Old Fashioned Pound Cake
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe is a delightful reminder of sweet childhood memories. Its dense and buttery texture makes it an ideal dessert for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. This traditional cake serves as a perfect blank canvas, allowing you to add your favorite fruit glaze or whipped topping for a personal touch. Enjoy the timeless flavors and comforting aromas that will surely make everyone feel at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor: The rich buttery taste of this old fashioned pound cake is unmatched, providing a nostalgic experience with every bite.
- Versatile Base: Serve it plain or dress it up with fruits and toppings, making it suitable for any event.
- Simple Ingredients: With just four basic ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require special items.
- Perfect for Sharing: This cake yields 12 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends during gatherings.
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps ensure that even novice bakers can whip up this delicious treat without stress.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Old Fashioned Pound Cake, gather these essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tube pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Tube pan: This pan helps the cake bake evenly, allowing heat to circulate around the batter.
- Electric mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of butter and sugar, creating a light texture before adding other ingredients.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Old Fashioned Pound Cake, gather the following ingredients:
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 ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease and flour a tube pan thoroughly. This prevents sticking and allows for easy removal once baked.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until you achieve a pale yellow color, which indicates proper incorporation.
Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time
Add each of the large eggs one by one into the creamed mixture. Continue mixing until each egg is fully integrated before adding the next.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour Gradually
Slowly add in the all-purpose flour, measuring in half-cup increments. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared tube pan. Bake for approximately 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Down
Allow your cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Pound Cake!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Serving Old Fashioned Pound Cake can be a delightful experience. This versatile dessert pairs wonderfully with various toppings and accompaniments that enhance its rich flavor.
Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a fresh, tart contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
- Peaches: Sliced peaches bring a juicy sweetness that complements the dense texture of the pound cake.
Whipped Cream
- Classic Topping: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to each slice of pound cake.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Try infusing whipped cream with vanilla or almond extract for an extra flavor boost.
Sauces and Glazes
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over slices creates a decadent experience.
- Fruit Glaze: A simple glaze made from fruit preserves can add a fruity shine and sweetness.
Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream is a perfect match for the buttery pound cake.
- Sorbet: For a lighter option, serve with lemon or berry sorbet to balance the richness.
How to Perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake
To make your Old Fashioned Pound Cake even more delicious, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your cake comes out perfectly every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding flour to avoid a dense texture.
- Check Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven. An oven thermometer ensures it’s at the correct temperature for even baking.
- Cool Properly: Let the cake cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack for complete cooling, which helps prevent sticking.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with some delightful side dishes. Here are some great options that pair well with this classic dessert.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and color to your dessert table.
- Chocolate Mousse: Rich and creamy chocolate mousse adds an indulgent touch that contrasts the pound cake’s density.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over slices adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Coffee or Tea: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea complements the richness of the pound cake beautifully.
- Custard Sauce: A smooth custard sauce provides an elegant finish that enhances every bite.
- Nut Compote: Toasted nuts mixed with honey offer a crunchy, sweet topping that pairs wonderfully with the cake’s texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Old Fashioned Pound Cake, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a perfect bake.
- Using cold eggs: Cold eggs can cause the batter to curdle. Always use room temperature eggs for a smooth mixture.
- Skipping the creaming step: Creaming the butter and sugar properly adds air for a light texture. Take time to achieve a pale yellow color before adding eggs.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for the best results.
- Not measuring flour accurately: Too much flour can ruin the texture. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurement.
- Ignoring baking times: Oven temperatures vary, so check for doneness with a toothpick rather than relying solely on time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep moisture in.
- Old Fashioned Pound Cake can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for best results.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: For a crispy edge, place slices in a skillet on low heat until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Old Fashioned Pound Cake.
How do I make my Old Fashioned Pound Cake moist?
To keep your pound cake moist, ensure you don’t overbake it. A toothpick should come out clean but not dry when testing for doneness.
Can I add flavors to my Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
Absolutely! You can incorporate vanilla extract, lemon zest, or almond extract into your batter to customize its flavor.
Why is my Old Fashioned Pound Cake dense?
A dense pound cake often results from overmixing or using too much flour. Make sure to measure accurately and mix just until combined.
Can I use different types of flour?
While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can substitute with cake flour for a lighter texture. Just be aware that it may alter the final outcome slightly.
How do I serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
This cake is delicious on its own or topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of glaze. It’s versatile enough for any occasion!
Final Thoughts
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is a delightful treat that brings comfort and nostalgia. Its rich and buttery flavor makes it perfect for any dessert table. Feel free to customize it with various toppings or mix-ins according to your taste!
Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Old Fashioned Pound Cake, a classic American dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With its dense, buttery texture and rich taste, this cake is perfect for family gatherings or quiet afternoons with coffee. Easy to make and versatile, it serves as an excellent base for your favorite fruit glazes, whipped cream, or just enjoyed plain. Each bite evokes cherished memories while filling your home with delightful aromas. This timeless recipe yields a beautifully moist cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale yellow.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually incorporate flour until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (95g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
