Old Fashioned Pound Cake
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake is a delightful treat that brings back nostalgic memories of family gatherings and celebrations. Its dense, buttery texture makes it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea. The beauty of this pound cake lies in its versatility; it can be served plain or adorned with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a sweet glaze. It’s sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavor and timeless appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor – This pound cake is dense and buttery, offering a satisfying taste that pairs well with a variety of toppings.
- Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it plain, or dress it up with fruits or sauces to suit your occasion.
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Classic Appeal – A traditional recipe that stands the test of time, making it perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
- Perfect Texture – The cake’s dense composition creates a wonderful mouthfeel that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here are some key items you’ll need when preparing this Old Fashioned Pound Cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tube pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Tube pan – This special pan helps the cake bake evenly while allowing steam to escape, resulting in a fluffy texture.
- Electric mixer – Saves time and ensures that your butter and sugar are creamed to perfection, creating a light batter.
- Measuring cups – Precise measurements are crucial in baking for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
For this delicious Old Fashioned Pound Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 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 step is crucial as it ensures that the cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
Grease and flour a tube pan well. This prevents the cake from sticking once it’s baked.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until it’s light in color—aim for a pale yellow hue.
Step 4: Add Eggs One by One
Add the eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated into the mixture before adding the next. This helps create a smooth batter.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour Gradually
Slowly add the all-purpose flour, about half a cup at a time. Gently mix until fully combined, being careful not to over-mix.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan. Bake for about 60 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Step 7: Cool Down
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Afterward, remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Pound Cake with your favorite toppings!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you prefer it plain or dressed up, the options are endless.
With Fresh Berries
- Strawberries and Blueberries: A simple pairing that adds freshness and color to your slice of cake.
- Raspberry Sauce: Drizzle some homemade raspberry sauce for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Classic Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream creates a fluffy texture that complements the dense pound cake.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Try vanilla or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Dressed with Fruit Glaze
- Citrus Glaze: A zesty orange or lemon glaze enhances the buttery flavor while adding a citrus note.
- Peach Glaze: Use fresh peach puree mixed with powdered sugar for a sweet topping that’s perfect for summer.
Served Warm
- Warm Slices: Enjoy slices straight from the oven with a pat of butter melting on top for a comforting treat.
- Microwaved Portions: Warm individual servings in the microwave for a quick dessert fix.
How to Perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake
To achieve the best results when making Old Fashioned Pound Cake, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and butter are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
- Grease Thoroughly: Properly greasing and flouring your tube pan prevents sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.
- Test Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary, so use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the correct temperature.
- Cool Gradually: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack; this helps maintain its shape.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Pairing side dishes with Old Fashioned Pound Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the cake’s sweetness.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over slices for an indulgent treat.
- Chocolate Sauce: A rich chocolate sauce offers a decadent contrast to the buttery pound cake.
- Coconut Cream Pie Filling: Serve slices alongside coconut cream filling for added tropical flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness, complementing the richness of the pound cake.
- Coffee or Tea: Pair this dessert with a hot beverage for a comforting end to any meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking an Old Fashioned Pound Cake can be simple, but common mistakes can ruin it. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs and butter can affect the blending process. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much after adding flour can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
- Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees before you start.
- Incorrect pan preparation: Failing to grease and flour your tube pan properly may cause the cake to stick. Ensure every inch of the pan is coated for easy removal.
- Skipping the cooling time: Removing the cake too soon from the pan can lead to breakage. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Wrap slices individually with plastic wrap for freshness.
Freezing Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to three months without losing quality.
Reheating Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat wrapped slices for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid, and warm each slice for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an Old Fashioned Pound Cake.
How do I achieve a moist Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
Using room temperature ingredients and mixing just until combined will help retain moisture in your pound cake.
Can I add flavors or add-ins to my Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
Absolutely! You can incorporate vanilla extract, lemon zest, or even nuts for added flavor and texture.
Why is my Old Fashioned Pound Cake dense?
A dense cake could result from overmixing or not using enough air when creaming butter and sugar together.
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can substitute with cake flour for a lighter texture, but adjust measurements accordingly.
How long will my Old Fashioned Pound Cake last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it will last up to one week in the fridge or up to three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake is both delightful and versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it plain or elevate it with fruit glazes or whipped toppings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors!
Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the nostalgic charm of Old Fashioned Pound Cake, a classic dessert that delivers a rich and buttery flavor in every bite. This timeless treat is perfect for family gatherings, festive celebrations, or simply enjoying a slice with afternoon tea. Its dense texture makes it incredibly satisfying, while its versatility allows for endless serving possibilities—enjoy it plain or elevate it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a sweet glaze. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Bring back warm memories and create new ones with this delightful homemade pound cake.
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) and prepare a greased and floured tube pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next.
- Gradually incorporate the flour until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- 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 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
