The Classic Buttery Pound Cake Recipe: Perfectly Moist Every Time

Baking a perfectly moist and buttery pound cake can transport you to a world of pure comfort.

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen might dance through your mind with every slice.

Butter melts smoothly into flour, creating a rich canvas of deliciousness.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, promising an indulgent experience that whispers elegance.

Soft crumbs promise a tender texture that melts on your tongue.

Crisp edges hint at the golden perfection waiting to surprise you.

This recipe will make you the star baker among friends and neighbors.

One bite guarantees you’ll want to share this delectable creation with everyone you know.

Pound Cake Tweaks To Make It Your Own

• Gluten-Free Pound Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk for a lactose-free version.
• Citrus Zest Variation: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, refreshing flavor that complements the rich cake's base.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's moistness.

FAQs

• Why is it called a pound cake?

The name originated in the 1700s when bakers used a pound each of butter, flour, sugar, and eggs to create the classic recipe, which became a standard measure for making the cake.

• Can I make this cake without almond extract?

Yes, you can omit the almond extract or replace it with additional vanilla extract if you prefer. The cake will still be delicious and moist.

• What makes this pound cake so moist?

The combination of butter, eggs, and milk creates a rich, tender texture. Careful mixing and not overmixing the batter helps maintain the cake’s soft, delicate crumb.

• Is this recipe good for beginners?

Absolutely! This pound cake recipe is straightforward and requires basic baking skills. Just follow the steps carefully, and you’ll create a perfect, classic pound cake every time.

Pound Cake That’s Moist, Buttery, and Always a Hit

• Quick Weekend Treat: Prepare this delightful dessert in just over an hour, perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Versatile recipe that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, making it ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
• Foolproof Comfort Dessert: Simple technique ensures a moist, buttery cake every single time, even for novice bakers who want a reliable sweet treat.

Pound Cake (Moist & Buttery) Ingredient List

• Butter: Rich base for creating a tender and moist cake texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden, soft crumb.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic, warm flavor depth.
• Almond Extract: Enhances overall flavor with subtle nutty notes.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter consistency.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure and body of the pound cake.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and creates a light, tender texture.

• Loaf Pan or Bundt Pan: Classic shape for traditional pound cake presentation.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures cake releases easily from pan.
• Toothpick: Used to test cake doneness by checking for clean insertion.

Moist & Buttery Pound Cake Baking Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F.

Generously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan with butter and a light dusting of flour to ensure easy release.

Step 2: Whip Up the Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and clouds of sweetness form.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flavor Boosters

Gently fold in eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully embraced by the buttery mixture.

Splash in vanilla and almond extracts for a rich, aromatic touch.

Step 4: Create the Dry Ingredient Blend

In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly integrated.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly introduce the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk.

Start and end with the flour blend.

Mix gently until just combined – overworking will make the cake tough.

Step 6: Fill the Pan

Pour the silky batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Release

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack.

Let it cool completely before slicing and serving.

Moist Baking Tips for Classic Pound Cake

• Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure smooth creaming and optimal texture.
• Use the spoon-and-level method to prevent dense cake by avoiding packed flour measurements.
• Add eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly to create a smooth, well-incorporated batter with better volume.
• Use an oven thermometer to verify accurate temperature, preventing uneven baking or dry edges.
• Experiment with different extract combinations like lemon, orange, or coconut to personalize your pound cake.

Pound Cake Storage Guide

• Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture and enhance flavor.
• Slice the cake, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Pound Cake Add-On Treats

• Pair Refreshing Citrus Tea: Brew a light, zesty lemon or orange herbal tea that complements the cake's rich, buttery flavor. The bright, tangy notes will cut through the sweetness and refresh your palate.
• Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pound cake. The cold, smooth texture and pure vanilla essence create a delightful contrast to the warm, dense cake.
• Match Whipped Mascarpone Cream: Dollop a light, airy mascarpone cream with a hint of honey on top. This elegant topping adds a luxurious, silky dimension that enhances the cake's buttery texture.
• Create Caramel Drizzle Accent: Gently pour a warm, golden caramel sauce over the cake slices. The rich, slightly burnt sugar notes will elevate the dessert's depth and provide a decadent finishing touch.

Perfectly Moist and Buttery Pound Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Vanilla Pound Cake delights with its rich, golden crumb and delicate vanilla essence. Crumbly yet tender slices promise pure comfort, beckoning you to savor each heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Cake Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 325°F and meticulously coating a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes ethereally light and cloud-like, creating a smooth foundation for the cake.
3. Introduce eggs individually into the creamed mixture, thoroughly incorporating each one to ensure a uniform texture, then infuse the batter with rich vanilla and delicate almond extracts.
4. In a separate vessel, gently combine flour, salt, and baking powder, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend that will provide structure to the cake.
5. Carefully integrate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, strategically alternating with milk to maintain a silky consistency. Fold gently to avoid overmixing, which can create a dense texture.
6. Transfer the luxurious batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a pristine, smooth surface.
7. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the cake’s center.
8. Allow the cake to rest within the pan for 10 minutes, enabling it to settle and stabilize before gently releasing onto a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture development.

Notes

• Choose room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and prevent curdling during the creaming process.
• Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour to keep the pound cake tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements.
• Enhance flavor by adding citrus zest or experimenting with different extract combinations like lemon or orange to create unique variations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg