Few desserts are as beloved and versatile as the vanilla pound cake. Whether served on its own, topped with fresh fruit, or accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream, this classic cake never disappoints. Its dense yet tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor make it a favorite for any occasion, from family gatherings to afternoon tea.
In this article, we’ll guide you through a foolproof vanilla pound cake recipe that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will help you create a cake that’s both delicious and elegant.
The Origin of Pound Cake
Before diving into the recipe, let’s briefly explore the history of the pound cake. The name “pound cake” comes from the original recipe, which called for one pound each of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. This simple ratio created a dense, rich cake that was easy to remember and could feed a large crowd.
Over time, bakers began to modify the basic recipe, incorporating ingredients like vanilla extract, baking powder, and milk to create a lighter, more flavorful cake. Despite these variations, the essence of the pound cake—a dense, buttery cake with a rich flavor—remains the same.
For more about the history of pound cake, visit Wikipedia’s Pound Cake page.
Ingredients for Vanilla Pound Cake
To make this vanilla pound cake, you’ll need a few basic pantry staples. The key to a successful pound cake lies in the quality of your ingredients, so be sure to use fresh butter, eggs, and high-quality vanilla extract.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened.
- Sugar: 2 cups of granulated sugar for sweetness.
- Eggs: 4 large eggs, at room temperature.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for that classic flavor.
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups of flour to give the cake its structure.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon of baking powder to help the cake rise.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Milk: 1/2 cup of whole milk, at room temperature, for added moisture.
How to Make the Perfect Vanilla Pound Cake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before you start mixing the ingredients, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, helping the cake rise and achieve a tender crumb.
Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the butter and sugar are fully combined.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated and prevents the batter from curdling. Once all the eggs are mixed in, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the batter, ensuring a consistent rise.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense and tough.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 75 to 85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
During baking, the cake will rise and develop a golden-brown crust. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
When fully cooled, slice and serve your vanilla pound cake. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also dress it up with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for the Best Vanilla Pound Cake
While this recipe is simple, a few key tips can help ensure your pound cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start baking. This allows the ingredients to blend together more easily and creates a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Once you add the flour, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to a tough cake.
- Bake low and slow: Pound cakes are dense, so they need to bake at a lower temperature for a longer time. Be patient and avoid opening the oven door too often, as this can cause the cake to sink.
Variations on Vanilla Pound Cake
While the classic vanilla pound cake is delicious on its own, there are several ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes.
1. Lemon Vanilla Pound Cake
For a bright, citrusy twist, add the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the batter. You can also drizzle the cooled cake with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
2. Vanilla Bean Pound Cake
For an even more intense vanilla flavor, swap the vanilla extract for the seeds of a vanilla bean. Simply split a vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds, adding them to the butter and sugar mixture.
3. Almond Vanilla Pound Cake
If you love the combination of vanilla and almond, add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the batter along with the vanilla extract. This adds a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the vanilla.
Serving Suggestions for Vanilla Pound Cake
Vanilla pound cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas to elevate this simple dessert:
- With fresh fruit: Top slices of pound cake with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or peaches for a refreshing and colorful dessert.
- Whipped cream or ice cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds extra richness to each slice.
- Glazes and drizzles: Drizzle the cake with a simple vanilla glaze, chocolate sauce, or caramel for an indulgent touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Pound Cake
1. Can I Make This Pound Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! Vanilla pound cake can be made up to two days in advance. Simply wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. If you want to make it further in advance, you can freeze the cake for up to three months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
2. What’s the Best Way to Store Pound Cake?
To keep your pound cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate it, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
3. Can I Use a Bundt Pan Instead of a Loaf Pan?
Absolutely! If you prefer a more decorative cake, you can bake this vanilla pound cake in a Bundt pan. Just be sure to grease the pan well, and adjust the baking time as needed. A Bundt cake may take slightly less time to bake, so start checking for doneness around the 60-minute mark.
Conclusion
Vanilla pound cake is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a cake that anyone can make, regardless of their baking experience. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a topping of fruit, or paired with a glaze, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Looking for more delicious baking ideas? Check out our Easy Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake recipe for another crowd-pleasing dessert!