Welcome to the Best Classic Pound Cake Recipe, A time-honored classic dessert that defines simple elegance, this easy dessert recipe delivers a perfectly moist and fluffy butter cake with a tender, buttery crumb. It’s a timeless dessert and the best simple homemade cake for anyone craving a delicious, classic vanilla cake made with pure simplicity. Perfect for serving with fresh berries, a dollop of cream, or simply a dusting of powdered sugar, this is the uncomplicated, simple cake recipe you’ve been searching for. It’s an easy-to-master bake that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.
Making the Best Classic Pound Cake
Creating the Best Classic Pound Cake is less about complex steps and more about proper technique and timing. The secret to the moist and fluffy texture in this recipe is primarily found in the initial step of creaming the butter and sugar. This crucial process of incorporating air is what gives the cake its signature lift and tender crumb. By following these straightforward instructions, you will achieve a perfect, golden-brown pound cake every single time.
- Yields: 10-12 slices
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 50–65 minutes
Ingredients for Pound Cake Recipe:
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (227g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your pan by greasing and flouring a loaf pan (9×5 inches) or a bundt pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This important step should take about 3–5 minutes as it traps air for lift.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the four large eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda directly into the wet mixture.
- Finish Batter: Add the whole milk to the bowl. Mix the entire batter until just combined; it is critical not to overmix to keep the cake fluffy and tender.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 55–65 minutes if using a loaf pan, or 50–60 minutes if using a bundt pan, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the pound cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Classic Homemade Pound Cake: Rich, Moist, and Perfectly Simple
Ingredients
- 1 cup 227g unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup 227g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan (9x5) or Bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer until pale and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). This step traps air for lift.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Scrape down the bowl. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Whisk in flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the whole milk. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 55–65 minutes (loaf) or 50–60 minutes (Bundt), until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
This Simple and Classic Pound Cake is incredibly versatile and pairs well with almost anything. Serve slices with a simple fruit compote or a handful of seasonal berries. A dollop of fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream is always a welcome addition. For an even more intense flavor, you can toast the slices lightly and serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This cake also makes excellent French toast!
Secrets to a Simple, Moist, and Fluffy Cake
The secret to achieving this simple, moist, and fluffy cake is found in the precise initial mixing and the use of room temperature ingredients. Ensuring the butter and eggs are at room temperature allows them to emulsify correctly, holding more air in the batter. This aeration is what makes the cake so fluffy. Additionally, the final step of mixing the flour until just combined prevents the development of excess gluten, which guarantees a tender, moist crumb rather than a dense, tough texture.
We hope you enjoy this Best Classic Pound Cake Recipe! It truly is a simple pleasure that never goes out of style. Let us know how your bake turns out!
Also, try our Easy Vanilla Cupcake Recipe
