Savor the timeless elegance of a classic Homemade Pound Cake, perfect for any occasion. This recipe brings you a rich, buttery cake with a soft, dense texture that’s simple yet immensely satisfying. Ideal for pairing with coffee or dressing up with fresh fruit and whipped cream, this pound cake is a true culinary staple.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the creamed mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations:
- Lemon Pound Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and replace vanilla extract with lemon extract.
- Chocolate Chip Pound Cake: Fold 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter just before baking.
- Marble Pound Cake: Divide the batter in half and mix cocoa powder into one portion. Alternately layer the plain and chocolate batters in the pan, then swirl with a knife.
Serving Tips:
- Serve slices of pound cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.
- Top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Toast slices of pound cake in a buttered skillet until golden for a delightful texture contrast.
Storage Tips:
- Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze slices of pound cake wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information:
- Pound cake is a source of carbohydrates and provides energy due to its high sugar and butter content. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Nutritional information per serving: Calories: [insert kcal]
FAQs:
Q: Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for this recipe?
A: Yes, cake flour can be used for a finer, softer texture. Substitute the same amount of cake flour for the all-purpose flour.
Q: Why did my pound cake crack on top?
A: A crack on top of a pound cake is normal and often happens because the outside of the cake sets before the inside has fully risen.
Conclusion:
This Homemade Pound Cake recipe offers a delightful blend of simplicity and classic taste. Whether served plain or dressed up, it’s a versatile treat that’s sure to please any palate.