Mile High Pound Cake is a timeless dessert celebrated for its impressive height, rich buttery flavor, and tender crumb. Its iconic rise, golden crust, and elegant presentation make it perfect for holidays, brunches, or afternoon coffee. The cake traces its roots to traditional pound cakes, originally made with equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Modern adaptations refine these ratios to achieve maximum height and moisture, resulting in a dessert that’s both classic and spectacular.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Pan and Oven Preparation
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a large tube pan or bundt pan thoroughly with butter and lightly dust with flour. Proper pan preparation is crucial for clean release and maintaining the cake’s tall structure.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting aside the dry ingredients ensures even distribution and prevents dense pockets in the cake.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating for 4–5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step creates the structure that helps the cake rise beautifully.
Adding Eggs
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Slowly incorporating eggs prevents curdling and ensures a smooth, stable batter.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the dry ingredients in three portions, alternating with the milk or cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, then fold in vanilla and almond extracts gently. Overmixing after adding flour can reduce the cake’s height.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Pound Cake: Add 1–2 teaspoons lemon zest and replace part of the milk with lemon juice for a bright citrus flavor.
- Cream Cheese Pound Cake: Substitute ½ cup butter with cream cheese for added richness and creaminess.
- Vanilla Bean Pound Cake: Use 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste for an intensified vanilla flavor.
- Marble Pound Cake: Swirl in cocoa powder mixed with a small portion of milk for a chocolate variation.
Baking Guidelines
Pound cakes bake slowly to ensure even cooking without drying out. Avoid opening the oven during the first 60 minutes to prevent sinking. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Slice thick and serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a simple vanilla glaze. For special occasions, pair with fruit compote or chocolate sauce. This cake complements coffee, tea, or espresso beautifully.
Tips for Best Results
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth, airy batter.
- Cream butter and sugar thoroughly to maximize rise.
- Do not overmix after adding flour to maintain tenderness.
- Use a tube pan or bundt pan for optimal height.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
Cooking Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 6 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my pound cake not tall?
Insufficient creaming of butter and sugar or expired baking powder can reduce rise.
Can I freeze pound cake?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Why did my cake crack on top?
Cracking is normal and indicates proper rise in a traditional pound cake.
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, cake flour creates a slightly lighter texture but may alter the dense structure slightly.
How do I keep pound cake moist?
Store tightly wrapped at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Conclusion
Mile High Pound Cake showcases how simple ingredients can produce extraordinary results. Its buttery richness, tender crumb, and towering height make it a versatile dessert for everyday enjoyment and special occasions. Mastering this recipe ensures a reliable, impressive, and endlessly delicious addition to your baking repertoire.