Old Fashioned Pound Cake
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe brings back fond memories of family gatherings and special occasions. With its dense and buttery texture, this cake serves as a delightful base for toppings like fresh fruit glaze or whipped cream. This timeless dessert is perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. Its classic flavor will transport you to simpler times, making it a true favorite in any kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Dessert: You can enjoy it plain, or dress it up with fruits, sauces, or whipped cream for any occasion.
- Classic Flavor: The rich buttery taste is a nostalgic treat that never goes out of style.
- Perfect for Any Event: Whether it’s a birthday party or holiday gathering, this cake fits right in.
- Generous Servings: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it great for sharing with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Old Fashioned Pound Cake efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tube pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Tube pan: Provides even baking and allows the cake to rise beautifully.
- Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light texture.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for consistent results.
Ingredients
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake recipe is one my mother made often throughout my childhood. Dense and buttery, this traditional pound cake is the perfect blank canvas for a fruit glaze or whipped topping.
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 your tube pan thoroughly. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to remove the cake once baked.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until the color becomes light yellow and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add the large eggs one at a time to the mixture. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to create a smooth batter.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour. Add it in increments of 1/2 cup, mixing gently until just combined after each addition. This will maintain the cake’s density.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared tube pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Down
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before serving.
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake not only tastes delicious but also evokes cherished memories that make every slice special!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want to enhance its flavor or add a special touch, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
Fresh Berries
- Top your slice with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of freshness.
Whipped Cream
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense cake.
Fruit Glaze
- Drizzle a homemade fruit glaze over the cake for added sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Ice Cream
- Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla or berry ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, warm chocolate sauce poured over the cake creates a rich and delicious combination.
Nuts and Caramel
- Sprinkle chopped nuts and drizzle with caramel sauce for extra texture and flavor.
How to Perfect Old Fashioned Pound Cake
To achieve the best Old Fashioned Pound Cake, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your baking skills.
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Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature helps them blend smoothly, resulting in a lighter texture.
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Don’t overmix – Mixing just until combined prevents the cake from becoming tough. Overmixing can lead to excess gluten development.
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Measure accurately – Use proper measuring techniques (spooning flour into the cup) to avoid dense cake due to too much flour.
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Check oven temperature – An oven thermometer can help ensure your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
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Use quality butter – Good quality unsalted butter enhances flavor and contributes to the cake’s moistness.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Pound Cake pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich flavor. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Coconut Macaroons – These chewy treats offer a delightful contrast in texture alongside the dense pound cake.
- Lemon Curd – The tartness of lemon curd enhances the sweet flavors of the pound cake beautifully.
- Peach Compote – Warm peach compote brings juicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with each slice.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic cookies alongside your pound cake create an inviting dessert platter.
- Pecan Pie Bars – These bars add nutty richness that harmonizes well with the buttery notes of pound cake.
- Coffee or Tea – A warm beverage can elevate your dessert experience while complementing flavors nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Old Fashioned Pound Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and butter. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
- Skipping the Creaming Step: Don’t rush through creaming the butter and sugar. Properly beating them together incorporates air, resulting in a lighter cake.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which is not the goal for a classic pound cake.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures an even bake from the start, which is essential for achieving that perfect rise.
- Ignoring Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness with a toothpick a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container.
- It will keep fresh in the fridge for up to one week.
Freezing Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Old Fashioned Pound Cake.
What makes Old Fashioned Pound Cake different?
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is known for its dense and buttery texture. It traditionally uses equal parts of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, giving it a rich flavor.
How can I customize my Old Fashioned Pound Cake?
You can add flavors like vanilla extract or almond extract. For extra indulgence, consider folding in chocolate chips or nuts.
Can I make Old Fashioned Pound Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy this classic recipe without gluten.
How do I know when my Old Fashioned Pound Cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It should also spring back when gently pressed with your finger.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Pound Cake is not just a treat; it’s a slice of nostalgia that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it plain or topped with fresh fruits or whipped cream. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or toppings—make it your own!
Old Fashioned Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Old Fashioned Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that evokes memories of family gatherings and special occasions. With its rich, buttery flavor and dense texture, this timeless cake serves as a versatile base for various toppings, from fresh fruit to whipped cream. Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or simply enjoyed with coffee, this classic recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Easy to make and yielding generous servings, it’s an ideal choice for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a tube pan thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour in increments of 1/2 cup, mixing gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it 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: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
