of Old Fashioned Pound Cake, a delightful dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any occasion. Rich and buttery, this timeless recipe features just four simple ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. With its dense, moist texture, it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or simply enjoyed with a cup of tea. Whether celebrating a special event or savoring a quiet afternoon treat, this pound cake will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a tube pan thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually incorporate the flour until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow cooling in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 80g)
- Calories: 356
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
