Name: Pound Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 loaf
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups cake flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ¼ cups sugar; 4 large eggs (room temperature); 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 16 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and hot)

Classic vanillapound cakeis always a good idea. It is soft, sweet, and perfectly moist. Sometimes the word “cake” in a recipe scares people off. However, pound cake is super simple and not like baking a typical cake. It reminds me more of a quick bread on the difficulty scale.

Slices of pound cake on a plate with pound cake on a cutting board in the background.

Have you ever wondered how pound cake got it’s name? Traditionally, pound cake was made with a pound of each ingredient. A pound of flour, a pound of sugar, a pound of eggs, and a pound of butter! Fun little factoid.

This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you mostly likely have in your pantry. Pound cake is so fun because you can dress it up however you are feeling. Add a glaze, fresh berries, myblueberry topping,peanut butter frosting, chocolate chips, nuts- possibilities are endless!

A plate of pound cake with ice cream and cherry topping and a cutting board with slices of pound cake in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pound cake recipe requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients, making it perfect for any skill level.
The hot melted butter ensures the cake is soft, moist, and rich in flavor.
The vanilla extract gives the cake a timeless, classic taste that everyone loves.
This pound cake can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of toppings and sides for different occasions.

Recipe Ingredients

Flour– Using Cake Flour is essential to the consistency of this cake
Butter –Unsalted
Baking powder
Salt
Sugar– Granulated
Eggs
Vanilla extract

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

How to Make Pound Cake

Step 1.Preheat oven to 350℉ and prepare the loaf pan with butter and flour.

Step 2.Blend sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a food processor, then add hot melted butter slowly.

Step 3.Pour mixture into a bowl, sift in flour in three parts, and whisk until smooth.

Step 4.Pour batter into the pan, bake for 45-50 minutes, and cool completely after baking.

Recipe FAQs

How can I tell when my pound cake is done?

The tried and true way to test the doneness of a pound cake is by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done baking. If the toothpick has batter on it, let it bake for 1-2 more minutes. Don’t over bake because the pound cake will become dry.

What goes good with pound cake?

I love the versatility of pound cakes. You can serve it topped with whipped cream, fresh fruit, a simple glaze, or just a dusting of powdered sugar. Any way you choose will be delicious.

How long is pound cake good for?

Pound cake stays best when stored at room temperature and wrapped tightly. It will be good for about 3-4 days like this. Pound cake freezes well too.

What pan do a bake a pound cake in?

This recipe calls for baking in a loaf pan. However, if you want to get a little more decorative you can bake in a bundt pan as well.

A top view of a slice of pound cake with ice cream and cherry topping and a cutting board of slices of pound cake.

Expert Tips

Ensure theeggs are at room temperaturefor asmoother batter and better rise.
Usehot melted butterto create aricher, moister texturein the cake.
Sift the flourtoremove lumpsand incorporate air for a lighter cake.
Whisk the batter gentlyto avoidover-mixing, which can result in a dense cake.
Thoroughlygrease and flour the panto prevent sticking andensure easy removal.
Use atoothpick to check the center of the cake; it should come out clean when done.

Top view of a pound cake on a cooling rack.

How to Serve and Store Pound Cake

Top your pound cake slices with fresh berries for a burst of freshness or add dollop ofwhipped creamfor a light and airy complement to the dense cake. Serve with a scoop of vanilla or your favorite ice cream flavor likechocolate,peach,cheesecake,cake batter, orchocolate peanut butterfor a delicious dessert.

Store the pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Pound cakes actually freeze well by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, then placing the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave the cake at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.