Pound cake

Pound Cake: The Classic Dessert That Never Goes Out of Style
Rich, buttery, and beautifully simple — there’s a reason this cake has stood the test of time.

When it comes to timeless desserts, few hold a candle to the humble pound cake. It’s the kind of treat that feels just as at home on a fancy dessert table as it does next to a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon. With its rich flavor, dense texture, and golden crust, pound cake is more than just a baked good — it’s a piece of culinary history.

But what exactly makes a pound cake so special? And how can you make one that turns out perfectly every time?

Let’s break it down.

A Little History: Why Is It Called “Pound Cake”?

The name “pound cake” comes from the original recipe: a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. That’s it — four ingredients in equal parts. It was created centuries ago as a simple, easy-to-remember formula that anyone could follow.

Over the years, bakers have refined the recipe, adding leavening agents like baking powder, flavorings like vanilla or lemon zest, and sometimes cream or milk for extra moisture. But the core of what makes a pound cake a pound cake has remained the same: richness, density, and simplicity.

What Makes Pound Cake So Good?

• Butter-forward flavor – If you love buttery desserts, this is your dream cake.
• Dense and moist texture – Not fluffy like a sponge cake, but deeply satisfying.
• Versatility – Serve it plain, with fruit and whipped cream, glazed, or toasted.
• Shelf life – Pound cake stores well and even tastes better a day after baking.

Classic Pound Cake Recipe

Here’s a tried-and-true version of the traditional pound cake — with just enough modern tweaks to ensure moist, consistent results.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (optional for lighter texture)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 4–5 minutes).
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk (if using), starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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