Old Fashioned Pound Cake
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe brings back fond memories of family gatherings and celebrations. With its rich, buttery flavor and dense texture, this classic cake is ideal for any occasion—from birthdays to afternoon tea. Its versatility allows you to serve it plain or dress it up with a fruit glaze or whipped cream. This cake stands out not only for its taste but also for its simplicity in preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of butter and sugar creates a deliciously rich taste that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, with berries, or a scoop of ice cream—this cake fits any dessert style.
- Simple Preparation: With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this delightful dessert quickly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual dinner, this pound cake is sure to impress your guests.
- Nostalgic Recipe: This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking this Old Fashioned Pound Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tube pan
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Tube pan: Essential for achieving the signature shape and even cooking of the pound cake.
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is crucial for mixing ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: These tools make creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light texture in your pound cake.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
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 step ensures that your pound cake bakes evenly from start to finish.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
Grease and flour a tube pan thoroughly. This prevents sticking and helps you achieve that perfect release after baking.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture becomes light in color, resembling pale yellow whipped cream.
Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time
Add each of the large eggs, one at a time, into the creamed mixture. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a smooth batter.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour Gradually
Slowly add the all-purpose flour, about ½ cup at a time. Be gentle during this process to avoid overmixing; you want to keep that fluffy texture intact.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared tube pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Step 7: Cool Down
Allow your pound cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After that, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Now you have a beautifully baked Old Fashioned Pound Cake ready to delight everyone!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it plain or dressed up, there are numerous serving suggestions that can elevate this classic dessert.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve slices of pound cake topped with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a fresh and colorful addition.
Drizzled with Lemon Glaze
- A sweet lemon glaze adds a tangy contrast to the rich cake. Simply mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the dense texture of the pound cake beautifully. Serve it alongside a slice for added richness.
Paired with Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla or berry ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm pound cake, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Served with Chocolate Sauce
- Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your slice can satisfy any chocolate cravings and adds an indulgent touch.
Topped with Fruit Compote
- A homemade fruit compote, made from simmered fruits like peaches or cherries, enhances the flavor profile and adds moisture to each bite.
How to Perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake
To achieve the best Old Fashioned Pound Cake, follow these simple tips for perfecting your baking technique.
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Use room temperature ingredients – Allowing butter and eggs to reach room temperature ensures better mixing and a lighter texture.
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Don’t overmix – Once you add the flour, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
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Check oven temperature – An oven thermometer can help ensure your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
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Cool properly – Letting the cake cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack helps maintain its structure and prevents sticking.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Pound Cake pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here’s a list of great accompaniments:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy texture balances the density of the pound cake perfectly.
- Chocolate Mousse – A rich chocolate mousse offers a decadent pairing for chocolate lovers.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzling warm caramel sauce over slices adds sweetness and depth.
- Coconut Whipped Cream – For a dairy-free option, coconut whipped cream provides lightness and flavor.
- Coffee or Tea – A warm cup of coffee or tea complements each bite while enhancing the overall experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking an Old Fashioned Pound Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Using cold ingredients – Cold eggs and butter can affect the texture of your cake. Always use room temperature ingredients for a better blend.
- Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
- Not measuring flour accurately – Too much flour can make your pound cake dry. Use the spoon and level method for precise measurements.
- Skipping the cooling time – Removing the cake from the pan too soon can cause it to break. Allow it to cool properly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Not checking oven temperature – An incorrect oven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap for easy access.
Freezing Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy reference.
Reheating Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop – Place slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Old Fashioned Pound Cake:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce any additional salt in the recipe. Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over flavor.
How do I know when my Old Fashioned Pound Cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s fully baked.
Can I add flavors to my Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
Absolutely! Consider adding vanilla extract, lemon zest, or almond extract for different flavor profiles.
How should I serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
This versatile cake pairs wonderfully with fruit glazes, whipped cream, or fresh berries. Enjoy it plain as well!
Final Thoughts
The appeal of this Old Fashioned Pound Cake lies in its rich buttery flavor and dense texture. It’s perfect as-is or dressed up with toppings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or glazes, making it truly your own!
Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is a timeless dessert that evokes nostalgia and warmth, making it perfect for any gathering or celebration. This classic cake is known for its rich, buttery flavor and dense texture, serving as an ideal base for various toppings or enjoyed on its own. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether served plain, adorned with fresh berries, or drizzled with a fruit glaze, this pound cake is sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories.
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.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gradually mix in the flour, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
