A deliciously rich and buttery classic Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe awaits you. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration. With its moist texture and sweet vanilla flavor, this pound cake is sure to impress your guests. You can serve it plain, dress it up with powdered sugar, or add a simple vanilla glaze for an extra touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with fresh fruits or whipped cream for an elevated treat.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of butter and vanilla creates a deep, satisfying taste that everyone will love.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, brunch, or afternoon tea, this cake fits right in.
- Ideal for Freezing: Make extra and freeze slices to enjoy later—just thaw and serve!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your delicious vanilla pound cake, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having everything prepared ensures a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Loaf pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and energy while ensuring your batter is perfectly mixed.
- Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down the sides of the bowl effectively, ensuring no ingredient goes unblended.
Ingredients
To create your delightful vanilla pound cake, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cake
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 cup (135 g) cake flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, plus 4 egg yolks, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
For the Glaze (Optional)
- 1 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 5-6 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
How to Make Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease and flour a loaf pan to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and granulated sugar.
* Use an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs (including egg yolks) one at a time to the butter mixture.
* Mix well after each addition before adding the next egg.
* Stir in the vanilla extract until incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 6: Alternate Adding Milk and Dry Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts.
* Alternate with adding whole milk in two parts until everything is combined.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
* Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
* If using glaze, mix confectioner’s sugar with vanilla bean paste and enough milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Enjoy your homemade vanilla pound cake!
How to Serve Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe
Vanilla pound cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you prefer it plain or dressed up, there are countless options to elevate your experience.
Simple and Elegant
- Plain Slice: Enjoy a slice of the cake as is for its rich buttery flavor.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
With Toppings
- Fresh Berries: Top with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
As a Dessert
- Vanilla Glaze: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the top for sweetness and shine.
- Ice Cream Pairing: Serve alongside vanilla or fruit-flavored ice cream for a decadent treat.
How to Perfect Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe
To achieve the perfect vanilla pound cake, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Sift Your Flour: Sifting flour helps to aerate it, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake; overmixing develops gluten.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature for even cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe
Pairing side dishes with vanilla pound cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great ideas:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over slices for an indulgent treat.
- Custard Sauce: Pour creamy custard around the cake for extra richness.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a balanced option.
- Caramel Sauce: Serve with homemade caramel sauce for a sweet contrast.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage complements the flavors beautifully, enhancing the overall experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a vanilla pound cake is simple, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to disappointing results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can prevent your batter from mixing properly. Always bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before starting.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Improperly measuring flour can make your cake dense or dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Skipping the creaming step: Creaming butter and sugar creates air pockets that help the cake rise. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for a light texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Not letting the cake cool properly: Cutting into a hot cake can result in crumbling. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover vanilla pound cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cake in foil and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds. Check regularly to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat with a lid. Heat until warmed, flipping once for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this vanilla pound cake recipe:
Can I substitute ingredients in the Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe?
Yes, you can use alternatives such as coconut oil instead of butter or almond milk instead of whole milk.
How do I know when my vanilla pound cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Can I add flavors to this Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add citrus zest, spices, or extracts like almond or lemon for different flavors.
What makes this Vanilla Pound Cake unique?
This recipe offers a rich buttery flavor while remaining versatile, making it perfect for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
This vanilla pound cake recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed with powdered sugar or glaze, it’s sure to impress at any gathering. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings!
Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of our Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe. This classic dessert boasts a rich, buttery flavor and a moist texture that makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. Whether served plain or adorned with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple vanilla glaze, this pound cake is sure to impress your guests. It’s easy to prepare, versatile in its serving options, and can even be frozen for later enjoyment. Elevate your dessert game with this timeless treat that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 cup cake flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 egg yolks, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted (for glaze)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (for glaze)
- 5–6 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
- Gradually add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk to the butter mixture until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before glazing if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating citrus zest or almond extract. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze slices for up to three months.
