Moist Vanilla Pound
Moist Vanilla Pound is a delightful treat that embodies the essence of home baking. This traditional pound cake is buttery, rich, and boasts a soft texture that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply indulging in a slice with your morning coffee, this Moist Vanilla Pound will leave you craving more. Its easy preparation and classic flavors make it a standout recipe that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The rich vanilla flavor combined with buttery goodness creates an irresistible taste.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can master this easy recipe.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat; serve it plain or with toppings.
- Perfectly Moist Texture: This pound cake is known for its moistness, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
- Classic Appeal: A timeless recipe that evokes nostalgia and comfort in every slice.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious world of baking your own Moist Vanilla Pound, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf tin
- Cooling rack
- Sieve
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl provides enough space for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Electric mixer: An electric mixer speeds up the creaming process, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
- Loaf tin: Using a loaf tin gives your cake its classic shape, perfect for slicing and serving.
Ingredients
To create this delightful Moist Vanilla Pound, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients
- 225 g or 1 3/4 cups Plain / All purpose flour (sieved)
- 2 Teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 175 g or 3/4 cup softened butter
- 150 g or 3/4 cups regular sugar
- 2/3 Cup or 150 ml Milk
- 2 Large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 & 1/2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
How to Make Moist Vanilla Pound
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 170°C (325°F). Grease and line your baking tin to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients together. Sift the flour and mix in the salt and baking powder. This step ensures even distribution of dry ingredients in your batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In your mixing bowl, cream 175 g softened butter with 150 g sugar. Mix until you achieve a pale light color. This process incorporates air into the mixture for a lighter texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs Gradually
Slowly add the lightly beaten eggs, one spoonful at a time, while mixing on low speed. If the mixture begins to curdle, add a small amount of flour to stabilize it.
Step 5: Add Flour and Milk
Mix in half of the milk along with half of the sieved flour. Keep mixing slowly until combined. Then, fold in the remaining milk followed by the rest of the flour gently until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Transfer your batter to the greased loaf tin. Place it in the oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Step 7: Test for Doneness
Use a skewer to poke through the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready! Remember that oven times may vary slightly.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Tea Break
While waiting for your cake to bake, enjoy a cup of tea!
Step 9: Cool Your Cake
Once baked, remove your cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin until it’s safe to transfer it onto a cooling rack.
Step 10: Store Properly
Allow your Moist Vanilla Pound to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
This Moist Vanilla Pound cake serves about ten people—perfect for sharing! Enjoy every delicious slice!
How to Serve Moist Vanilla Pound
Moist Vanilla Pound is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Whether you prefer it plain or with accompaniments, this cake is versatile enough for any occasion.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve slices of the cake with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavor.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy texture that complements the cake’s moistness beautifully.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over each slice for an indulgent twist that’s hard to resist.
Paired with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy your slice alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea to enhance the flavors and create a cozy atmosphere.
With Ice Cream
- Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side for a delicious dessert experience, perfect for warm days.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Arrange slices on a platter with other desserts like cookies and brownies for a delightful dessert spread at gatherings.
How to Perfect Moist Vanilla Pound
To ensure your Moist Vanilla Pound turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs and butter to room temperature helps them blend better and creates a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light texture.
- Check oven temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature; use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking conditions.
- Let it cool properly: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for a short time before transferring it to avoid breaking.
- Store correctly: Keep your pound cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding lemon zest or almond extract for unique flavor variations that complement the vanilla.
Best Side Dishes for Moist Vanilla Pound
Pairing side dishes with your Moist Vanilla Pound can elevate your dessert experience. Consider these delicious options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Chocolate Mousse: This rich, creamy dessert pairs well with the dense texture of pound cake, creating an elegant combo.
- Custard or Pudding: A smooth custard provides a luscious contrast that enhances every bite of moist vanilla goodness.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone alongside crackers for an interesting savory-sweet balance.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the slice adds richness and depth, making each bite heavenly.
- Pecan Pie Bars: These chewy treats offer a nutty texture that contrasts nicely with the soft pound cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Moist Vanilla Pound, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are essential for a perfect texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups properly.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to maintain lightness.
- Skipping the oven preheating: Baking in an unheated oven affects cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven before baking.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can cause the batter not to emulsify well. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes beforehand.
- Neglecting to test for doneness: A cake can appear done but still be raw inside. Use a skewer to check if it comes out clean.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Moist Vanilla Pound
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Moist Vanilla Pound
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat slices for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Make Moist Vanilla Pound?
To ensure your pound cake is moist, use quality ingredients, avoid overmixing, and do not skip adding enough liquid like milk or eggs.
What Makes Pound Cake Heavy?
A heavy pound cake usually results from too much flour or underbeating the butter and sugar mixture. Ensure proper mixing techniques for a lighter texture.
How Long Should You Beat a Pound Cake?
You should beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, typically about 4-5 minutes on medium speed.
What Is Pound Cake Made Of?
Pound cake traditionally consists of equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. This recipe also includes vanilla extract and baking powder for flavor and leavening.
Why Is It Called Pound Cake?
It is called pound cake because the original recipe used one pound each of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs.
Final Thoughts
This Moist Vanilla Pound is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different extracts or add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Try this comforting recipe today and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Moist Vanilla Pound
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Moist Vanilla Pound is a classic dessert that transforms any moment into a special occasion. This rich and buttery pound cake features a soft texture, making it an irresistible treat for tea parties, brunches, or simply enjoying with coffee. Its straightforward preparation ensures that even novice bakers can create this delightful loaf with ease. Each slice is infused with the comforting aroma of vanilla, promising a nostalgic experience with every bite.
Ingredients
- 225 g (1 3/4 cups) plain/all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 175 g (3/4 cup) softened butter
- 150 g (3/4 cup) sugar
- 150 ml (2/3 cup) milk
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 170°C (325°F). Grease and line a loaf tin.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the beaten eggs while mixing on low speed; add flour mixture alternately with milk until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the tin briefly before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Traditional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
