The Best Pound Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Bake!
The Best Pound Cake
Pound cake is a classic dessert loved by many. Its rich, buttery texture and sweet flavor make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or served at a gathering, pound cake is always a hit. In this article, we will explore how to make The Best Pound Cake that is simple, delicious, and sure to please!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe for The Best Pound Cake stands out because it combines straightforward ingredients and easy techniques without compromising on taste. The cake is moist, fluffy, and has a tender crumb, making it irresistible to anyone who takes a bite. Using common pantry items, you can whip up this delightful cake in no time. Additionally, this pound cake serves as a fantastic base for adding your favorite toppings, making it versatile for any dessert lover.
How to Make The Best Pound Cake
Making The Best Pound Cake is quite simple. Just follow these steps closely for a wonderful result.
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp milk (full fat, at room temperature)
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cake flour (sifted)
- 3/4 cup caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 13 tbsp (185 grams) unsalted butter, softened
Directions:
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Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F. Ensure the shelf is ready for placing the loaf pan in the middle of the oven.
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Prepare pan: Grease a loaf pan with unsalted butter and dust it with flour. Shake out the excess flour.
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Whisk wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla lightly. Set this mixture aside.
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Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds.
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Add butter and egg mixture: Add softened butter and half of the egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined, about 30-40 seconds, until it forms a thick batter. Then, increase the speed and beat for an additional minute.
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Incorporate egg mixture: Scrape down the bowl and add in half of the remaining egg mixture. Mix for 20 seconds, then add the rest of the egg mixture and mix for another 20 seconds.
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Fill the pan: Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
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First bake: Bake for 30 minutes until the top slightly splits.
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Optional cut: Lightly cut along the split to help it open up nicely, working fast to avoid losing heat.
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Second bake: Bake for another 20-25 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover with foil if the cake gets too dark.
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Cool: Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Serving: Serve thick slices with whipped cream, fruit, butter, or other toppings of your choice.
How to Serve The Best Pound Cake
The Best Pound Cake is a delightful treat on its own, but you can enhance the experience. Try serving it with whipped cream and fresh berries for a traditional touch. Alternatively, you can top it with butter and honey or even a fruit compote. For a more decadent dessert, add a dollop of mascarpone or thick yogurt with some crushed nuts on top.
How to Store The Best Pound Cake
To keep your pound cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for about 3-4 days. If you wish to store it for a more extended period, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature.
Tips to Make The Best Pound Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Sift the flour: This helps to aerate the flour, resulting in a lighter cake.
- Do not overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain the cake’s tender crumb.
Variations
You can customize The Best Pound Cake by adding flavors. Try incorporating lemon zest for a citrus twist or almond extract for a nutty flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to add texture.
FAQs
What is the origin of pound cake?
Pound cake originated in Europe, named for its traditional recipe—a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
Can I use regular sugar instead of caster sugar?
Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar. However, caster sugar dissolves more quickly, resulting in a smoother texture.
How do I know when the pound cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or skewer in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.
Now you’re ready to make The Best Pound Cake yourself! Enjoy baking and savoring every slice of this delightful cake.
The Best Pound Cake
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 tbsp milk (full fat, at room temperature)
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cake flour (sifted)
- 3/4 cup caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 13 tbsp (185 grams) unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F and prepare the loaf pan.
- Grease a loaf pan with unsalted butter and dust it with flour.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla lightly. Set aside.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds.
Mixing
- Add softened butter and half of the egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined, about 30-40 seconds.
- Increase the speed and beat for an additional minute.
- Scrape down the bowl, add half of the remaining egg mixture, mix for 20 seconds, then add the rest of the egg mixture and mix for another 20 seconds.
Baking
- Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the top slightly splits.
- Lightly cut along the split to help it open up nicely.
- Bake for another 20-25 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cover with foil if the cake gets too dark.
- Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving
- Serve thick slices with whipped cream, fruit, butter, or other toppings of your choice.
