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Old fashioned Pound Cake

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Introduction

Transport yourself back to simpler times with our classic Old-Fashioned Pound Cake. This timeless dessert, with its rich, buttery flavor and dense yet tender crumb, is a true delight for any occasion. Whether served plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or paired with fresh fruit and whipped cream, this pound cake is a versatile treat that never goes out of style. Perfect for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or just a sweet indulgence, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves traditional baked goods.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups plain flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 5 eggs
  • 2 sticks salted butter (1 cup)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon flavor of choice (e.g., vanilla, almond, lemon)

Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour a standard 10-inch Bundt pan or two 9×5 inch loaf pans.
  1. Sift Dry Ingredients:
  • In a medium bowl, sift together the plain flour and baking powder. Set aside.

Mixing the Batter

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar:
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the salted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes. The mixture should be pale in color and have an airy texture.
  1. Add Eggs One at a Time:
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are well incorporated and helps to maintain the batter’s light and fluffy texture.
  1. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk:
  • With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. This means you’ll add about a third of the flour, then half of the milk, another third of the flour, the remaining milk, and finally the last of the flour.
  1. Add Flavoring:
  • Stir in your chosen flavoring (e.g., vanilla, almond, lemon) until just combined.

Baking the Pound Cake

  1. Pour Batter into Pan:
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
  1. Bake:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

Cooling and Serving

  1. Cool:
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  1. Serve:
    • Once cooled, slice and serve as is, or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also serve with fresh berries and whipped cream for a delightful treat.
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Tips for the Perfect Pound Cake

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
  • Creaming Butter and Sugar: Take your time to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly. This step is crucial for a light and fluffy pound cake.
  • Measuring Flour: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing in too much flour, which can make the cake dense.
  • Do Not Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can result in a tough cake.

FAQs

Can I Use Unsalted Butter Instead?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. If you do, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the dry ingredients to balance the flavor.

How Should I Store the Pound Cake?

Store the pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Batter?

Yes, you can add mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Fold them into the batter gently before pouring it into the pan.

How Can I Make the Cake More Moist?

Ensure you don’t overbake the cake. Checking for doneness with a toothpick can help prevent this. Additionally, using full-fat dairy ingredients can contribute to a moister cake.

What Other Flavorings Can I Use?

Feel free to experiment with different extracts and flavorings. Popular choices include vanilla, almond, lemon, orange, or even rum extract.

Conclusion

Our Old-Fashioned Pound Cake is a timeless recipe that brings the comfort of home-baked goodness to your table. With its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up with toppings, this pound cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients and bake a slice of nostalgia today!

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